Moore County Lavender Farm is a Little Slice of Heaven
Recently, I learned about a lavender farm in Moore County that turned out to be a little slice of Heaven. A friend of mine posted on social media about a new U-Pick farm in the area and I was instantly intrigued. Upon reaching out to Lazy Fox Lavender Farm, owner Lindsey Lochner graciously invited me to experience high tea on the farm.
What an experience! My teenage daughter and I arrived early to the most peaceful of settings. The veteran owned farm is tucked away from busy roads and rows of blooming lavender perfume the air. There were other pairs of mothers and daughters there for the tea party, it was such a festive sense of community.
This is truly family business, with the tea and nibbles being served by Linsdey’s polite children. It had a very vintage, Anne of Green Gables vibe. I was so impressed with everything and was shocked to find out they had only been farming for two years. I sat down with owner Lindsey to learn more about her business.
What was the inspiration for the farm, especially the focus on lavender?
“Our inspiration originated for wanting to create a space for our community where families can connect and enjoy nature. We have a love for horticulture. We are lifelong learners and try to teach our children the importance of growing things. We want to share that passion with other families that have a common interest. We chose lavender while living overseas and was able to experience how the farms in Provence, France grew and harvested their lavender. Lavender is called the “Swiss Army knife” of all plants because it is so versatile in its uses from helping with sunburns or migraines to just being relaxing by smelling the aroma. “
Do you or your husband have a background in farming?
“I grew up on a horse farm, but it was for pleasure. It was not a working farm. My husband is a Navy brat and claims Michigan. So farming is new for both of us. “
Do you have ties to this area?
“Other than the military, no. We love the state of North Carolina after being stationed here before in previous assignments. Our military family becomes family, and we are happy to live in such a heavily military community. North Carolina will always be “home.”
Have you run into any problems starting this journey?
“Farming is never easy. Everything is a first-time trying things out when you don’t have a farming background. You have to be okay with things not going your way, very much like the military plans and your future. You learn to pivot and adjust. “
Where do you source your foods and products for the high tea events?
“All food is locally sourced by either bakeries or catering companies, and we get our tea from Asheville, NC. It is made in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Asheville, NC. The Blue Ridge Mountain Mint is the only mint you can find in the Blue Ridge Mountains.”
What can guests expect when they book a high tea event?
“A High Tea is a very special time. Think a traditional tea from long ago when it was a regular occurrence to stop and enjoy the finer things. All teas come with 3 savory options, 2 scones, 2 sweets, a selection of fine teas, lavender lemonade, and the scones are served with our farm fresh honey and lavender whipped butter. At the end of the tea, I do a small farm tour and tell you about the 11 varieties of lavender we grow on our farm and the history of our 1910 farmhouse. “
Please detail the you pick option for the lavender bundles.
“We are in prime season for lavender picking. Currently we are open every weekend in June and the week the US Open is in town. Don’t delay in coming out as we harvest all our lavender July 1, so June is your time to come visit if you want to see the pretty purple blooms in the field. Otherwise, we dry the bundles and sell those in our store.
You do need an entrance ticket to enter the farm which can be purchased on our website under “events.” All tickets are $5 per person and 2 and under are free. With an entrance ticket you can purchase a u-pick bundles, shop in our Parlor Store, get homemade ice cream from our vintage ice cream truck, visit our sheep and chickens, and even bring a picnic lunch to enjoy on the farm. “