Local lavender farm opening to public as 'agritourism destination'
WHITE OAK TWP. — A local couple is hoping to create an "agritourism destination" in White Oak Township.
Windy and Terry Mack will open their lavender farm at 2454 S. Kane Road — on the line between Ingham County and Livingston County — to the public this summer.
They couple already owns Belle Lavande, a retail shop in Plymouth, and grow lavender on the 40-acre farm. In the years to come, they have big plans, beginning with a grand opening June 24.
This season, they'll sell lavender and lavender-infused products out of a pole barn. Their shop in Plymouth sells bath and personal care products, including soaps and lotions, and bundles of lavender. The farm will also allow visitors to pick and cut their own bouquets, which they can dry and use for arrangements and sachets, or to make syrups and other creations.
"We encourage you to bring a picnic or a book and just enjoy the property," Windy said.
The couple is gearing up to host classes, like a local watercolor artist, yoga and wreath-making. Professional photographers can book photoshoots with clients. They also plan to offer "date night" experiences, during which couples can bring own drinks and refreshments, explore the property and toast to the sunset.
On Monday, May 15, the owners worked on establishing a new butterfly garden. Windy and Terry are also in communications with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service about restoring two acres of wetland that'd been tiled over by a previous farmer. It won't be farmed, and native grasses and plant species will be introduced. They're waiting to hear if permits for the project will be approved.
"It'll bring in a lot of birds," Windy said. "It's how we're giving back to the land for what we took."
While they plan to expand the footprint of their lavender fields, they want to disrupt as little of the land as possible. Windy said profits from farm sales, the future event barn and other potential sources of revenue, including short-term lodging, could allow them to plant on less of the land.
"We have to find a balance," she said.
Big dreams
In the coming years, the couple plans to build a "mother barn," a full barn where they can host weddings, baby showers, garden clubs and other events. The barn would feature a certified kitchen, where they can make edible products and host farm-to-table meals.
"We're working on a whole culinary line of lavender simple syrup, lemonade, honeycomb with sea salt," Windy said.
Terry said they're thinking of building four yurts near the lavender fields and back in the woods. Windy said she really wants to build a treehouse, and they're also thinking of building a tiny house.
The Macks hail from suburban Livonia. At the height of the pandemic, he was laid off from a job in engineering. They decided to make a long-term plan to become farmers and bought the farm. They opened their shop last year at 477 S. Main St. in downtown Plymouth.
"It was a blessing in disguise," Windy said.
Terry grew up in the country in Ohio, where his grandparents farmed. Windy was already a gardener and crafter.
"We wanted to take that to a higher level," Terry said.
— Contact reporter Jennifer Eberbach at jeberbach@livingstondaily.com.
This article originally appeared on Livingston Daily: Local lavender farm opening to public as 'agritourism destination'
