Welcome
Hi! I’m Louise and I’m the founder of Mentley Farm Lavender.
After spending 28 years in a fast-paced career in London, as I approached ‘retirement’ at the grand old age of 55, when asked “What was I going to do with my time afterwards?” my reply was always “I’m going to grow lavender!
My original plan was to move back to the West Country where I grew up and buy a small plot of land, however – as plans like to do - they changed and I met my partner Andrew, who is a farmer up here in Hertfordshire. Andrew manages several farms and lives at Mentley Farm. Mentley was built in the 18th century and originally formed part of the Hamel’s Park Estate. The farm is in a great location, just off the A10 and seemed like a great base to start living this dream of mine so rather than drag Andrew down to Devon we now rent 4 of the 60 acres at Mentley to grow lavender and run it as a separate business while Andrew carries on with his day job.
On his rest days he can be found rotivating and harvesting using various machinery he has sourced and maintains, although he insists that I will be driving the tractor unsupervised eventually. I can be found on Instagram and Facebook rambling on about the latest goings on with the lavender at least twice a week.
Louise and Andrew visiting Henry De Vaugency, a traditional champagne house in Oger, France. Keep your eyes peeled for possible future champagne evenings. We also recycle our empty champagne bottles (there are quite a few)and have them made into the largest candles we stock in our Yard Store.
Our Mission
We aim to create a beautiful place of tranquility where you can escape from the hustle & bustle of modern life, reconnect with nature, feed your senses and spend time with loved ones. Mentley is a restorative place where you can learn new skills, recharge amongst nature and discover the versatility of lavender and its array of healing benefits.
Meet the rest of the team
DEMELZA
Our first and smaller copper still is used for distilling our lavender to make lavender essential oil and floral water and other plants and fruit such as Rosemary, Eucalyptus and lemon. She can be seen in action in our demonstrations and soon our distilling workshops that will be available from Spring 2024.
AMBER
Our newer and larger copper still can distill 20 times the amount which is certainly needed as the field grows.
TITANIA
Our roving trailer who is out and about visiting various markets around the county carrying her lavender wares. Do you know of a suitable venue near you? Please contact us.
LOLA
Our gazebo who dances her way to markets and fairs sharing the load with Titania. Occasionally they get to party together!
FLORA
Our newer and larger trailer will be used out in the lavender field as our shop.
BLUE THE TRACTOR
Andrew’s newer helper and who he doesn’t believe should actually have a name.
GREY THE TRACTOR
Andrew’s oldest helper and more senior tractor who also now has a name.
GREEN (MEG) THE TRACTOR
Why have two tractors when you can have three! Green is bigger than the other two and helps prepare the field for planting. She came with her own personalised number plate so has a name rather than just named after her colour.
PLANTY
Planty was a vegtable planter in his former life and has been converted by Andrew to plant our lavender plants so Louise no longer has to plant them by hand!
GRETEL
Our newest edition is our studio. She provides a beautiful calm space in which to learn new skills and can be seen during our workshops (see our Store for more details).
Thanks & Acknowledgements
Andrew
Thank you for your love and support as well as your enthusiasm and expertise at sourcing older farm vehicles suitable for farming lavender on a small scale in contrast to the modern high tech machinery you are used to in your day job.
My Family & Friends
For listening to me harping on about the ‘L’ Word and for offering your opinions on endless fonts and logos put in front of you.
Annette at Sensory Uploads
For your beautiful artwork & skill at interpreting my demands when I said
“Please draw the house & some pretty flowers".
Bryony from The Friday Project
For the stunning brand identity, website & understanding my vision for Mentley Farm Lavender.