capecodandtheislandsmag.com
Cynthia and Matthew Sutphin, owners of Cape Cod Lavender Farm in Harwich
hen Cynthia Sutphin started Cape Cod Lavender Farm in Harwich more than 25 years ago, she was told the fragrant perennial plants wouldn’t thrive on Cape Cod. “But I tried it anyway, and as it turns out, lavender does quite well here,” says Sutphin, who researched the plant extensively with agriculture experts. “Many of my plants are 25 years old!” Today more than ever, people are seeking items of comfort, products that soothe the soul and outdoor spaces that provide solitude, beauty, and nature—a quiet place to escape the hustle and bustle of daily life. The 11-acre farm, surrounded by 75 acres of conservation land with walking trails and wildlife, provides a moment of zen. A handmade fairy house on the property with treasures at its tiny doorstep inspires kids to run away with their imaginations. It’s a step back in time set in a charming, enchanted forest. “As the world gets busier and busier, the need for nature becomes greater and greater,” says Sutphin. “The lavender farm offers that opportunity not only for parents, but for children who are growing up in the cities and suburbs and they don’t have the opportunity to explore the woods like we do. Coming here is very peaceful and healthy.” “Unlike other places, it’s in the middle of a quasi-wilderness,” adds her husband, Matthew. “You’re all by yourself out here surrounded by nature and conservation land.” Sitting inside the farm’s rustic and cottage-style gift shop, Sutphin says Matthew has always offered his support. He works behind the scenes and provides valuable aesthetics to the grounds and the shop, including recently adding insulation to one room that will serve as a year-round distribution area for the farm’s bustling mail-order business.
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