A native of the south of France, Martine Anderson always thought a lavender garden would be a lovely thing to have. She was right — and now, as founder and vice president of Fragrant Isle Lavender Farm on Washington Island in Door County, Wisconsin, she has 20,000 plants on 10 flourishing acres, and runs the farm with her husband, Edgar. With 12 varieties, the farm is the Midwest’s largest single-site lavender grower, and includes demonstration gardens and a distillery producing lavender oils and other products.

Lavender enjoys a long, well-documented history as both a healing herb and culinary ingredient, and Anderson makes the most of its properties. Anderson’s passion for the plant is apparent in her descriptions of the farm — she describes the “purple haze” that takes place in mid-June, before the plants are in full bloom, and sightings of bees who sleep among the flowers.

© Fragrant Isle

“I use lavender every day,” said Anderson. “I cook with lavender, I bathe with lavender, I use lavender body lotion, lavender candles on my dining room table and more. Lavender has so many uses, it’s not possible for me to have one favorite.”

Tours of the property and the oil distillery are available, and private groups can be accommodated. Participants learn about the plant’s cultivation, harvesting techniques and the distillation process; and that among varietals, English lavender, with its inherent sweetness, is best for producing oils. Anderson’s farm distills their oils in copper vats for a full 90 minutes rather than the industry standard of 60 minutes, adding an extra level of purity.

At on-site Le Cafe, the menu is decidedly lavender-centric. Along with a selection of salads and sandwiches, lavender ice cream, and chocolates-infused with lavender, there’s a range of delectable desserts. These include a signature cupcake, signature lavender Fairie Tale cookie, lavender sea salt caramel, signature lavender honey macaron and lavender snickerdoodles.

© Fragrant Isle

Guests can choose from hot drinks such as lavender tea or cold drinks, including lavender lemonade, lavender berry slushie and lavender iced coffee. There’s even a selection of lavender-infused alcohol beverages: Among the choices are lavender cider, lavender rosé slushie and lavender honey wine. Be sure to stop in the gift shop, where a host of lavender-themed items are available, ranging from teas and chocolates to oils, candles and colognes.