FRAGRANT ISLE LAVENDER FARM, SHOP & LE PETIT BISTRO
Fragrant Isle Lavender Farm, Shop & Le Petit Bistro, located on Washington Island, is The Midwest’s Largest Lavender Farm and Washington Island’s first. They have ranked as Discover Wisconsin 2018 and 2019 Choice Destination and a 2019 Trip Advisor Award of Excellence recipient. Founders / Owners Edgar and Martine Anderson moved to Washington Island as young retirees. Growing up Martine lived in the south of France and always wanted a lavender farm of her own. Edgar did weather studies, took soil samples and planted a test garden at their home. The test was successful and the dream of creating a lavender business and contributing to the economic growth of Washington Island soon became a reality.
Experience first hand from Fragrant Isle’s expert grower and knowledgeable staff about lavender. Fragrant Isle’s mission is to educate people of the many benefits and uses of this unique herb. They use the latest in farming technology to cultivate their lavender plants in an all-natural environment. Fragrant Isle’s lavender is sustainably grown and pesticide-free. No chemicals are used – ever! The Company has a deep commitment for the lavender plants, the farm, and the environment of Washington Island.
This year the lavender fields will be even more spectacular as the 6,000 plans added in 2018 will also bloom. Be prepared to not only see the acres of lush lavender plants but also enjoy the phenomenal aroma! A fest for your senses! Visitors may purchase Fragrant Isle lavender plants or pick their own lavender bundle in the U Pick Field. Fragrant Isle is open daily during the growing and harvest season May 1 through October 31 from 10 am – 5 pm.
Lavender blooming starts in June, and then peaks in July and early August. Since Fragrant Isle has 14 varieties of lavender, the lavender does not all bloom at the same time. Once the blooming is over, it is time to harvest. Plants are harvested both by hand and by machine, but always with the greatest concern for maintaining the strength and stability of the growth stock.
Once the lavender is harvested, enjoy distillation demonstrations in the Production Barn usually during the month of August. The essential oil industry recognizes three grades of essential oils: Fragrance, Commercial and Therapeutic. Therapeutic grade oil is the highest grade that is distilled for the longest time to obtain as many of the naturally occurring oil constituents as possible (often over 300) and is created specifically for therapeutic use in aromatherapy.
Fragrant Isle has two large cooper stills for distilling its Therapeutic grade essential lavender oil. For the entire month of August, they distill over 8,000 pounds of lavender flowers as their 20,000 plants are slowly harvested. Each 60-pound batch is distilled for a minimum of 110 minutes and that means nearly 100% of the essential constituents are extracted which makes their oils Therapeutic grade.
Explore Fragrant Isle’s “All Things Lavender,” Door County’s largest selection of luxurious lavender products at the Shop on Washington Island and the Fish Creek Shop located at The Top Of The Hill Shops. Fragrant Isle works with select vendors all in the United States to produce its products to its specifications. Sample the hundreds of lavender products for use from head-to-toe. Sachets, bath, body, healing balms, moisturizers, serums, hand and body lotions, linen sprays, therapeutic lavender essential oils, candles, home products and more.
Enjoy Le Petit Bistro’s Café and their edible products including Herbs de Provence, jams, teas, syrups, delectable truffles, chocolates, their famous macaroons, ice cream, fresh sandwiches / salads for lunch and assorted specialty beverages on the outdoor terrace overlooking the lavender fields.
Martine, had a long career in the world of haute couture for both Saks Fifth Avenue and Neiman Marcus and owned several businesses both in France and the U.S. Martine’s depth of experience in retailing provides a substantial advantage in product selection, development and merchandising.
Edgar graduated from the University of Miami School of Architecture and has an extensive background in International Development. He led McDonald‘s Corporation’s global construction, engineering, planning and sourcing and was an integral part of the rapid expansion of the company in the global markets during the past 20 years.
In 2012 business plans were developed, plants were ordered for cultivation in 2013 and beyond, products were ordered from select vendors using the same kinds of lavender buds they would grow. In early 2013 the retail store was established in rental space on the island. In May, almost 9,000 lavender plants were installed in four fields. They opened the doors for a “sneak peak” on May 9, and as the saying goes, the rest is history. They were truly gratified by the acceptance received from the Island community and their customers.
In the autumn of 2013, they realized the need for more planting space, more retail space, as well as space for offices, drying, production, storage, shipping and e-commerce fulfillment. With that in mind, they purchased a 21.7-acre parcel on Airport and Townline Roads, where their new retail store and Le Petit Bistro now stand in a field of 20,000 lavender plants.
Fragrant Isle’s 2019 “All Things Lavender” Event Calendar
Events will take place at Fragrant Isle Lavender Farm & Shop 1350 Airport Road Washington Island, WI 54246. For information please visit Fragrant Isle’s web site http://www.fragrantisle.com and click on the Events Calendar or call 920-847-2950 to make your reservation.
Fragrant Isle’s Lavender Massage in the Fields 10 am – 5 pm
- From 10 am – 5 pm
- Friday, June 28 & Saturday, June 29
- Friday, July 12 & Saturday, July 13
- FridFry, July 26 & Saturday, July 27
- Friday, August 23 & Saturday, August 24
Fragrant Isle’s Walk in the Lavender Fields
Enjoy a 25-minute walk through our 20,000 blooming lavender plants of 14 varieties with one of our expert staff. Learn the history of Fragrant Isle, how to grow, care for and some of our favorite uses for lavender.
·Available Daily July 1 – August 17
· Tour times: 10 am and 4 pm, we suggest arriving 15 minutes prior to tour time.
· Cost is $10 per person plus gratuity. Cash only.
· Tours are Weather Dependent
Maximum 15 people per tour.
Fragrant Isle’s “Wine Tasting and Gourmet Small Plates” Series by Roxanne
Enjoy three gourmet small plates and three wine samples. The cost is $45 per person plus tax and gratuity. The events will take place on the terrace overlooking Fragrant Isle’s lavender fields. We encourage you to call 920-847-2950 to book your reservation soon as seating is limited. Credit card to hold your reservation. 24-Hour Cancellation Policy.
Time 6:00 pm– 8:00 pm
o Tuesday, July 9 Tuesday, July 23
o Tuesday, August 6 Tuesday, August 20
Yoga in the Lavender Field
Enjoy gentle restorative yoga for students of all abilities. Classes will be held every Friday at 9 am – 10 am in the lavender field of Fragrant Isle. For more information, please call Fragrant Isle at 920-847-2950.
- Friday, July 5
- Friday, July 12
- Friday, July 19
- Friday, July 25
- Friday, July 26
- Friday, August, 2
- Friday, August 9
- Friday, August 16
- Friday, August 23
Fragrant Isle Presents Pat Davidson
Fragrant Isle is proud to present Pat Davidson, a Wisconsin native, who will delight audiences with his music Saturday, August 10th. Come for our lavender and stay to be entertained as Pat performs from 12 Noon – 4 pm. His repertoire includes a variety of Country, Easy Rock, Folk, Gospel, Irish and Ballads.
Enjoy Fragrant Isle’s two locations Fragrant Isle Lavender Farm, Shop & Le Petit Bistro 1350 Airport Road P.O. Box 70 Washington Island, WI 54246 920-847-2950
Fragrant Isle Lavender Shop – Fish Creek 9341 Spring Road Top Of The Hill Shops Fish Creek, WI 54212 920-868-4332 Their Virtual Store is open Year-Round http://www.fragrantisle.com
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