The Greasleys didn't expect the colour purple to bring them closer together.
But now, as a sea of lavender is in full bloom on their family farm, purple has become the family’s favourite colour, uniting three generations.
Nestled atop the rolling hills of Creemore, Ontario, Purple Hill Lavender Farm is the passion project of retired lawyer Brian Greasley and his two daughters, Emma Catton and Jessica Ridding. The 9,000 purple plants are a relatively new addition to the 47-acre property the Greasleys have owned for three decades.
“This place has always been our sanctuary, our little escape,” said Catton.
Brian, along with Catton and Ridding’s mother, Roberta “Bobby” Greasley, immigrated to Canada from the United Kingdom in the 80s. The couple settled on Creemore as this “hilly little English village” that reminded them of home.
“It is a very English countryside. It makes sense why they ended up here,” laughed Catton.
The sisters always knew they wanted to do something with the large section of land. After spending several years climbing the corporate ladder in Toronto, they decided to think more seriously about what they could do as a passion project back home.
Catton said she doesn’t remember where the idea to plant lavender initially came from, but the more the sisters started researching about it, the more excited they became.
“We got the idea and kept talking about it, and then everyone got on board. It became a real family project. Everyone was so invested,” said Catton.
Together they joined the Ontario Lavender Association and began absorbing any bit of information they could about the flowering purple plant. The family began preparing the land, and in 2016 they planted their first field of lavender.
From planting to harvesting, every aspect of lavender farming is done by hand, so to get them into the ground originally is a huge undertaking. After four years of testing — and a lot of trial and error — the family is finally ready to share the farm with the community.
Purple Hill first opened to the public on Father’s Day weekend.
“It’s not necessarily difficult, but it is a lot of work,” said Catton. “It makes us laugh, you can’t get it all right.”
This summer also marks 20 years since the sisters’ mother passed away, adding an extra special element to the official opening.
“It’s been so successful this summer and here we are in [our mom’s] barn,” said Catton. “It’s grown into this business now, and it’s really sweet.”
The land had never been farmed for anything before, but the barn where the retail store now stands used to be Bobby Greasley’s horse barn. One section has been converted to a retail store showcasing Purple Hill’s products, and the rest remains untouched, with the space being used to hang dry lavender in bunches.
“It’s been really nice to finally share it, because so much time and effort goes into it. I mean, it’s farming after all,” said Catton. “But it’s just so beautiful.”
The weather this year has been particularly favourable for the flower, but with the COVID-19 pandemic, they weren’t sure they would be able to open to the public. As restrictions eased, Catton said she realized the farm could be a safe and sensible place for families and friends to maintain social distancing.
“People are desperate for stuff to do, and they are looking for things they can do outside,” she said. “With all of this space, even when they are in the shop, people can feel safe.”
The farm is open from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. on Fridays, Saturday and Sundays. Catton said she thinks the flowers will be in bloom for another few weeks.
“Our plan when we planted was to always have a bit of purple, but we would never want anyone to be disappointed,” she said.
In addition to the retail store, visitors can pay for day access to the grounds and walking trail.
The farm is also open in the evenings for private bookings and photoshoots, and a portion of the ticket sales will be donated to the Collingwood General and Marine Hospital at the end of the season.
“The feedback has been so nice, it makes me cry,” said Catton. “People thank us for sharing our space, but we are just thankful they are coming.”
Catton and Ridding have three young children between the two of them, so the whole family is always around, pitching in where they can. At the end of the day, the family gets together at the house for a barbecue.
“We are just enjoying the success and the time we all spend together… We’re all warm and fuzzy by the end of the day,” said Catton.
