Ever on the lookout for stranger and rarer herbs and plants, I reached out to local grower Van…read moreHevelingen to see if I could purchase direct from them. They let me know they were wholesale only (though they do sell direct to the public at some farmers markets and their ilk), however they were super nice and suggested I check out Chehelam Flats Farm Market as they stock Van Hevelingen's plants for the spring and summer. Chehelam Flats is open Fridays and Saturdays from 10-5, so when I was in the area last weekend, I excitedly made my way there.
They have a couple parking spaces on the side of their building, and as I exited my car, I noticed all their fields of lavender! I had not known that was a big part of this market, but goodness, I sure do love me some lavender. I was greeted by the lovely proprietress who let me know their lavender will be in bloom late June to July, and that they will offer bunches pre-cut or you can cut your own. She was also quick to suggest local businesses and events as I am new to the area and was just all around so kind and charming!
Back to the plants, I zeroed in on all the fun and unusual herbs, and quickly had a growing box (okay, two!) of goodies: sweet cicely, variegated lemon balm, variegated society garlic, French sorrel, licorice sweet flag, pink rosemary, eau de cologne mint, yerba Buena, and a Chinese chrysanthemum. They also have plenty more traditional herb offerings, native plants as well as some flowers, not to mention I don't even know how many lavender plants in a variety of sizes.
Inside, there were some houseplants, along with many kitchen and home goods: candles, soap and other bath and body items, tea towels, even treats like pate de fruit (a favorite!). They had gorgeous wooden pieces included a rolling pin that a totally fell in love with. You could put together such a lovely gift here!
The whole area was just gorgeous and while you should absolutely visit when you can take advantage of fresh lavender, I had a wonderful experience without it. They will also have other plants like tomatoes as the weather warms. I cannot wait to return.