Orchard View Lavender Farm is the latest chapter in the story told by ten acres of land along Karrsville Road in Port Murray. Jim Hamway, who grew up around the corner, bought the parcel when it came up for sale in 1989, having fond boyhood memories of playing in the fields and fishing in the pond. An accomplished builder, he began renovating the old house on the site, and was astonished to discover that it was originally a log home that dated to 1765. Encouraged by the property’s heritage, Jim not only meticulously restored the home, but began adding buildings inspired by his admiration for the work at Colonial Williamsburg. Stately trees rise above a manicured lawn that stretches below the restored home, with barns, courtyards, gazebo, even a summer kitchen—all in the familiar classic architecture of early America—realizing Hamway’s vision of the ideal home.
Four years ago, Jim and his wife, Monica, decided that their life would be even better with lavender. A classic, old-world flowering plant, lavender conforms perfectly with the ornamental taste of Orchard View, whose fields provide full sun, a well-drained rocky slope and a soil easily adjusted to the acidity most hospitable to the shrub-like perennials. Eight varieties have established themselves at the farm, all of which will grow to maturity at three years. Already, however, yet another building has risen to house a complete array of lavender products. Culinary uses are represented by iced tea, organic lavender honey, brownies, cookies, salts, peppers and sugars. There are lotions and bath salts for the body, as well as sachets, candles and dried bundles. Soon all of these products will originate in the fields just outside the shop’s doors.
Beyond browsing in the shop, visitors are invited to bring a picnic, explore the property, take some pictures, and learn a little about lavender!
Orchard View Lavender Farm is located at 101 Karrsville Road in Port Murray. Visit them On Fridays, Saturdays or Sundays, 10am - 5pm. For more information, check their website or call 201-341-8147.
Millbrook Village, part of the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area, is a re-created community of the 1800s where aspects of pioneer life are exhibited and occasionally demonstrated by skilled and dedicated docents throughout the village
Local roots!
Choose and Cut from 10,000 trees! Blue Spruce, Norway Spruce, White Pine, Scotch Pine Fraser Fir, Canaan fir, Douglas Fir. Family run on preserved farmland. Open Nov 29 - Dec 23, Tues-Sunday, 9-4. Easy Access from Routes 78 or 80.
Consider Rutherfurd Hall as refuge and sanctuary in similar ways now, as it served a distinguished family a hundred years ago.
A fine art gallery like no other! Unique, handmade gifts and cards as well as yoga, meditation, and continued learning lectures. Come in Saturdays for all-day open mic and Sundays to try unique nootropic chocolate or mushroom coffee. Browse the $5 books in the Believe Book Nook while you nibble and sip.
