Making the Lavender Accessible
The healing impact of lavender is something everyone should be able to enjoy. However, small hills, rough terrain, and distance to the fields can make them inaccessible for some people. Thanks to Jeff Leal, owner of O’Tool’s Golf Carts in Grand Bend, visitors to R&B Lavender farms can enjoy the splendour of the lavender fields regardless of age or mobility.
Last year, we contacted Jeff, a friend from high school, to discuss how R&B could ensure access for anyone needing extra help. Jeff gave us a six-seat golf cart “limo” with a roof. It was a fantastic solution that allowed so many more people to experience the beauty of the fields and the healing scent of the lavender.
One young lady visited the farm last summer with her support workers. She happened to be a huge Taylor Swift fan and wanted to experience the “Lavender Haze.” She had mobility issues and would not have seen the lavender up close without the cart.
She was a little hesitant at first, but once we settled her into the seat with a support worker on either side, we were off! She loved riding the hills in the cart, and we loved seeing her huge smile and hearing her laugh as we toured around.
That young woman visited our farm more than once last year and came to one of the Christmas Markets to see us. It was great to feel so much love.
Another time, a 10-year-old girl came for a visit with her parents and grandparents. She used a wheelchair, and we brought it to the fields using the golf cart.
The young girl sat in her chair and rolled down the rows of lavender, reaching out to touch the flowers on both sides, smelling the scents, and watching the butterflies as she toured around.
Without the golf cart, the fields would be inaccessible to some people. With it, we can assist those with mobility issues, groups with small children or older family members, and virtually anyone who needs assistance.
It fills us with warmth to offer these experiences to people who may not have them otherwise. To witness the joy and be a small part of making smiles and memories for those families is what R&B Lavender is all about.
The lavender blooming season runs from June to July, but you can access the fields anytime by booking a field visit.
The golf cart is back again this year and available for anyone who needs an extra hand getting to the fields. There is no charge to use it. Simply, identify your need when you book your field visit.
