Images of lavender from Hillcrest Lavender Farm in Sherburne. The business is open for picking lavender for the next four weeks. (Submitted photos.)

SHERBURNE – There is a little known farm in Sherburne, NY located at 239 Stone House Rd. on one of many hills surrounding the Chenango Valley.  

Hillcrest Lavender Farm is situated on a southern slope with beautiful views stretching for miles.

Owners Eric and Kathleen Turner started the farm five years ago with the thought of it being a good way to keep busy when they retire.

“Last year with the pandemic in full swing, u-pick was tremendously popular with people looking for things to do outdoors. It was so nice to be able to offer this unique experience of cutting their own lavender, while also enjoying the honey bees buzzing, the scent of lavender in the air and the views,” said Kathleen. “I like to say we meet four of the five senses here during the U-pick season. Sight, smell, hearing, and touch. It doesn’t get much better than that.”

Lavender is fragrant herb, often used in cooking.

Hillcrest Lavender Farm offers the public the ability to come out and enjoy the “U-Pick” experience when the lavender is in bloom.

The picking will begin on July 10 and run for about four weeks.  

Hillcrest Lavender Farm implemented a reservation system for picking last year that can be accessed through their website at www.hillcrestlavenderfarm.com.

They also welcome walk-ins to the property.

“It’s easy to pick your own lavender,” explained Kathleen.

She said at the farm they offer a pair of scissors and a twist tie for each bunch of lavender.

The owners said they welcome new visitors and would be happy to take the time to talk with customers and explain how to properly cut lavender bunches.  

The farm recently added a gift shop to the property and sells items made from their own lavender along with an assortment of other products.

Kathleen added, “We’ve grown from a canopy tent and a table to this little gift shop. Next year we’re hoping to add a larger gift shop and a bigger parking area. Eric and I are really enjoying the progression of our lavender farm and are constantly thinking of new ways to improve it to make for an enjoyable and unique experience for the public.”

– From Hillcrest Lavender Farm