Lavender cookies, lavender soap, bunches of lavender tied in a bow and even a lavender spray that wards off mosquitoes.
The purple herb packs a powerful punch.
This is evident by the many products that more than 200 vendors will be featuring during Blake’s Annual Lavender Marketgoing on July 15-17.
“My parents live in a woody area of Shelby Township with lots of mosquitoes,” said Lisa Mulvenna of Warren and the creator of a mosquito spray that repels bugs but won’t repel people. “I did some research and tried a few things before coming up with the spray.
“It really works,” she added. “Honestly, you can ask my family.”
They will attest to that – and the lavender lemongrass cleaner – that she went on to produce following the success of her Lavender Magical Mist.
This is what got her going.
After that the graduate of Western Michigan University (1994), who spent several years working in the fashion industry before becoming a wife and mother of two, not only started growing lavender herself but started Utopian2, a company that has expanded its product line to include lavender teas and a buttery lavender cookie.
“It’s my great-grandmother’s recipe,” Mulvenna said, noting that while the family loved the original recipe that her mother made with a topping of cinnamon the new version covered with a light purple frosting and speckles of lavender has its following of fans in the family and among her customers.
It seems like lavender has been around for ages but according to the National Institute of Health it’s actually native to countries in the Mediterranean region, including France, Spain, and Italy. The name lavender comes from the Latin verb “lavare,” meaning “to wash” and dates back to ancient Rome, when lavender was used as a bath additive.
“Blake’s has been growing lavender for 10 years,” said Lonnie Decker, manager of Blake Farms. “Depending on the weather, it can be easy or hard to grow. If you have a rough winter, with continuous cold temperatures, it will negatively affect your crop in the spring. Lavender plants do not like to be too cold or too wet.”
Decker said fortunately, they do not require perfect soil conditions and are rather forgiving in that regard. So, it is a relatively easy plant to grow at home, with a little education and some tender, loving care.
Today, people are finding all sorts of uses for lavender and a great many examples of lavender inspired or infused items will be available at the market, which has been expanded to include more vendors, with new food and jewelry offerings.
“We have also increased the seating areas, with additional food, hard cider and wine booths,” Decker said.
Blake’s Hard Cider Co. and Blake’s Brewing Co. will also be featuring a limited, seasonal lavender infused hard cider and beer. Both can be found on tap in the Tasting Room while supplies last.
Tickets are $12 online ($1.60 service fee). Tickets are also available for purchase on-site each day. Children age 12 and under are free.
Admission to the festival includes:
• The opportunity to stroll through a marvelous selection of handcrafted products showcased by 200-plus artisans.
• Free classes, speakers and demonstrations on topics such as natural wellness, aromatherapy, farming and gardening, benefits of local honey and more!
• DIY make and take workshops with real lavender
• A free children’s activity tent
• A field of u-pick lavender, fruits, and vegetables including a train ride out to the field
• Lavender infused food and drinks including lavender lemonade, ice cream, cupcakes, donuts, and more.
Blake’s Annual Lavender Market hours are 9 am to 5 pm July 15-17. Free parking is available at Blake’s Orchard and Cider Mill at 17985 Armada Center Rd., in Armada.
For more information and tickets, visit blakefarms.com/.