By Sharon Cohoon, Sunset senior garden writer

There are few lavender farms in Southern California you can even visit, but between late June and the end of July you can not only visit New Oak Ranch in Ojai, California, you can harvest bundles of lavender stems for about what you'd pay for a frappuccino -- $5 for as much as you can stuff into an 8-inch twist-tie. The owners, Bill and Karen Evender provide shears and ties; you the labor, if you can call it that.  

 Even if you're not a crafter, it's a fun thing to do.  It gives you an excuse to plant yourself smack in the middle of 5,000 lavender plants and inhale for all you are worth.

To make the most of the day, pick up picnic supplies in Ojai first and have lunch at the Ranch; there's plenty of shade under the walnut trees. 

And take home some of the Ranch's products.  I recommend the lavender water.  It's lovely sprayed on your pillow just before you go to bed.  Or, if you are as domestic as Martha Stewart, sprayed on your linens before you iron them.  Not much chance of that happening in my house.

For day, hours, and directions, see their website.