Hereward Farms: Celebrating Community and Sustainability in Every Bloom | Written By: Lindsay W. (Dufferin Board of Trade)
Tucked away on 250 beautiful acres that have been in her husband’s family for five generations, Hereward Farms is the heartwarming success story of Julie Thurgood-Burnett. What began as a spontaneous idea has blossomed into a thriving lavender farm that offers so much more than just stunning flowers.
Julie, who ran a marketing agency until 2021, stumbled into farming almost by accident. “I was just looking for something to do,” she says, recalling how she planted about 40 lavender plants on a whim. When those plants took, she kept planting. The next thing, she was making products from her lavender—products that sold out in no time. Today, Hereward Farms has over 6,000 plants. But, the business doesn’t just stop at lavender. Last year, Julie and her husband added sunflowers to their repertoire, adding to the fields and creating even more beautiful views for visitors.
What really sets Hereward Farms apart, though, is their commitment to sustainability. “We use everything we plant,” Julie shares proudly. From bird seed to seed oil—nothing goes to waste. There are different types of lavender for different uses—some culinary, some in product ingredients, and others just because the dried bundles make for an Instagram-worthy shot. Even their shipping materials are recyclable, proving Julie’s dedication to eco-friendliness doesn’t just stop at the field.
The farm charges a $5 entry fee for each field, but every penny goes back to the community. “We’ve given back an estimated $25,000,” Julie shares, listing beneficiaries like the Alzheimer’s Society, Family Transition Place, and the local food bank. They also support the Wellington Pregnancy Care Centre.
Hereward Farms isn’t just a place to admire flowers – it’s a hub of activity. They offer workshops ranging from hand-building with clay to card-making and creating your own lavender wreath. For those seeking a different kind of experience, they even host a medium every other month.
Julie’s journey has taken her from marketing offices to lavender fields, but her creative spirit still shines. Her photography and products have graced the pages of Vogue and Vanity Fair, bringing a touch of Hereward Farms’ beauty to the world stage. As she looks back on her entrepreneurial journey, it’s clear that Hereward Farms is so much more than just a business to her. It’s a heartfelt product of love, a commitment to the community, and a shining example of how beautiful things can grow from simple ideas.