Blue Willow Farm on Wright Bliss Road held the first Lavender Festival on the Key Peninsula in early July, with 1,150 people in attendance. Speakers, demonstrations, crafting, musicians and garden tours were all available. Over 20 booths offered food, crafts, plants, as well as the farm’s lavender plants and products. Visitors came from Oregon, California, Nevada, Georgia, Florida and New Zealand.
Dorne Webster, a chef who lives on the Key Peninsula, attended the festival Saturday afternoon.
“I was very impressed that it was so professional from parking attendants, PA system, bands and classes,” he said. “Bill Ketts spoke very eloquently and held a very informative class. I was amazed by how clean the gardens are and their large number of varietals of lavender. I learned for cooking there is only a few varietals that are culinary grade and I have a lovely store of culinary grade lavender from Blue Willow to use for dressings, rubs and teas.
The guests were excited that they didn’t have to go all the way to Sequim and that there is a lavender farm so close.”
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