Palouse lavender farm prepares for second annual festival

Gazette Staff

Enchanted Paths Lavender Farm is gearing up for its second annual Lavender Festival set Saturday, June 24, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The farm is located on Stan Wilcox Road about four miles northeast of Palouse.

Owner Jennie Tevlin has coaxed the once abandoned homestead back to life, and it now grows more than 300 lavender plants representing approximately 12 different varieties. The festival features this versatile plant with ongoing tutorials in wreath- and wand-making.

“We have white, pink and lavender blooms, and the colors and fragrance can last years in wreaths and wands,” said Tevlin.

In addition to hands-on crafting tutorials, festival participants will have an opportunity to learn about the useful properties of the different lavender varieties and aspects of cultivation.

“I’ve heard a lot of people say they couldn’t grow lavender here, but often that is because stores sell varieties which aren’t as hardy and should be considered annuals in this climate,” she stated.

The farm is a testament to how this plant can indeed thrive here on the Palouse, and the vibrant, neat rows of the growing-ground overlook a tranquil gazebo and pond rimmed by shade trees and dappled with swings where visitors can sit for a while and relax.

“I really like the swing under the old apple tree down by the pond. It’s just peaceful,” Tevlin said.

As if relaxing, pastoral scenery and crafting were not enough, the festival will feature live Bluegrass/old-time music by local musicians and host a handful of other local crafters and artisans, as well. The on-site store, housed within a quaint, renovated outbuilding, will have ready-made items for purchase. There will be kid-friendly crafting and plenty of room for the little ones to run around, too. Gear n’ Cog of Palouse will be on hand to provide snacks and lunch. Also, since edible lavender is a fragrant addition in cooking, participants can sample foods made with lavender.

“Last year we had meatballs with lavender and had several other bakery items, but I am still deciding which recipes for samples this year,” Tevlin said. “I have people ask if their lavender would be good for flavoring foods, and often I tell them ‘you’ll just have to try’ since there are so many types of lavender and each can be different in flavor and the pungency of the oils,” she added.

The farm is expanding each year, with plans for an additional 300 plants in the walking labyrinth, the fall pumpkin festival and many additional workshop opportunities throughout the season. Last year’s inaugural festival had a steady stream of visitors all day, and it is shaping up to be even bigger this year.

“We are growing and have many more ideas for the future,” Tevlin said.

More information about the farm and events, including specific details on the Lavender Festival line-up can be found on the Enchanted Paths Lavender website and Facebook page or call Jennie Tevlin at 509-878-1971.

At right: a lavender wreath and bundle at Enchanted Paths Lavender farm.