Tucked into the rolling hills of Warner, New Hampshire, Lavender Fields at Pumpkin Blossom Farm has become a destination for nature lovers and lavender enthusiasts alike. However the journey from a quiet vacation home to lavender haven wasn’t only about entrepreneurship; it was rooted in a deep desire to share something meaningful with others.
The idea for the lavender fields took shape in the most unlikely of places: a hospital rooftop. During her sister’s cancer treatment, co-owner Missy Biagiotti found solace in the Healing Garden at Dana Farber Cancer Center. “As I sat with her in the Healing Garden…I could see the field in my mind and knew it could bring the same healing benefits to many,” she recalled.
Inspired by that vision and backed by the encouragement of her husband Mike — who simply said, “Go for it” — the couple, along with their three children, planted their first 2,000 lavender plants in 2019. They opened to the public the following summer, at a time when people were craving fresh air and connection. The response was immediate and heartfelt. “We welcomed thousands of visitors our first summer and did our best to prepare,” she said. Today, over 10,000 lavender plants bloom along their sun-drenched hillside.
Lavender: A Symbol of Community
Choosing lavender was both a practical and emotional decision. “It’s a magical herb that has an overwhelmingly positive effect on calming the nervous system,” she explained. Its therapeutic properties aligned perfectly with her vision of creating a restorative space. The lavender-growing community made the path even more inviting.
“Lavender farmers share a truly genuine spirit…it’s a supportive, collaborative community,” she said. With advice and support from a fellow grower in Maine, she found herself pulled into a network of people who understood that lavender wasn’t just a plant — it was a way of life.
Rooted in Local History
The property itself has a story to tell. Long before lavender took root, the land was home to a series of transformations. It has been a boarding house during the Civil War, a horse farm, a catering venue, and even the manufacturing site for Warner Wood Stoves. Its evolution reflects a legacy of gathering, celebration, and resilience — qualities that now infuse the lavender fields.
“When my husband and I purchased the property as a vacation home in 2007, I could imagine family gatherings and sharing it with others,” Missy said. “It’s a special place that deserves to be shared.” Even as the farm transformed, they kept its original name — Pumpkin Blossom Farm — as a nod to its layered past.
A Sanctuary for Visitors
Guests don’t just come for the flowers, they come for the feeling. Many visitors describe the farm as their “happy place,” a phrase that has become increasingly common in customer messages and guestbook notes. “Visitors overwhelmingly say that they feel a sense of peace when they arrive – like coming home,” she shared.
Opening during the summer of 2020, just as COVID-19 restrictions began to ease, the farm became a safe space for people reentering the world. “It was a profound experience for many, after little contact with nature, to be sitting among the blooms on our hillside.”
Since then, the farm has developed a devoted following, “a small but mighty army of raving fans”, who return for seasonal events and online products that carry the scent and spirit of the farm into their daily lives.
Purpose in Every Event
More than a beautiful setting, the farm is intentionally designed to promote well-being. “Everything we do here at the farm – events, classes, products – is centered around our goal of creating a sense of calm within,” she said.
Workshops and classes are crafted to provide both immediate relief and long-term tools for managing stress. It’s a place where visitors are encouraged to unplug, reconnect, and breathe. “People need it more than ever,” she emphasized. “The events are also a way to create a sense of community that makes people feel at ease.”
Missy adds, “Having a passion is great — but when passion and a true purpose collide — you feel unstoppable.”
Harvesting the Old-Fashioned Way
Unlike many modern farms, harvesting at Pumpkin Blossom Farm is still a hands-on, labor-intensive process. Each stem is carefully cut in the morning, before the heat evaporates the oils, then bundled and hung to dry in the barn loft. “There is no big machinery used,” Missy shared.
The farm’s popular U-pick events each July invite the public to take part in the harvest. The celebration turns what could be a tedious task into a joyful community event. “It’s a win-win for our tired staff and our guests.”
Products That Preserve the Plant’s Spirit
Though the farm now sells dozens of lavender-based products, some of the simplest remain the most meaningful. “I love any product that highlights our lavender in its purest form,” she said, naming sachets, scrunchies, and seatbelt pillows filled with their own buds.
“The essential oil is trapped inside the buds and to activate the smell, you simply give it a little squeeze… it’s truly nature’s gift.”
Partnering for Community Wellness
True to its mission, the farm frequently opens its gates to groups in need of rest, healing, and mental clarity. From wellness retreats for mental health counselors to teen-focused transition days, these quiet gatherings are some of the owner’s favorite moments. “These are the days that really help me to stay energized about the work we do.”
The events allow Missy and Mike to see, firsthand, the impact of the space on those who need it most. “I feel a sense of pride when I see people leave refreshed and relaxed, armed with a few new tools to combat their stress and anxiety.” she said.
What’s Next for the Farm
With products now in over 50 retail locations and more in development, the farm’s reach is expanding. However, the family remains grounded in their mission. “Although we want to grow as a business, we don’t want to disrupt the peaceful oasis of the farm,” she said.
Her son, a recent business school graduate, is now involved in the farm’s growth, helping shape the next chapter. “We have some exciting new products that we can’t wait to introduce,” she said. “I once joked that I was on a mission to make lavender the next pumpkin spice – but it doesn’t seem like a silly notion anymore.”
About Lavender Fields at Pumpkin Blossom Farm
Built in 1790, this Warner, NH property has always been a place of gathering . It was originally a boarding house during the Civil War, later as a horse farm, wedding venue, and manufacturing site for Warner Wood Stoves. In 2007, it became a family retreat, and by 2020, a working lavender farm welcoming guests from across the region.
The farm spans 14 acres and now features over 10,000 lavender plants in four varieties — Phenomenal, Sensational, Exceptional, and Big Time Blue — all hand-harvested and lovingly tended. From its thoughtful products to its tranquil events, Lavender Fields at Pumpkin Blossom Farm continues to grow. Guided by its mission to share the peace, beauty, and healing power of lavender.
To learn more about Lavender Fields at Pumpkin Blossom Farm, visit their website at pumpkinblossomfarm.com.
