Steed & Company Lavender Farm
July 23rd, 2015
While visiting the quaint, historical village of Sparta, in Southern Ontario, we noticed a sign that drew our attention immediately.
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| With such a distinguished name, we had to investigate! |
We just knew that we had to check out my namesakes - and the Lavender Farm for which they are famous in the surrounding area.
Having parked the car in the provided lot, the first thing we saw that charmed us was the sign inviting us to follow the pathway to the store and gardens.
The short path followed a cedar fence which took us to our first view of the lavender field, with its gentle scent that wafted towards us in the breeze.
Stepping inside the store, we were met with a beautiful fragrance that left us in no doubt about where we were. On display is a variety of lavender products from soap to essences, culinary to potpourri - and a range of gift sets available to delight the eye.
Instinctively I knew that the establishment would be overseen by a woman of elegance, and I was not disappointed. Suzanne was serving a couple of customers when we first saw her but, as soon as she was free, I introduced myself and told her that we shared the same last name. We fell easily into a conversation about origins and family histories and soon realized that, if we were related, it would be through several generations lost in the mists of time. Suzanne's ancestors hailed from Ireland, though her husband, Jim, did mention that he thought they may have sojourned in England for a time. It was such a delight to meet them both, and they made us feel very welcome.
The Lavender Fields were just gorgeous and I would like to have sat in one of the provided Muskoka chairs, or on the metal bench for a while. It would have been a great place in which to meditate in the subtle breeze.
We came across Jim a little later when we found him out in the field pruning some tree branches on the perimeter of the property. During our conversation, we learned more about the locality, and discovered some of the reasons why they had moved into this area. He told us how they had made alterations to the house, which was adjoined to the store. It's a beautiful home, which is obviously lovingly-tended.
Of special delight to us was the presence of Harry Potter, their treasured friendly dog, who quietly and happily allowed us to pet him. He followed us into the field and joined us while we were talking to Jim.
As we left for the parking lot, we espied a few bee hives tucked away in the corner and realized that this was probably the source of one of the ingredients in their Lavender Honey Dijon Mustard, and Lavender Syrup.
If you are ever visiting Sparta, or the surrounding area, we would thoroughly recommend that you include this little jewel in its beautiful setting. You will receive a friendly welcome and leave with a sense of peace and tranquility.
Having parked the car in the provided lot, the first thing we saw that charmed us was the sign inviting us to follow the pathway to the store and gardens. 
Stepping inside the store, we were met with a beautiful fragrance that left us in no doubt about where we were. On display is a variety of lavender products from soap to essences, culinary to potpourri - and a range of gift sets available to delight the eye. Instinctively I knew that the establishment would be overseen by a woman of elegance, and I was not disappointed. Suzanne was serving a couple of customers when we first saw her but, as soon as she was free, I introduced myself and told her that we shared the same last name. We fell easily into a conversation about origins and family histories and soon realized that, if we were related, it would be through several generations lost in the mists of time. Suzanne's ancestors hailed from Ireland, though her husband, Jim, did mention that he thought they may have sojourned in England for a time. It was such a delight to meet them both, and they made us feel very welcome.
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| Jim took time to chat with us |
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| Harry Potter - a wizard of a dog! |
As we left for the parking lot, we espied a few bee hives tucked away in the corner and realized that this was probably the source of one of the ingredients in their Lavender Honey Dijon Mustard, and Lavender Syrup.
If you are ever visiting Sparta, or the surrounding area, we would thoroughly recommend that you include this little jewel in its beautiful setting. You will receive a friendly welcome and leave with a sense of peace and tranquility.
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| Alan - with Suzanne |
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