§ 05 — HERITAGE

A Living Collection

Over Fifteen Years · Recognised By Plant Heritage · Aligned With The National Collection

Heather & Hayloft began with the lavender. For over fifteen years the place has been a working collection of rare varieties — lesser-known cultivars kept alongside the classics so they stay in cultivation rather than disappearing.

A grower seen from behind in the Heather & Hayloft roundel t-shirt — The Old Sheep Fair, Heather & Hayloft, Alresford England, Lavender Growers — carrying a wooden crate of lavender. — [ FIG. 01 ]We Are Growers · The Roundel Tee · Lavender Crate

LB·HER·VOICE

We are growers and distillers first — everything else is filed after.

The roundel reads The Old Sheep Fair · Heather & Hayloft · Alresford England · Lavender Growers. It is the mark we file under: a working site whose store, café and nursery all grew out of the beds.

LB·HER — The Heritage Record

LB·HER·01CultivatingOver fifteen years growing rare lavender varieties on this corner of Hampshire.
LB·HER·02RecognisedThe collection is recognised by Plant Heritage, the charity safeguarding cultivated plants.
LB·HER·03AlignedAligned with the National Collection concept — keeping rare varieties in cultivation, so they are not lost.

A smiling member of the Heather & Hayloft team at the counter, wrapping items in tissue beside a colleague. — [ FIG. 02 ]The Team · Keeping The Register

The people who keep the place are the ones who keep the register: propagating the cultivars, curating the store, preparing the food, and welcoming guests to walk amongst the beds. The work is quiet and constant — and it has been recognised, most recently as Best Lifestyle Store in Hampshire & the Isle of Wight and top five in the UK at the Muddy Stilettos Awards 2025.