Brian and Penny Ross are no strangers to rural life, having bought their farm in northern Rockbridge County in 1989. For many years, the farm was a retreat from the rigors of organizing and running horse shows.
Brian became a top dressage and eventing horse show judge, traveling 35-40 long weekends a year, judging on 4 continents, including the 2000 Olympic Games in Sydney, and became an educator of eventing judges in the US. For 25-plus years. Penny organized as many as 20 national and international horse competitions a year mostly in central Virginia. They raised two sons, worked their gardens harvesting their own fruits and vegetables and enjoyed their many pets and wild animals.
In 2015 the Rosses retired from the horse industry to concentrate their time on the farm. After some research lavender was chosen as best suited for the location over, among other things, grapes, hops, garlic and asparagus. Penny had always had a love for lavender and had planted some on the rock ledges in front of their home after the construction was finished. The lavenders thrived and flourished despite being frequently neglected. After visiting a lavender farm nearby and being encouraged by the owner the Rosses bought and planted a field of 360 lavender plants.
In 2017, they planted another field and began selling lavender products at a local farmers market where they were frequently asked "Is the farm open to the public?” Inevitably they agreed to open in May 2018. Another lavender field was planted along with the building of a gift shop with adjoining porches to take in the outstanding views and enjoy locally made lavender ice cream! Several theme gardens have been added along with walking trails to a waterfall and picnic tables. With over 1,000 Lavender plants in the ground their venture is truly Lavender Fields at Tantivy Farm.
Tantivy Farm in Northern Rockbridge County is open in 2024 from April 12 through December 15 on Fridays and Saturdays 10 am to 5 pm and Sundays 1 pm - 5 pm. Groups, clubs and tour buses are welcome by appointment at 540-460-6347.
Full Bloom is from mid-May through the end of July. Live lavender plants are available for purchase in the Gift Shop and at the Wednesday Lexington and Saturday Staunton farmers markets along with dried lavender, soaps, sachets, eye pillows, bath and culinary products and numerous other items.
For further information regarding directions to Lavender Fields and special events, activities, please check the website at www.tantivyfarm.com.
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