Stop and Smell the Flowers at Lavender Fresh Farm
Lavender Fresh Farm offers a unique opportunity for people to relax and immerse themselves in the beauty of agriculture. We spoke with Heather Gillispie to learn more about this family-owned U-pick lavender farm.
One of the Central Valley’s most unique flower farms, Lavender Fresh Farm began as an unexpected retirement hobby. When founder Richard Gillispie retired in 2017, he finally had time to devote to one of his longtime passions: beekeeping. Ever the consummate researcher, Richard set out to find the ideal food source for his beloved bees. He soon discovered that lavender was the perfect fit for his Fresno County farm. The plants are aromatic, relatively drought-tolerant, and thrive in the Central Valley sun.
Richard armed himself with an abundance of knowledge about various lavender varieties – even enrolling in college-level classes on lavender growing, before planting his initial ½ acre of lavender on the property. Richard’s daughter, Heather Gillispie, explains, “Richard focused on the farming. Researching and selecting the varieties he wanted to try, learning to propagate, laying drip lines and planting all the young lavenders.” She also notes that his son and nephew jumped in to help as needed.
Before long, the whole family got in on the fun. Heather and her mother began helping out in the fields and creating secondary products like lavender oil and wreaths. Along the way, beekeeping faded into the background. “He had more fun with the lavender,” Heather says with a smile.
Today the farm has expanded to encompass 6 acres and over 110 lavender varieties. Since opening to the public in 2021, the farm has welcomed visitors to experience the beauty and fragrance of the lavender fields through hands-on workshops and immersive farm experiences that celebrate one of California’s most beloved aromatic crops.
All in the family (farm)
At Lavender Fresh, everything – including planting, weeding, and harvest – is done by hand. The younger generation of the Gillispie Family all maintain full-time jobs outside of the farm in addition to contributing their unique talents to the operation. Heather proudly states, “Lavender Fresh Farm is truly family run.”
Richard runs the farming side of the operation while his wife Vada presides over keeping the rows clear of weeds and safe for guests. Their youngest son Ryan, his wife and their sons manage harvesting, drying the culinary-use varieties and distilling lavender essential oils. The oldest son, Nathan, is involved in harvesting, distilling, packaging, and represents the family at the U-Pick events. Heather handles bookkeeping, marketing, events and product development.
In 2022, Richard partnered with the Fresno State plant science and microbiology labs to study the differences between varieties to explore why bees prefer certain varieties. The goal is to ultimately create a hybrid lavender variety that provides the best nutrition for local honey bees!
What to do at Lavender Fresh Farm
Lavender Fresh Farm hosts a variety of seasonal events, all designed to inspire guests to unwind and simply take in the farm’s natural beauty. “Our goal is to provide a quiet, calming environment; for guests to stroll peacefully through the lavender, letting the magic of this fabulous herb take the edge off the stress of the week,” Heather explains.
Pick your own bouquet
From late April to the end of June, Lavender Fresh is open Saturdays and Sundays for U-pick. Guests are invited to explore the 6-acre property and pick their own fresh bouquets from 110 unique varieties of lavender plants during peak lavender season.
Twilight Walks
On Friday and Saturday evenings throughout the spring, Lavender Fresh offers Twilight Walks. Heather enthuses, “Twilight Walks are perfect for a small group or couple’s date night.” This exclusive experience includes a sunset U-pick and a reserved table stocked with lavender lemonade and fresh-baked lavender treats, courtesy of The Pie Mamas. Reservations are required for Twilight Walks, and each event is limited to 24 participants to keep the ambiance relaxed.
Photography Sessions
Lavender Fresh Farm is the perfect location for senior photos, engagement shoots or even family photo sessions. Professional photographers are welcome to call in advance to reserve a date and schedule an appointment.
Dove Watching
Over 200 doves are raised on the adjacent property, Sugarland Farm. On a clear day, Lavender Fresh Farm visitors can often spot them circling the sky above. Dove releases are incorporated into some of the special events at Lavender Fresh, and the Sugarland Farm invites everyone to pop on over for a closer look at his beautiful birds.
Gift Shop + Farm Store
Lavender Fresh Gift Shop + Farm Store is open year-round on Saturdays from 8:00 am – 1:00 pm, as well as during events and by appointment. They offer an assortment of lavender products including lavender teas, culinary items, lotions, essential oil, body products & pillow sprays, lavender bundles, dried lavender sachets and more. Fresno County locals will also find Lavender Fresh products at pop-up events like the Highland Games and The Kearney Christmas Market. If you’re not able to visit the farm in-person, or just need to stock up on your favorites, check out their online store.
New for 2027: Tea Parties, Yoga Classes, and DIY classes
Heather is excited to expand the farm’s event schedule to include Mother’s Day Tea Parties, weekend yoga classes and DIY wreath-making classes. Look for updates on their Instagram page and the farm’s website!
Visit Lavender Fresh Farm
Heather invites lavender lovers to explore the beautiful lavender fields at Lavender Fresh Farm. “Supporting small farms keeps communities strong, protects farmland, protects pollinators, and keeps the healing beauty of lavender accessible to everyone.”
6790 W. McKinley Ave.
Fresno, CA 93723
(559) 800-9244
Open for U-pick on weekends from late April through June and for special events throughout the year. Check their website for the latest information. The farm store is open during events and on weekends from 8:00 am – 1:00 pm.
Article by Hilary Rance. Photography by James Collier.