Lavender Farm "Secret Garden"

As Bill Goff mentioned at the garden club meeting, he traveled to Traverse City, Michigan, last week and came across this lavender farm, called the Secret Garden.   It was a feast for the eye, the ear, (buzzing of bees)  and nose as well.  You’ll notice that many of these lavender are planted on a hillside, for better drainage.  The gardeners told me that they lost many plants the first few years because of poor drainage in the low areas.

This farm is located on the Mission Peninsula, just outside of Traverse City.  The billowy white flowers in the background are baby’s breath.  You could pick bouquets from the lavender and the perennials in back too.  This place served tea and scones on the patio overlooking these fields.

 I think this cultivar is lavender ‘Phenomenal’ which is relatively new to the market,

 so it is difficult to find.  Huge, fragrant plants. 

 Hydrangea do well all over this region….

Hollyhocks in front of an inn where we ate.

This was a main house on a wine estate.  Beautiful landscaping with hydrangeas and roses.

Submitted by:  Bill Goff


These photos of  the native orchid - Spotted coralroot and Featherfleece flowers
 have been submitted by Dianne Machesney