lavender
FARMS ON TOUR
DOWN ON THE (LAVENDER) FARM Growing lavender can be a time-consuming, yet satisfying way to live By Mary Powell A riddle: What is a little crazy, loves dirt, is flexible, a risk-taker, creative and a good mechanic to boot? Answer: A lavender farmer, of course.
“Lavender farmers have to be dedicated, resourceful and a little crazy.” Janet and Dan Abbott, Washington Lavender
These are a few of the descriptives lavender farmers here on the North Olympic Peninsula gave when asked about life on the farm and specifically, what it takes to maintain a successful business in today’s agricultural arena. “Lavender farmers better have a good dose of entrepreneurial verve – not quite the attitude of a fighter pilot, but something approaching it,” is what Marcella Stachurski said about the topic. Stachurski should know. Owner of Cedarbrook Lavender & Herb Farm — the first and oldest herb farm in Washington — and passionate about lavender since 1967, Stachurski has just about experienced it all when it comes to growing, selling and making lavender products. “Flexibility, resilience, a positive attitude and a good mechanic or handyman are important as well,” she adds. Cedarbrook is but one of dozens of lavender farms in and around Sequim, formally known as the Lavender Capital of North America®. Five of what are called Heritage Farms will be open for tours during the Sequim Lavender Weekend. Stachurski will have a booth featuring handcrafted lavender and culinary products at Lavender Fair at Carrie Blake Park.
A shared lifestyle
When we think of farming, what generally comes to mind is corn and wheat fields, dairy cows and beef cattle, pigs, and chickens, perhaps a large barn or two, a multitude of farming equipment, all situated on an average of 400 acres or more in the Midwest.
Sequim Lavender Weekend 2014
Now comes nearly the opposite, the picturesque, unique, family owned and managed lavender farms, most a stone’s throw away from our backyards. Average-sized farm, about eight acres, most with the traditional barn, and some, like Purple Haze Lavender Farm, have chickens and even a pair of peacocks. Compared to a 1,000-or-more-acre wheat farm, lavender farming might sound a bit easier. Not true. From planting, harvesting, equipment repair, getting product — whatever it might be — to market, farming is farming. Weeds and more weeds is a common theme among our local lavender farmers. Ridding the rows of lovely lavender plants of nasty unwanted grasses, noxious vegetation is one of the most timeconsuming tasks. “Weeds, weeds, weeds,” was how Marco and Christa Hermosillo, owners of Olympic Lavender Heritage Farm, responded when asked what shocked them most about lavender farming. “With more land comes more weeds, of course, but we’re adapting and have learned a new kind of patience.” Another common theme is the joy of sharing their lifestyle and farm with friends and visitors. This is especially true during the ever-so-busy days leading up to the Sequim Lavender Weekend and Lavender Farm Tour, when fields, gift shops and patios dotted with tables serving up lavender treats are open for all to experience.
Jardin du Soleil owners Jordan and Paul Schiefen concur. “We plan and produce up to a dozen events per year on the farm, including the Lavender Farm Tour, which brings thousands of guests to our farm each day, and the Jungible Music Festival, an outdoor music extravaganza,” Paul said. “We love telling our story and answering the questions of the thousands of annual visitors to our farm.” Over at Washington Lavender, owners Janet and Dan Abbott tell of a typical day at their farm. There, daily life includes a combination of lavender farming and sharing the farm with B&B guests at the George Washington Inn. “The day begins with breakfast, incorporating some form of lavender in
nearly every menu item. Our guests then have the opportunity to enjoy the farm and whatever is happening on that particular day. We answer questions, demonstrate and share our knowledge with our guests. Once our guests head out for the day to explore the area, we spend the rest of the day with farm chores and making products. There is always plenty of work to be done, but we enjoy sharing with farm visitors and guests,” the couple recounts. While lavender farmers share much in common, they are yet a diverse bunch. Both the Schiefens and Hermosillos are raising young children along with managing the farm. As the Schiefens put it, “raising a 4 and 7 year old is a full time job in itself.” The Hermosillos have a 4 and 7 year old as well and said that adjusting to a farming lifestyle has been both fun and challenging. “Creating lifestyle changes and new experiences to move us forward in our family/farm culture took buy-in from all of us and it has been a great ride so far.” The family looks for opportunities where they can continue to be independent and unique, but also grow as a strong family unit. The farm has allowed them to do that. The Hermosillos remind us that anyone who has the desire and tenacity can be a lavender farmer. For example, before buying Olympic Lavender, Marco was a university administrator and Christa a biochemist. “He’s a Democrat, I’m a Republican, he’s a night owl, Sequim Gazette & Peninsula Daily News • 29