Elf Leaf Farm is the only lavender farm in Greenville County, SC and their u-pick lavender field is beautiful with views of the mountains. Lavender season is upon us and we’ve got all the details on how to experience this incredible farm with your family in Greenville, SC.
The family love is strong at Elf Leaf Farm in Landrum, South Carolina, just a 35-minute drive from Greenville, SC in the Upstate. The farm is run by Allison and Derek Garrett and their children. Their two youngest daughters, Deirdre and Georgia, are bubbly, cheerful and welcoming and I immediately wanted to be their best friend. They are really fun!
Elf Leaf, which is Scottish term for “lavender” (a nod to Derek’s side of the family), is nestled in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, anchored by the prettiest farmhouse I’ve ever seen and built on land owned by the Campbell family. If you’re familiar with Campbell’s Covered Bridge, that’s the same family. The bridge is actually just a few minutes away from Elf Leaf Farm.
But let’s get back to the lavender, which is oh-so-gorgeous, and in season during the month of June. I’ll tell you all about how you pick your own lavender plus enjoy the special offerings of the family trade right at the farm.
Elf Leaf Farm’s Roots
Every farm has roots and Elf Leaf’s run deep as the land was part of the Campbell family for many, many years. When Allison and Derek started thinking about retirement, they wanted a farm. Derek always loved farming and Allison always loved soap-making. I promise this is relevant.
Derek was working at the Oconee nuclear plant and would drive home to Greer a different way most days, checking out various farms and properties along the way. When he found the current property that is now Elf Leaf Farm, the couple knew they had found home. They purchased about 48 acres in 2016 and then later added two more acres later on.
As one of only two lavender farms in the Upstate, I had to know why lavender was the crop of choice. It’s because Allison just loves lavender and made soap with it for years and years. She made a lot. And it took up a lot of space at home and while she did sell it at local farmers markets and at The Shoppes Off Trade in Greer, she kind of needed a bigger space. And more lavender of course. And that’s how lavender became the focus on the farm.
Lavender is not native to South Carolina and is very, very hard to grow. Allison and her family really had to figure out how to dig deeper in the Southern soil, past the red clay to make it work. They attended lavender conferences (yes, there’s such a thing) and talked to other lavender farmers and eventually, after a lot of trial and error, were able to grow some pretty spectacular lavender plants.
Events at Elf Leaf Farm
While u-pick lavender is certainly the focus of Elf Leaf Farm in June – and the family is truly all hands on deck during this time since it’s the only time of year to harvest – the farm also has a huge permanent tent to host events like weddings, corporate lunches or dinners, or whatever other things that people may want to do at a lavender farm.
They even have two separate cottages for a bride and groom and the view from the tent is directly at the mountains. Flowers and blueberries and more lavender are planted around the farm and Deirdre and Georgia have big plans for hosting people throughout the year at the farm.
These ladies are a lot of fun to be around and if their events are anything like their personalities, they are going to be awesome. Deirdre actually went to acting school and lived in Brooklyn, New York for awhile and in 2016, she did the most Brooklyn thing ever and went home to help on the family farm. When the pandemic hit, she started working there full-time. Her and her family are so invested not only in the farm but in each other and that shines through in how they run the farm.
One event you really don’t want to miss is their inaugural Date Night at Elf Leaf Farm on Friday, June 9th from 6-8 pm. For $75/couple, you get a bottle of wine, a picnic blanket, a charcuterie picnic basket, and a bluegrass band. Pretty romantic if you ask me.
2023 U-Pick Lavender
The lavender fields at Elf Leaf Farm will be open to the public these dates from 9 am – 4 pm:
- Wednesday, June 7 – Sunday, Jun 11, 2023
- Wednesday, June 14 – Sunday, June 18, 2023
- Wednesday, June 21 – Sunday, June 25, 2023
There is no admission to Elf Leaf Farm for u-pick dates. You only pay for your lavender, which are sold in 2 inch bundles for $8. You get shears and a beautiful basket to go pick your lavender.
If you’re a family who would just love from family photos in a lavender field, that’s possible! There is a $50/hour charge to use the field for professional photography. You can contact the farm to arrange your amazing lavender photo session.
Lots of Lavender Products
The first place I went when I got to the farm after meeting Derek was the Elf Leaf store. Oh my gosh, I thought I went to heaven. The scent of this little shop was perfection. I really didn’t want to leave. I only left because my new best friends, Deirdre and Georgia, promised my kids and I lavender brownies and iced tea at the farmhouse.
The shop is small but mighty. They have everything you can think of that involves lavender: tea, lotion, lavender coffee, lavender scone mix, lavender simple syrup, soap (the soap is always involved), lavender honey right from the bees on the farm, dried lavender, and just so many other things. They also have tea towels, local pottery, and even a lavender cookbook. It’s pretty amazing. Take your time. Smell the lavender, buy some stuff.
You can also find Elf Leaf’s products at the Landrum farmers market or buy directly online if you happen to need more lavender things (which you probably will).
Tips on Visiting Elf Leaf Farm
To make the most of your visit at Elf Leaf, we have some suggestions:
- Leave your pets at home. The farm does not allow them.
- Wear sunscreen and a hat. It’s hot and lavender likes full sun, hence you’ll be in full South Carolina summer sun.
- Bring lunch or snacks. The farm is a beautiful place to hang out.
- Wear closed-toed shoes. It’s a farm and there are ants and bugs and other things you don’t want on your feet.
- Follow the directions of the staff. There are certain plants you can pick from and others you cannot. Just be courteous and follow directions.
- The farmhouse is private. As much as you’d probably like to live in the farmhouse on the property, it’s the private property of the Garrett family so don’t go and invite yourself in.
- There are beautiful bathroom facilities at Elf Leaf Farm so don’t worry if your kid needs to take a potty break!
- After your visit, dip your toes in the water at Campbell’s Covered Bridge, just three minutes from the farm. It feels great!
Elf Leaf Farm
141 N Campbell Road, Landrum
864.331.9866
There’s more to explore in Landrum!
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