Yesterday was the annual, and perhaps the last, Lavender Fair at La Paix Herb Farm, a beautiful place not far from Weston, WV. For some years, La Paix owner Myra Bonhage-Hale has hosted the gathering. I’d always wanted to attend, and I am very glad I was able to spend the day with this lovely woman and her plants. The photo above is from her Feng Shui Garden. Below, the lavender lady demonstrates distilling. (Her essential oils are intense: I just flavored a huge pasta salad with two drops of rosemary essential oil.)
In addition to the workshop on distilling, there were several other workshops, including a wild edibles walk on which I discovered that the leaves of ox-eyed daisy are delicious and peppery. Chef Dale Hawkins of Fish Hawk Farms prepared a wonderful lunch. Vendors sold jewelry, baked goods, fresh produce, and (guess who) shibori-dyed clothing. Jane Birdsong strolled among the fair-goers singing songs on request, and Ellie (whose last name I failed to ask) had set up her massage chair to give back and neck rubs.
It was even worth getting all gummy from insect repellent and sunscreen, although I will admit that the drive home seemed especially long because I could hardly wait to get into the shower. Here are couple more images from the day:
Vicki and I went to Lavender Day a few years back. What a magical place.
Hi, I didn’t know you were here for Lavender Day – but I’m so glad you were. Thanks for the lovely write up and how good you made me look in the photo! And I hope you didnt use e.o. but the Rosemary hydrosol in your food – that’s OK – the essential oil could be a little much. Thanks so much again – the photographs are lovely…..Peace Joy – keep in touch.
I attended last week and just inhaled the peace and beauty of the forest surroundings in addition to the herb gardens. I look through my photos and wished I had taken one of the cathedral style windows of the old horse stalls….and here they are…..thank you.
I had a wonderful,whimsical,magical visit to your beautiful La Paix Farm and I just want to say Thank You So Very Much for Your Hospitality and allowing me too make reservations at the very last minute. I feel so privileged to have met you. I took many photographs to remember my visit and hope to attend another Lavender Festival at Your Farm next year,Hope You Change your mind about holding it in a different location.
Peace and Love, Pam faulkner
The masseuse’s name is Ellie Annderie Cronlund. Her husband, Dr. David Ahrend led the wild edible walk. He is a chiropracter. They live in Phillipi. And their phone is 304-288-0777.
Oh what a treat … this Lavender Fair was an absolute TREAT … great weather, a lunch to die for .. I know good when I taste it .. what a perfect combination .. the berry slice dessert really topped it off … ahhh … Wonderful folk, friends, time to chat, time to learn, and arriving with sufficient sleep actually makes a difference. And the veiled bathtub … my camera closed down after just one photo .. some ladies had all the fun taking their pictures in the tub!So Myra, I must be back for a bathtub shot … I think you did brilliantly with fewer guest, although I liked the 500 throngs in those peaceful gardens, from years before, too. It was a soul nourishing event in any case.
Fabulous Day!