As a horticultural lover, I welcome adventures for an intimate gardening experience. The purple haze lavender fields at Warwick Furnace Farms in northern Chester County, sponsored by the Pennsylvania Horticulture Society, did it for me.
As a member of the PHS, I receive complimentary tickets to get a sneak peek of the annual Philly Flower Show before the exhibit opens to the public. The Pennsylvania Horticultural Society (PHS) membership offers a variety of activities to impact your health and wellness positively. The Warwick Furnace Farm was my first PHS garden tour.
Other events/activities on the calendar offered by PHS in the Philly area:
Plant Swaps
Events for Children/Families
Garden Yoga Classes
Gardening Workshops
Public Landscapes
Walking Garden Tours
Pop up Gardens
Community Gardens
Meadowbrook Farm Gardens
The PHS Landscapes and Lavender event captured a memorable experience for all my senses—the sweet smell of swaying lavender fields. The honey bees feasted on the nectar, releasing pollen early that morning.
At the Age of Grace, we always seek experiences to learn and support our well-being. Warwick Furnace Farms checks the boxes, indulging in nature and history. Let’s explore the past.
The lavender fields of bliss along French Creek, a tributary of the Schuylkill River, are rich in history, dating back to 1737. It was here at Warwick Furnace that the first Franklin stove made its debut in 1742. And the forgery supplied cannon balls and cannons for the Revolutionary and Civil Wars.
Additionally, over 100 years later, in 1867, the closing of the ironworks resulted from newer technology. Today, the French & Pickering Creeks Conservation Trust owns and protects the Warwick Furnace as part of the Thomas P. Bentley Nature Preserve. It’s worth noting that the ironworks only remain in the ruins near the Ironmaster’s home.
The farm was an award-winning dairy farm in the mid-20th century. Fast-forward to 2023; since 2016, the Rosen family has purchased the historic estate, which was considered for demolition. Restorations include the dairy barns, the Ironmaster’s home, and cultivating the grounds for lavender fields.
The Rosens currently grow several certified naturally-grown lavenders. The lavender is then distilled and processed on-site to make essential oils and hand-crafted products. I purchased the following lavender products: a sachet for my lingerie drawer, facial toner, and floral water that I spray on my bed sheets and pillows.
Now that you know about the farm’s history, what is lavender, anyway? Lavender is a plant with color, scent, and flavor.
Lavender refers to the Lavandula plants, which have over 45 flowering species in the mint family. Warwick grows twelve different lavender cultivars.
According to online sources, lavender originated in the Mediterranean, so it thrives in environments with 6 -8 hours of direct southern-facing sunlight and well-drained soil. Phenomenal, grown at Warwick, is a hearty, water-tolerant plant better suited for this growing zone.
The farm offers more than lavender fields after the June-July harvest. The Rosen family sells hand-crafted products online, at scheduled farmer’s markets, and by appointment at the farm.
Furthermore, check the Warwick Furnace Farms website’s FAQ details when the farm is open, botanical art openings, lavender aromatherapy wellness offerings, and holiday shopping events. You can also reserve time with your photographer for photos when the lavender is blooming.
PHS Memberships start at $50 or more with different perks at every level. Currently, there are 13,000 PHS members. You must become a PHS member if you live near Philly and love horticulture. My membership level is Activist.
Finally, historic Warwick Furnace Farms is not the only lavender farm in Pennsylvania. Here are a few more:
Quiet Hills Lavender Farm – Palmerton
Peace Valley Lavender Farm – Doylestown
Mt. Airy Lavender – Coatesville
Hope Hill Lavender Farm – Pottsville
Thank you for stopping by The Age of Grace.
