This week’s trek carried me to the Bohemian Lavender Farm (click here for their Facebook page) in Maple City, Michigan. From the moment I opened the door, fresh lavender floated around us.
We’re sharing our visit from this week. And, it’s a must-visit if your visiting or living in Northern Michigan. The Bohemian Lavender Farm is about a 25 minute drive from Traverse City. (Directions from Traverse City)
First on the agenda? A stroll through gardens brimming with shades of purples and blues. And, the flowers with their delicious fragrance? They almost made me forget I was holding my camera.
Lavender lined walkways curve throughout rolling hills. The curves guide you to comfort spots with varying views of the fields.
My favorite comfort spot? The wooden bench overlooking their rolling hills. The small picnic table is another perfect spot to bring your coffee and listen to the medley of birdsongs overhead.
Bohemian Lavender Farm – History and Today
Throughout the farm, birds and bees flew and darted about. That’s exactly how my excursion starts. Initially, it begins with flitting about the gardens. Then, it’s breathing in, breathing out. Rows of lavender, fill the air with fresh, clean scents.
These gentle curving rows and paths of lavender invite you to take it all in. Next, it’s strolling, stopping and gazing across meadow views dotted with colors of the rainbow. Hand laid cairns rest at the head of each lavender row. While the Bohemian Lavender Farm field is fairly new, there’s a sense and feeling of history.
Before the Lavender
Owners: Mike and Mary Shimek own today’s Bohemian Lavender Farm. A friendly and inviting family, they easily engage with their customers sharing stories of their farm and lavender. Click here to access their facebook page.
A few years ago, they transitioned their 100+ year family farm from cherry orchards to luscious meadows of lavender. Additionally, other family members add their talents to the business too.
The name: “Bohemian Lavender Farm” represents the origin of the families. The families that settled the land from the Maple City area to Lake Michigan came from Bohemia, Czechoslovakia and nearby areas.
The work: Before the first planting, the up front work required planning, clearing, designing and rework. Plus, time spent in research and more research. Designing and clearing the fields. Cutting and carving the lands, prepping the fields. Learning the cycles of growing the lavender.
The Bohemian Lavender Farm Today
Throughout the transition, caring for and repurposing the land stayed top of mind. Today’s multi-purpose barn was built with lumber from the original family barn.
Equally important, their organic lavender grows and glows naturally in Michigan’s 45th parallel climate. No need to worry about fertilizers and sprays. Thank goodness!
In addition to lavender, native flowers pop throughout the terrain with reds, yellows, pinks. A nearby secret pond, with its’ natural steep walk, waits silently to be discovered.
Today, locals and tourists visit the farm June through August. With hours starting at 10:00 a.m – 4:00 p.m. Monday thru Saturday and Sunday hours of 10 – 2, their summer is filled with welcoming guests. However, their work doesn’t stop. Their business continues in the off season too.
In addition to their cut lavender, Mike and Mary make and sell yummy and scent-filled products. Additionally, their son and daughter-in-law make jams. Holy moly! Their blueberry lavender and strawberry jams knock it out of the park. A perfect match for my skillet biscuits (see the 2 minute YouTube video).
A Family that Gives Back to their Community
As long standing members in their community, they walk the talk of giving back. As an example, a nearby farm, Stein/Olsen recently lost their cattle barn to a fire. For several days, the Bohemian Lavender Farm donated 100% of their u-Pick sales and donated over $4000 to help cover some of the rebuild costs.
Rows, curls and labyrinths of lavender. Birds, bees and wildlife. A welcoming family business that’s been part of northern Michigan’s fabric over a century. Visiting the Bohemian Lavender Farm is a delightful and charming way to spend the day.
Photography Tips for the New Bohemian Farm
Whether you’re bringing your smartphone or your camera with multiple lenses, there’s plenty to photograph. For this visit, I used my Nikon 24-70mm and 105mm macro lenses. My next visit, I’ll bring my creative Lensbaby Velvet and Sol 45 lenses. All available at Amazon.
For another northern Michigan destination: It’s Cherry Picking Season In Michigan: Hallstedt Homestead Cherries
2 comments
Enjoyed your blog!!! What a great place.
Thank you so much David!
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