The Lavender Labyrinth was a mystery to us until very recently! Since we moved to Holland, Michigan in the summer of 2016, people have been asking us if we’ve been to see the lavender in Shelby. Until last week, the answer was always “No, not yet!”
Finally, just a few days ago, we decided to go and find out what all the fuss was about. We drove to Shelby, a village in Oceana County, not far from the shores of Lake Michigan. It’s close to the popular Silver Lake State Park and the Little Sable Point Lighthouse. We’ve visited the lighthouse before, and we recommend it to anyone who comes to visit us here in West Michigan.
Cherry Point Farm and Market
Over the years, Cherry Point Farm and Market has become a traditional stopping point for many visitors to West Michigan. The Bull family began operating the farm in 1949, and the fruit market opened soon after that. The surrounding orchards date back to an even-earlier time. We’ve managed to stop at the market and buy snacks on several occasions without realising that one of the area’s most fascinating attractions was just a moment’s walk away from the market!
What is a labyrinth?
Although many people think of a labyrinth as being the same as a maze, the difference is that a maze is generally designed to be a puzzle. The goal is to find the route to the centre. There are many paths to choose from; some leading to dead ends. In contrast, a labyrinth is a single path where you can’t get lost. It’s a continuous circuit where the goal is simply to walk – as if through life’s journey – to relax, to meditate, or simply to exist and be present in the moment. In recent years, the use of labyrinths has increased in popularity as a spiritual and therapeutic tool. A labyrinth can be a much-appreciated retreat for people in search of peace and tranquility.
Lavender plants
The labyrinth at Cherry Point Farm and Market has earth mounds and hundreds of fragrant lavender plants that provide the pathway for walking. We were told that it takes around an hour to walk the path to the centre, but we enjoyed just wandering more randomly, taking photos along the way! Even though our visit was a little late in the season, there was still plenty of color left. Be warned, though – some of the photos on the internet have been digitally enhanced to a brighter shade of purple than you can realistically expect!
At the centre of the lavender labyrinth is a stone circle bordering a beautiful herb garden.
It helps to know your herbs (or get a map from the market!)
We don’t know anything about herbs, and honestly we hardly recognised any of the plants. However, they were pretty, and sweet-smelling, and home to an impressive number of bees. We were slightly envious of the way people around us seemed to be able to identify all the herbs; later we found out that a map is available from the market to help people identify the plants as they walk around. Next time we visit, we’ll be more prepared!
As if the beautiful labyrinth and herb garden weren’t enough, there’s also a little rock garden with painted stones; a fun addition to the area.
Don’t forget the farm shop!
After we’d finished wandering among the lavender and herbs, we spent some time in the gift shop that sells a variety of Michigan-made products, including clothing (t-shirts and hoodies, mostly), lavender-related gifts such as lavender soap and lavender honey, jams, tea, Michigan-inspired jigsaw puzzles, photo holders, mugs, and so much more! There’s also a wide range of freshly-made baked goods, including wonderful cherry turnovers! If you’re looking for fresh fruits and vegetables, you’ll find a selection here too.
We enjoyed the chance to sit at one of the tables outside and relax for a while in the beautiful weather and peaceful surroundings. Our visit was perhaps a little late in the season, so next year we’ll make an effort to get there around mid-July – but we’re confident that even if the lavender can’t be in full bloom for the entire season, there will always be something that will make Cherry Point Farm and Market well worth a visit!
Cherry Point Farm and Market is located at:
9600 W. Buchanan Road
Shelby, Michigan 49455
Admission to the labyrinth and herb garden is free. The lavender is in bloom annually mid-late July, with the color lasting into August.
