Corona de Tucson
June 24, 2023
Life Under the Oaks Lavender Farm is a small family owned farm about 60 miles north of us in Oracle. Yes, the fields in Sequim, WA we visited back in July 2018 were much larger, but the sweet smell of these fragrant blooms filled the air just the same in Arizona as they did in Sequim. I love the smell...a combination of floral, herbal, and woodsy all at the same time.
Lavender is in the mint family and originated in the Mediterranean, but can thrive in any sunny place with stony well-drained soil. Imagine my surprise when I read that a lavender farm was close by and thriving in sunny Arizona. The farm is a life-long dream come true for Carolyn. She and her husband, John, bought the land after John retired from the army and this year marks their fifth Lavender Bloom Season.
Pictures do not do the fields justice...in person visits are a must to experience the blooms swaying in the gentle breeze, the fragrance, and thousands of bees and butterflies happily enjoying these small lavender flowers.
During bloom season, Carolyn offers wreath making classes, farm to table lavender dinners, traditional teas, and harvesting fresh bundles. One area of the farm is known as Five Sisters. This wonderfully shady area with a nice breeze is named for the cluster of five oak trees over 100 years old.
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| The Five Sisters and Carolyn preparing for a wreath making class. |
I was also very excited to read, the farm offers picnic baskets...breakfast or lunch. Orders are placed on line 48 hours in advance. As you know, brunch is a favorite for me and since we were up and out the door early, we chose the breakfast basket with a croissant breakfast sandwich and lavender breakfast potatoes, a blueberry cookie, lavender lemonade in a mason jar, and a sachet keepsake.
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| A beautiful setting, a cool breeze and our breakfast hit the spot ! |
Not only does the walk at the farm meander around and thru the lavender fields, you might just see the farm's pets, find hidden treasures or sit awhile and enjoy a lavender lemonade (It really is quite good and refreshing!).
It was a wonderful morning and I am so glad Carolyn's dream came true for the rest of us to enjoy ! Bloom season is the busiest time of year at the lavender farm, but the farm has something to offer in all the seasons...an old-fashioned Christmas, pumpkins and cornhusk dolls, and a fairy festival just to name a few.
The rest of our week was spent enjoying morning walks around our neighborhood...
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| Sometimes, for a split second, I feel like I have been transported to San Diego. |
We have had a yard full of Lesser Goldfinch..
The hummingbirds have finally found their feeder. It was moved from its' regular spot in all day sun to a shady spot.
The Ladder-backed Woodpecker is visiting more frequently...
And there are at least two couples of Cardinals visiting non stop. They have been busy at the feeders and photo bombing !
One morning, we enjoyed watching a coyote family of three running, playing and having breakfast. I worked hard to try and get a photo that had all three, but it didn't happen.
Red was a fun color this week...
The pups are doing good. Early morning patio time...
And Jack watching and waiting for Joe to throw his ball.
We brought some of the farm home...
And sunsets from the backyard are romantic...
Life is good at our little oasis...until next time,
HAPPY TRAILS !
