Lavender

Every now and again you do need to treat yourself and spend time with friends. A planned trip to the Finchingfield lavender fields finally came around and I sneakily closed up shop for the afternoon and headed off.

We arrived, negotiated the padlock and parked along side the lavender. It was a gorgeous day and the hot sun and light breeze lifted a gentle scent of lavender into the air. There is an amazing sculpture of a stag made from horse shoes. The shoes have been allowed to rust and the reddish-brown colour contrasts beautifully with the purple of the flowers. I am sure that he is a magnificent sight at sunset.

I spotted my first cabbage white butterfly enjoying the lavender and had to photograph it even before we’d showed our tickets at the café. We were given a bucket for collecting lavender and a map, we decided to explore before enjoying tea. It is possible to camp here. There are several areas surrounded by wild flowers and trees where you can spend an idyllic night or two under the stars.

We collected our afternoon tea, with excellent sandwiches, quiche (which would elicit a Hollywood handshake) and sausage roll, fabulous sticky brownie and tasty scone. All created from local ingredients and baked with love at a nearby bakers. We headed for the shade under an elegant tent, to enjoy tea from mismatched crockery. There is a gentle buzz in the air from the insects and the scent of the lavender is gently soporific in the warm air.

I rearrange the furniture a little to photograph it amongst the flowers. Chase bees and ladybirds to get the perfect photo. I think some of these will be lovely on bags, bottles, coasters and maybe a canvas and print let me know what you think. When my friend and I have exhausted every topic it’s time to go home.