UK Lavender Season Will Finish Early Due to Hot Weather, Says Mayfield Lavender Farm
Mayfield Lavender Farm in Banstead, Surrey, is currently a sea of spectacular purple, with its famous field hitting peak bloom two to three weeks sooner than usual.
However, the popular 25-acre farm, one of the country’s best-known lavender destinations, is urging visitors not to delay their visit as this year’s lavender season could be up to three weeks shorter than usual due to the record-breaking spring heat [1] and continued sunny weather. Mayfield Lavender, which is certified organic, has cautioned that it will be harvesting the flowers earlier than originally anticipated.
The ‘ideal weather’ for the Mediterranean shrub, which thrives in warm, dry conditions, has made the plants produce lots more shoots, and has not only brought forward the bloom but also created perfect conditions for bees, resulting in an exceptional honey crop. Butterflies have also flocked to the fragrant field, adding to the already idyllic atmosphere.
“Lavender is highly weather-dependent, and peak bloom as well as the harvest date can never be precisely predicted,” said Lorna Maye, owner of Mayfield Lavender Farm. “We’ve had the warmest and driest spring we can remember, which is the complete opposite of the conditions we experienced last year. The field and the Secret Lavender Garden are looking wonderful, but because everything has flowered early, the season will end earlier too. We’re expecting a bumper yield and look forward to creating even more wonderful lavender products. However, we advise people to visit as soon as possible and preferably not wait until August.”
Mayfield’s flagship farm in Banstead and its new 12-acre Secret Lavender Garden at its Epsom site, just 10 minutes away by car, both offer beautiful views, great photo opportunities, lavender products, and plenty of refreshments, but provide very distinct ways to enjoy Mayfield’s beautiful lavender. Advanced booking is cheaper than buying tickets on the day at each site. Bookings can be made for the Mayfield Lavender Farm Banstead and the Mayfield Secret Lavender Garden daytime and sunset special sessions here.