As we get closer to lavender bloom season here at Santa Rita Hills Lavender Farm, we thought it would be a great time to give everyone an update on what we've been working on during the offseason. While the fields may not have been in full bloom yet, we've certainly been keeping busy!
If you've visited us before, you'll notice quite a few improvements when you arrive this season. We've spent the winter and spring listening to guest feedback, tackling new projects, and preparing for what we hope will be our best year yet.
A New and Improved Entrance
One piece of feedback we heard from visitors was that the farm entrance could be easier to spot from the road. We agreed!
Over the past few months, we've built a brand-new entranceway designed to break up the long fence line and create a more welcoming arrival experience. Not only does it make the entrance easier to find, but it also gives guests a better sense that they're arriving somewhere special. First impressions matter, and we're excited for everyone to see the new look.
Farm Stand Refresh
The farm stand has also received a major facelift.
If you've ever visited during bloom season, you know our farm stand is the heart of the farm—a place where visitors can browse our lavender products, ask questions, and take home a little piece of the Santa Rita Hills.
This year, we've installed new countertops that are much better suited for life on a lavender farm. Fun fact: while lavender essential oil smells wonderful, it's surprisingly powerful and can be quite corrosive to certain surfaces over time. Despite what you may see online, essential oils should always be used carefully and according to recommended guidelines.
Along with the new countertops, we've updated the décor and refreshed the overall look of the space. The result is a farm stand that feels familiar yet completely renewed. We can't wait for returning guests to see the transformation.
A New Mural and Farm Map
We know how much visitors love taking photos during their visit, so we've added another feature that's both beautiful and practical.
Our new mural will serve as an illustrated map of the farm, helping guests easily find all the different attractions, gardens, picnic areas, flower fields, and photo opportunities around the property. Whether it's your first visit or your fifth, the mural will help you make the most of your day while also providing another fun backdrop for photos.
More Flowers Than Ever Before
While construction projects have kept us busy, we've also spent countless hours planting.
This year we've added:
Over 500 new Dahlia tubers
Several new varieties of Lisianthus
Colorful Celosia
Cheerful Craspedia (also known as Billy Buttons)
Unique Pincushion flowers
We're always looking for ways to make the farm more vibrant and beautiful, and these new additions should provide an incredible display throughout the season.
Of course, every farmer knows there's always one factor we can't control: Mother Nature. Between weather patterns, hungry wildlife, and the occasional surprise challenge, farming keeps us humble. But if everything cooperates, this could be one of our most colorful bloom seasons yet.
Lavender Festival Preparations Are in Full Swing
You might be wondering how we've had time to do all of this while also preparing for the Lavender Festival. Honestly, we're wondering the same thing!
Festival planning has been moving at full speed, and we're excited about what we have lined up for 2026.
So far, we've secured:
More than a dozen artisan vendors across the three festival Saturdays
Multiple food trucks
Returning favorite vendors
Lavender Distillation Demonstration
Lavender wreath-making activities
Plenty of opportunities to enjoy the farm in peak bloom
Every year we try to make the festival bigger, better, and more memorable than the last, and this year's event is shaping up to be our best one yet.
We Can't Wait to See You
As bloom season gets closer, it's exciting to finally see months of hard work coming together. From the new entrance and refreshed farm stand to thousands of new flowers and festival preparations, there's something new around every corner this year.
We're incredibly grateful for all of the support from our visitors, customers, and community members who continue to make Santa Rita Hills Lavender Farm such a special place.
We hope you'll come out and experience everything we've been working on. And if you haven't secured your Lavender Festival tickets yet, now is a great time to grab them before dates begin to fill up.
Summer will be here before we know it, and we can't wait to share it with you.
See you in the fields! 💜🌿