If you are ready for a business break this weekend, here’s a great idea for a calming treat for the senses. King George Lavender Farm and Mercantile will host their annual Lavender Festival Saturday, from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m.
In many ways, this event is tailor-made for business owners and employees who lead a hectic lifestyle. Located in Barnwell, SC on 115 acres, the family-owned farm features more than 8,000 lavender plants including three different varieties.
George and Elinor Poole moved to the area in 2016 from New York. He grew up on a dairy farm. She loves gardening, specifically growing lavender.
Last year’s festival drew more than 600 people, many of whom roamed the fields to pick their own lavender. This year’s event will also feature CSRA vendors including Aiken Lady Creations, Wanda’s Whimseys, South Edisto Catering, Saltbox Creations, and live music.
There’s much more to lavender than what meets the eyes and nose, according to Elinor Poole.
“Lavender is a multi-purpose plant, you can cook with it, make essential oils from it, and hydrosol, a flower water produced by distilling the leaves and flowers of the plant,” she explained.
Turns out, hydrosol is like “miracle water,” according to Poole. It can be used for cleaning windows, doing laundry, and as a facial toner or air freshener. As for lavender essential oils, the list of medicinal and therapeutic benefits is lengthy and impressive. Studies have shown that lavender can improve sleep, treat skin blemishes, relieve pain, and even promote hair growth.
After attendants pick their lavender, they can shop for all the lavender-based products produced by the Poole family at King George Mercantile. Both the shop and farm are located at 490 Daisy Lane in Barnwell.
The lavender will be available through the end of the typical growing season in July, but there are other opportunities to visit including their Fall Festival in October, when pumpkins and hayrides take center stage. The venue also hosts weddings and other events throughout the year.
For more information, visit their Facebook page.
Editor’s Note:
Mitzi Oxford is a veteran broadcaster and features writer who also worked at the same television station in Columbus, Georgia as Augusta’s Brad Means!
If you have a South Carolina story idea for Mitzi, please email her at mitzioxfordcreative@gmail.com.
