Amandalina Letterio
“Walk through the door, your worries behind you, your joys are ahead.”
– Madeline E. Baird, Age 10.
If you live in the GTA, you have probably come across photos on Instagram of a scenic lavender field with a yellow door right smack in the centre of it. When I saw this, my initial thoughts were that it had to be photoshopped, otherwise, how would the door stay up? Why was it even there?
A hidden gem, Terre Bleu Lavender Farm is located in Campbellville (Milton), just 40 minutes west of Toronto. I have been to many Canadian farms throughout the years; in the fall for pumpkin picking, or the summer for strawberries, but Terre Bleu definitely stands out in its own right. It is a family farm with the goal of creating an agro-tourist experience, which is executed impeccably. On our visit, the Sunday of Canada Day weekend, it was flooded with people eager to take pictures by that yellow door.
Terre Bleu is more beautiful than I had anticipated. I think there must have been over a hundred people scattered all over the farm grounds that day. At times, everyone was fairly close together, but the atmosphere was still somehow quiet and serene. When we initially walked in, we entered through the main barn. We had the option to explore the grounds on our own, or wait a few minutes for one of the scheduled tours.
From the moment we set foot onto the front lavender field, we were mesmerized by pale lilac and royal purple blooms, planted in rows so straight it looked like the gardeners used a giant ruler. Our moods were immediately affected the moment we set our eyes on the scenery; a true state of serenity.
The first things we noticed were the little signs at the top of some of the rows with names on them. “Betty’s Blue” and “English” were written on wooden signs which drew attention to the differences in each row of lavender. This may sound obvious for someone with a green thumb, but I had no idea there were so many different types of lavender. Terre Bleu has 8 different kinds.
Just when we thought we could not fall deeper in love with Terre Bleu, we discovered that the yellow door is located on the second lavender field, which requires a little hike through a forest trail called the, “Yellow Bench Trail,” (a trail that has bright yellow benches along it), which leads you through a slice of the Grand River Conservation Area. On our way to the Yellow Bench Trail, we discovered Terre Bleu’s horse stables, where 6 horses gathered calmly in a corner, hoping for a bit of affection from anyone who passed by. We were more than happy to oblige. To get to the Yellow Door, we walked through a shady forest with peaks of sunlight through the leafy trees, and over a bridge that sits above the Grand River, out onto the second lavender field, and there it stood…
The adorable yellow door standing tall amidst a field of lavender, surrounded by forestry. It’s something so small and simple, yet so well thought out that hundreds of people flock to see it. There was even a small lineup to take pictures by the door (keep that in mind when picking a day to go, you may want to go on a weekday, if you can, instead), and there’s a Terre Bleu employee designated in front of it to help you get the perfect picture. On top of the door reads a quote, “Walk through the door, your worries behind you, your joys are ahead,” and when you’re caught up in the moment, walking through it feels almost cathartic.
We head back through the yellow bench trail to the main barn to check out some of the lavender-infused products. I pick up a lavender vinaigrette (if you like a sweet salad dressing, I recommend it,) and some lavender-infused Gouda cheese (a fantastic combination.) The lavender-infused choices seem endless. Lavender macaroons, infused honey, barbeque sticks that infuse lavender flavour into meat, and more. However, among all of the lavender-infused treats, I must say, our favourite is the lavender ice cream made right at the farm. Before we leave, we sit at the front field stage where live music is playing, softly setting the tone for this tranquil farm. [Pro tip: Wear something comfortable (and cute), flats are a must!]
Terre Bleu Lavender Farm, 2501 Sideroad 25, Milton, ON, 519-512-0522
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