Last Friday, I took a little excursion to the Life Under the Oaks Lavender Farm in Oracle with two of my gal-pals who walk with me every Saturday. It is about thirty minutes north of us and a delightful way to spend a morning. The nine-acre mini farm has an Alice-in-Wonderland vibe, a trip to a fairyland.

A tour of the farm along dirt paths through lavender fields takes about thirty minutes. That is, if you are not sidetracked by all the interesting things along the way. The critters: donkeys, goats, sheep, and Thor, the resident dog – all love attention. The barn has artwork throughout, and from the walls and ceiling, big bunches of lavender hang to dry.

The entrance fee is a whopping $5.00. It is impossible to find entertainment at that price these days. It is easy to get caught up in the magic. There are giant oak trees that are over 100 years old. Rows upon rows of lavender are accessorized by whimsical art. We were there just before the “blooming season” that starts in June, so only a few plants were actually in bloom. That did not diminish our enjoyment of the entire farm as it is.

A storybook Cinderella carriage and a carousel horse that could have come out of Mary Poppins prompted several photos. A stack of teapots and a variety of lampshades that hang from trees were a sweet detail. Every few steps along the path, there is something that delights the eye and would tempt a fairy to stay like an artistic pink teacup chandelier. Small enchantments like carrot, strawberry and watermelon-shaped seats invite you to sit and rest on your tour.

  At the end of our wanderings, we had a refreshing pint jar of lavender lemonade and a box of lavender scones to eat as we sat at one of the tables under the trees. You can order a box lunch to eat there if you want a meal.

There is an amphitheater where you can envision sprites and fairies creating entertainments. A small shop that features products from insect repellent to goat milk soap, all scented with lavender, is at the end of the trail. The owners, Carolyn and John, informed us that this venue is used for plays, parties, weddings, and celebrations of all kinds. It is a summons for the imagination. 

They also have a tea shop, Lavender Mansion, in downtown Tucson on North 4th St near 4^th Avenue. I’m planning a trip there in the near future.

Check it out at: Life Under The Oaks Lavender Farm Oracle, AZ https://www.lifeundertheoakslavenderfarm.com/