Lavender starts went into the ground in April, and now some blooms are ready for sale. (Photo: Quakerdale Farms)
A new agritourism venue called Quakerdale Farms opened its lavender fields to the public on June 18. The new fields spread across the 700-acre campus of the former Quakerdale School in New Providence, an orphanage founded in 1851 to teach young children Quaker-based principles.
The farms’ owner, Lance Thornton, was a student at the school before stepping up to purchase the property in January. His goal is to turn the land back into a working farm and event venue, starting with the lavender fields and expanding with greenhouses, cultivated gardens, a stocked fish pond, walking and hiking trails, an event center and wedding venue, a campground, fitness center and even an equine aquatic center to help rehabilitate workhorses.
The lavender farm is open for tours. You can visit the plant lab, where seeds and starts are nurtured; purchase your own plants, soaps and candles; or stop by the on-site cafe. A percentage of all proceeds from the farm support children and family nonprofits through the Quakerdale Foundation, which continues the property’s original philanthropic spirit.
