A Family Farm Open to the Public
Located just 15 minutes west of Route 1, Lavender Fields at Warrington Manor is Delaware’s only free-to-visit lavender farm. Although it’s a family farm and a private residence, it’s open to the public nearly every day, 10-4. Owner Caitlin Spieker-Gee took over Lavender Fields in December, but the farm has been operating for thirty years.
Why Lavender?
Lavender has been used for more than 2,500 years. Its fragrant flowers are thought to relieve stress, ease headaches, and promote calm. “People visit for different reasons, says Caitlin. Parents come out with their kids…I always tell them they can take their shoes off and let them be as feral as they want.” Some people come for the labyrinth, a type of path that’s been used for more than 4,000 years for spiritual purposes. The Lavender Fields’ labyrinth is an exact duplicate of the one in the floor of the Chartres Cathedral in France. Others enjoy the Cottage Store for its lavender sachets, soaps, candles, bath and body products, teas, seasonings, and even bug repellent. A new feature at the farm is the Wildflower Café, which offers lavender tea, lavender lemonade, and a PBJ made with peanut butter, triple berry, and lavender jelly.
Inclusive and Accessible
Caitlin wants the farm to be available to everyone. “We really lean in the direction of inclusivity—for all socio-economic [levels], we align ourselves with the LGBTQIA community and people with differently abled family members…everybody can come out here and walk around.” She notes that visitors with mobility limitations can be dropped off in front of the buildings, and there is a ramp into the café. So, why not take a break from the busy beaches and visit Lavender Fields? You might just see those frowns turn upside down.
