Entry No. 59 — the Des Moines file — filed under: hands-on

PepperHarrow Farm

A family-run lavender and cut-flower farm in the Madison County countryside where Jenn O'Neal runs a Botanical Maker's Series. In the perfume workshop you blend three custom fragrances of your own from a curated wall of scent notes inspired by local wildflowers; a separate session puts you behind a copper still distilling your own lavender essential oil. Sessions run on scheduled dates across the summer and fall growing season rather than year-round, and pair naturally with cut-your-own bouquet or sourdough classes.

The move: Drive out past the covered bridges and spend an afternoon blending three custom perfumes from the farm's wildflower-inspired scent wall, then walk the lavender rows together.

📍 Before you go About a 35-mile drive southwest of downtown; workshops run on set seasonal dates (summer/fall) and sell out, so book ahead. Perfume class around $95.

• 📍 Winterset (Madison County)
• 💸 $$
• ⚡ Up for anything
• 🌗 Indoors

Where: 1809 S 4th Ave, Winterset, IA 50273

Hours: Added 2026-06-23 — confirm current hours before you go.

⚠ Seasonal or scheduled — always check before you go.

Plan a visit & invite your people →

Proof: source 1 · source 2 · source 3 · source 4

last checked: 2026-06-23