Green Acres Lavender Farm, 8865 San Gabriel Road, Atascadero, CA Tel:(805)466-0837 greenacreslavenderfarm.com

You've heard that Green Acres is the place to be?

That's exactly what a cute couple who had enough of city life decided when they launched Green Acres Lavender Farm in Atascadero in 2004. They sold the farm in 2010, but continued to grow the lavender in the fields and produce lavender products you can order online. The farm grows beautiful lavender plants that are made into oils, soaps, pet friendly soap products, pillow sachets, and fresh cut, dried lavender for flower arrangements. Lavender also is used in teas and spices for cakes, cookies and gourmet recipes.

Green Acres Lavender Farm is set on rolling hills just inland from the Central California Coast. The climate is slightly warmer and dry, compared to the ocean, and provides great growing weather for crops such as olives, lavender and the ever popular wine grapes.

Purple and lavender colored lavender plants surrounded by green stems offer healthy living in a "green" eco-friendly environment.

Lavender has been used for centuries as a natural deodorant and its scent isn't overpowering, but does mask many odors that are not so appealing.

Green Acres Farm is a 100-year old property has grown many types of things throughout its life. When acquired in 1998, the 4+ acres quickly became the largest lavender grower and distiller in San Luis Obispo County yielding over 12,000 plants. Growing mostly Grosso lavender, a hardy plant that thrives in the Central California climate, owners Janice Silva and Bob Bostwick have gravitated toward this plant for its hardy properties.

A knowledge of plants comes naturally to Janice, who worked in the New York City Floral Design and Event Planning industry, where she helped stage Today, Good Morning America, Live with Regis and Kathy Lee and other shows. She brought her knowledge of flowers to the Central Coast where flowers and plants grow well. Bob worked many years in the construction industry, but has always enjoyed gardening. Together the couple purchased a special lavender machine that squeezes the oil out of the plant, and they bottle it fresh (no chemicals are ever used, as lavender has a natural defense against bugs,) then ship it out.

The couple also has hosted concerts dinners and special events on the farm. Call them to find out if there's anything scheduled and to see if you can drop by and purchase products in their little shop.