Lavender farms provide beautiful scenery and a natural retreat for mental wellness. The calming scent of lavender has been used for centuries to reduce stress and promote relaxation. Ongoing research supports these benefits, making lavender farms valuable spaces for holistic mental health support.
The Therapeutic Benefits of Lavender
Lavender is well-known for its calming effects. Research suggests that inhaling lavender essential oil may:
A Sensory Experience for Mind and Body
Walking through a blooming lavender field is a full-body experience. The gentle rustling of plants in the breeze, the soft hum of bees, and the vibrant purple hues create a space that naturally encourages mindfulness. The fresh floral aroma can help slow racing thoughts, allowing visitors to breathe deeply and reconnect with themselves and with nature.
Community and Connection
Lavender farms offer a welcoming space for connection. Many of the farms host:
These experiences provide more than just education—they foster a sense of shared healing, emotional resilience, and community.
Bringing Lavender into Everyday life
There are simples and natural ways to support well-being at home. People often use lavender to:
Visiting a lavender farm offers a chance to learn practical ways to integrate these benefits into daily routines, making stress relief more accessible.
Finding Healing in Nature
Nature has a profound impact on mental health. Spending time outdoors can:
Lavender farms provide a calm, restorative environment where visitors can step away from daily stress and immerse themselves in beauty, fresh air, and tranquility.
Lavender farms in Minnesota and Wisconsin
The Lavender Barnyard: A Local Oasis in Farmington, Minnesota
The Lavender Barnyard, owned by Marie and Marty Schuhwerck, is the only farm of its kind in Minnesota. Marty grew up playing on a neighboring farm, and now Marie cultivates nearly 400 lavender plants across four varieties: Phenomenal, Hidcote Blue, Edelweiss, and Gros Bleu.
Visitors can:
Marie also partners with local businesses to create wellness events and unique experiences, making The Lavender Barnyard a hub for community and relaxation.
New Life Lavender & Cherry Farm: A Healing Escape in Baraboo, Wisconsin
New Life Lavender & Cherry Farm spans 40 acres, featuring:
Owners Aron and Laura McReynolds have carefully cultivated this farm to highlight the therapeutic and culinary benefits of lavender. Visitors can take a wagon ride to explore the lavender fields and Secret Garden for a full sensory experience.
Rowley Creek Lavender Farm: Rooted in Aloha in Baraboo, Wisconsin
Rowley Creek Lavender Farm, nestled in the scenic Baraboo Bluffs, is run by Kehaulani and AJ Jones with their five children. Their Aloha Sustained Agriculture philosophy honors the land through sustainable farming.
Highlights include:
Discover the Healing Power of Lavender
Lavender farms offer more than a scenic getaway—they are spaces for stress relief, self-care, and connection to nature. Whether you’re looking to manage anxiety, chronic stress, or simply unwind, visiting a lavender farm can be a meaningful part of your mental wellness journey.
Resources
Looking for a farm beyond Minnesota and Wisconsin? Visit the United States Lavender Growers Association (USLGA) website for a map of lavender farms that are open to the public. You can also learn about the different lavender varieties and their uses.
Thinking about growing lavender in your own garden? Michigan State University as a self-based online course called the Growing Lavender Curriculum.
Thinking about Therapy?
If you’re thinking about starting online therapy and would like an integrative approach, I’m here to come along side you in your journey. Schedule a free 15-minute consultation call to learn more!
Jen Shepherd, MSW, LICSW, LCSW, is a therapist and clinical aromatherapist in the Twin Cities. Through Shepherd Therapy, she provides online therapy for individuals in Minnesota and Wisconsin, specializing in integrative health, anxiety, trauma, recovery, and chronic health issues. At Shepherd Wellness, she offers professional consultation to mental health providers on incorporating aromatherapy into their practice.
