Nestled in the rolling hills of Dahlonega, Red Oak Lavender Farm is home to more than 20 varieties of lavender, thriving against the odds in Georgia’s clay soil. Host David Zelski explores how founder Tina Duffy turned a love of fragrance into a flourishing family farm—and a destination that smells as good as it looks.

 

Red Oak Lavender Farm

Lavender may be known for its calming scent and pretty purple color—but at Red Oak Lavender Farm in Dahlonega, Georgia, it’s so much more. In this episode host David Zelski visits Tina and David Duffy, who turned their five-acre hillside into a research farm filled with over 20 varieties of lavender.

We’ll learn how lavender can keep deer away, calm your nerves, and even help you sleep. Tina shares how she and her husband grow lavender in Georgia’s tough red clay, with help from bees, a basement full of grow lights—and a squirrel named Skippy. From essential oils to tea blends and spa products, discover all the surprising uses of this hardworking herb.

Take a deep breath, and come along for a relaxing (and sweet-smelling) adventure into the world of lavender.

 

Georgia Grown Logo

 

A Fork in the Road airs Saturdays at noon and Sundays at 6:30 a.m. on GPB-TV. Check your local listings for other replays throughout the week and watch all episodes anytime at GPB.org/ForkintheRoad.  Please download and subscribe to the Fork in the Road podcast at GPB.org/ForkintheRoadpodcast or on your favorite podcast platform.