HOLDEN, Mass. — For the fourth year, The Farm at SummitWynds is welcoming visitors in for the Lavender Farm Fest, a one-week event showcasing its one-of-a-kind display of 4,000 lavender plants. 

Farm owner Amy Parker began planting lavender at SummitWynds in 2017 with the help of her friends in honor of her late husband Dick Atkins.

Two years prior to the first lavender plants being put in the ground, he was diagnosed with brain cancer and Parker began researching natural remedies for the anxiety he felt. Lavender helped ease his stress, headaches and anxiety. 

In addition, Parker had learned in 2016 that her farm could no longer host weddings, and was searching for a new use for the land. 

The lavender field is a tribute to Atkins as well as Parker's close friend Bobbie Pollitt, who passed away in early 2018. 

"It's very calming, people just enjoy being in it, smelling it, touching it and getting that aroma," Parker said. "It's something you can only do in a lavender field. Have that sense of smell, and especially with the beautiful view here, we're just fortunate that it makes such a nice, serene and tranquil environment." 

The Lavender Farm Fest also features food, drinks, live music, an artisanal marketplace and more.

For details on hours and other events throughout Lavender Farm Fest, visit the SummitWynds website.