Why Lavender?
This is a popular question for lavender growers.
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We have a unique answer: Why not?
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When thinking about how to diversify and grow our farm, we've been advised over and over to think outside of the box; find your niche and do something that sets you apart.
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After finishing my Master's in Education, I turned my focus to the farm. Our, then, 5 year old daughter wanted to plant some herbs in flower pots, so I began to do a little research to determine what would be simple (I do not have a green thumb). I came across lavender and kept reading... and reading... and reading. I decided, I think, this is a feasible crop for our sandy bit of Earth. Now our goal is to generate a harvest at a time of year while other products are growing. And Tim didn't say no. { Lisa }
Spring 2018
Let the adventure begin!
I have purchased my first 18 lavender plants! They are being shipped out Monday, April 30th from Oregon. Thank you, Jered at Goodwin Creek Gardens!
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I have six Buena Vista, six Betty's Blue, and six Grosso cultivars coming. I have a million ideas running through my head! I am excited to get started and anxious of the mistakes that I know I will make.
I also joined USLGA to learn from other growers and network. Being a farmer('s wife) means being a life-long learner. USLGA has connected me to local and national resources and introduced me to some of the nicest, most genuine people.
Summer 2018
Oh my! I am thankful to have only begun with 18 plants! At first I was checking my plants daily... waiting for that first blush of purple. FINALLY! June 3rd I harvested my first mini-bundles from the Buena Vista and Grosso. It almost seemed as if once they started blooming, I could snip a few stems every couple of days. I was very attentive to trimming so my babies could pour their energy into establishing good roots. I nervously watched my Betty's Blue through the remainder of the summer. I finally got a late bundle in September.
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KEY LESSONS LEARNED:
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18 plants can easily be managed without a weed barrier.
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More than 18 plants will require a weed barrier and a weed eater.
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Plant the grass seed between rows immediately after planting lavender.
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Ideally, plant rows 7 ft. wide to fit the lawn mower thru.
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We visited USLGA member, Laurie Hejduk, at Luvin' Lavender in Madison, OH. We spent a couple of hours touring their operation and soaking up their wisdom. So generous, welcoming, and encouraging!
FALL/WINTER 2018
I finished the season with 17 out of 18 plants alive!!! VICTORY!
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I had an incredible opportunity to meet with new grower and USLGA member, Bill Bakan of Maize Valley Winery and Craft Brewery in Hartville, OH. Bill hooked me up with cover for the winter and shared his experience in growing their agri-business and agri-tourism. Valuable advice for making plans to move forward with this lavender adventure!
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I debated covering my littles for the winter. We are in Northeast Ohio, but barely, below the snow belt. We haven't had a lot of snow the past few winters but have had some brutally cold days. The lavender is a bit sheltered with a tree line on one side, a large pole building on the other, and the house and grain bin on one end. Truly, it hasn't even snowed or gotten cold yet. At this time, I have not covered my plants.
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I have placed my call and order to Jered for next May! There are 182 plugs headed my way from Oregon; 62 Buena Vista, 60 Betty's Blue, and 60 Grosso. Time to put on my game face!
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SPRING 2019
Dare we say that 'spring has sprung'?
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I've been working on big little things: puzzling through and going live on the website, debating and resolving to move forward with a Facebook page, sketching out the row layout for this year's plugs, attending an Agritourism conference and soaking it in, AND making plans for our first unofficial lavender event.
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I've also connected with USLGA member Aimee Crane of Bee Loved Lavender in Aurora, OH and have been encouraged through the warm-up WAIT. A little pruning followed with some reflection has me hopeful for the future of this endeavor. I didn't realize I was so impatient!
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Summer 2019
Call me optimistic or overly ambitious- I've yet to decide myself- but, despite the record setting rainfall and nail-biting planting season, I think we're going to be okay. The spring warm-up was almost non-existent and we've had more cool, rain days than toasty, sunny ones.
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At last count, we ended 2018 with 17 of 18 plants alive. Coming out of winter and this spring, we have all six Betty's Blue going strong and four of the Grosso budding. The Buena Vista took a hard hit; zero of the six got green.
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We've added 60 Betty's Blue, 60 Buena Vista, and 60 Grosso. We made 12 rows of 15. The last row is actually perpendicular to the others because of the grain bin...
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KEY LESSONS LEARNED (so far):
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If you're going to use weed barrier, talk to a veggie farmer with the right equipment.
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Just over 10 ft. between rows allows the mower to go up and down and will be nice for different functions/activities in the future.
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No pruning until early, maybe even mid-, May.
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Weed barrier makes a difference!
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Planting in the fall seems to make a difference in NEO.
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As usual, August got dry and toasty! Perfect for the lavender!
The Betty's Blue seemed to almost always have blooms, while the Buena Vista and Grosso was more of a one and done. However, weeding absolutely got out of control! Two rows of Betty's Blue performed phenomenally with weed barrier. The remaining ten rows almost struggled to get above the weeds. Thanks to my brother and dad's professional weed-eating skills, regular trimming between plants was possible- I learned how to use a weed-eater, but it's not safe for the lavender yet. We already bought and plan to put barrier down this fall.
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Fall 2019
I did a nice prune to shape the lavender bushes, cleaned up remaining blooms, and generally started winter prep early in September. Then temps around here hit the 90's. Needless to say, I was able to harvest AGAIN on October 10th. Betty's Blue brought in a nice bundle and I had a small bundle of Buena Vista. Even since the fall prune, my smallest plants have doubled in size and look great.
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Remember how Tim didn't say no? I made contact with our local USDA Farm Service Agency in the spring to ask about specialty programs, insurance, and whatever else might be available to us. Surprise: we were the first to ever inquire regarding lavender in our area. We chose, at the time, to hold off enrolling in anything because we don't have quite enough data at this point and it would still be more cost efficient to cover any losses on our own than to pay for insurance. When Tim returned this fall to report other crops, he handled all of the reporting for my lavender, all 0.1 acres. Team player, right there.
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We have tilled up and down each side of the rows without weed barrier, so that the soil is loose to drop the barrier down and cover edges. And then harvest started. So, now I wait until the fields are done to finish winter prep.
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I also intend to cover all of my lavender bushes for the winter following a hard frost.
Winter 2019/2020
We've had snow and 60 degree temps since the lavender has been covered.
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My end of 2019 numbers are pleasing, to me. But what do I know, I'm still on a hard learning curve. 180 plugs went into the ground at the end of May and 166 were still thriving when we covered for the winter. That's about a 10% loss. I suspect the Grosso, since it took the hardest hit and it is closest to the grain bin, didn't get quite enough sun. Those last couple of hours of the day, as the days shorten, the sun hits to grain bin, not the lavender.
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We covered all but two rows just a day before our first, and only significant, snow fall. I'm happy to report Tim's junk has been my treasure in holding down all of my covers in some pretty strong winds.
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Winter around here means maintenance (Tim's busy ordering and replacing parts all over) and planning.
I have three u-pick dates on the calendar for 2020 and I am working out details for two or three other special lavender offerings for the growing season. Stayed tuned!
I've jumped into an online Lavender Grower's Curriculum offered by Michigan State University with USLGA and Kansas State University to expand my expertise. I am also scheduling visits to other lavender farms for the spring (road trip to Michigan, anyone?).
Most importantly, I have placed my 2020 lavender order. It is my intention to only order to replace 2019 holes and two new cultivars to test in our fields. I am going to test Imperial Gem and Jean Davis in 2020, with the potential to extensively add in 2021. Part of my thinking is to diversify color and available cultivars. The other part is to stagger my planting and expansion so I won't have to replace an entire field all at once: can you imagine the cost to replace and the profit loss while waiting to essentially start over? No, thank you.
Spring 2020
We uncovered the lavender in early April. And then it snowed. In May.
I was THRILLED when we folded up the winter covers to see my plants looked ready for some sun! And needed to be desperately weeded. If you are new to the lavender world: Seriously, PUT THE WEED BARRIER DOWN. It's so worth the time and the money.
May has been rainy, to the point I had to snap a few pictures and send them for review to the experts!
A few of my Grosso had started to turn black. BLACK! In a panic, yet confident root disease was not the issue, I messaged some lavender friends for their insight. Thankfully, a little sun and some nice breezes have dried the bushes up and they are well on their way.
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Just here in the last week of May, my replacements have arrived as well as a few new test cultivars.
We've got Betty's Blue, Buena Vista, Grosso (SCV staples!), Imperial Gem, Rosea (AKA Jean Davis), Sarah, Pacific Blue, Martha Roderick, Melissa Lilac, Phenomenal, Munstead, and Super Blue. Goodwin Creek Gardens and Maize Valley for the win! Side note: I only have one to six of each of the new cultivars I am testing. Not only will I be learning how these new plants perform and adapt in NEO, I will be learning more about the variety itself this year.
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This spring has also resulted in a few concrete options and opportunities to experience Sandy Creek Ventures. We have a few things on the calendar from late June to mid-July. Check out our Events page and our Facebook page for more details! We can't wait to see you!
Summer 2020
It's about to get real!
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New cultivars are in the ground, events are posted and FILLING FAST, and great things are falling into place!
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This past February, I sat down with Maize Valley and Pegasus Farm Country Store & Gardens to create the Northeast Ohio Lavender Trail. This has been a really exciting experience! Check out our Facebook page to learn more!
The Northeast Ohio Lavender Trail recently welcomed Lavender Trails in Orrville, OH!
The summer has flown by despite the challenges Covid-19 wrought.
We were blessed with new experiences and new friends in the lavender field this season. And we're looking forward to repeats in 2021!
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Fall/Winter 2020
Things got quiet, quickly in the lavender field.
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Fall pruning was done in late September; later than last year. But new growth popped nicely in preparation for hardening off for the winter well before our first hard frost.
Covering happened a little bit later than last year, too. We intentionally covered the Grosso and the new test cultivars. We have five rows uncovered this winter; four Betty's Blue and one Buena Vista.
In reflection, the rows not covered in 2019 did amazing in the 2020 season- in size and production. So, *fingers crossed* the Betty's Blue will continue to flourish and my hope is the one row of Buena Vista will demonstrate a significant, positive difference compared to the covered Buena Vista.
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KEY LESSONS LEARNED (this season):
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Each cultivar really, truly has a unique and distinct scent.
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I'm an over-planner (this isn't new so much as a reminder).
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There are A LOT of tech tools out there to get your business and events scheduled (as needed per Covid-19).
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Now in the quiet, I've been de-budding and once again making plans for the next season. At this time, we will not be expanding the lavender field. But, we are going to open the lavender field differently in 2021. We still plan to have U-pick events, guided mediation evenings, and will continue building the NEO Lavender Trail.
The 2021 Season
Spring and fall at SCV looked different in 2021. We now have a soccer player and a horseback rider. Lessons and practices have been added to our routine school and farm schedules.
The lavender field prep timeline in the spring and clean-up procedures in the fall were a little shook up. But what an exciting time to be 'mom'!!
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In addition to learning to juggle the newness in our day-to-day shenanigans, the weather was not cooperative for the 2021 season. We had a wet spring and rained out events.
And yet, harvest was beautiful and bountiful!
Such is the farm life.
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We tried a few things differently in 2021 and are now in full reflection mode.
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We had designated U-pick dates and times and were available for individual appointments.
In 2022, we will keep designated U-pick dates and times. Feel free to contact us for photography or your own R&R time in the lavender field.​
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We utilized Facebook in a new way.
I didn't like it. I thought I was using my time more efficiently, but that strategy lost some of the authenticity we strive for. I've got a new strategy that I will be kicking off in April. Be sure to follow our Facebook page to keep up with the latest.
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SCV hosted a four week Sunset Yoga class.
We were rained out 2 of the 4 weeks. BUT! The class was well received and look for it's return in 2022. We are currently looking to add another yoga class to the calendar for the season. Stay tuned!
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We expanded our harvest drying.
I've mentioned before I like to use the odds and ends around the farm to meet my needs. I had been using an old bedsprings found in the the attic to hang lavender for drying in the house. Our harvest exceeded my drying space- quickly. Our big bank barn has ideal conditions: dry, limited sunlight, good air flow. So, I finagled an old ladder and some spare chain to do the job. The flooring situation is not ideal, but we've got room for improvement.​
I got some new maintenance gadgets!
Tim got tired of my complaining that the weed-eater is too tall for me to maneuver; as in the same height as me and unwieldly. I am now the proud owner of a whole battery-operated system: an adjustable weed-eater, a hand-held hedge trimmer, and a leaf blower. As well as, 4 batteries and 2 chargers to keep me moving along. Harvesting and maintenance time has significantly decreased. AND! My farm engineer also contrived a hitch for our four-wheeler so I can haul the harvest lavender up to the barn for drying.
Did a little lavender professional development.
I virtually attended the Great Lakes Lavender Growers and the USLGA conferences. I also had the incredible opportunity to attend Beagle Ridge Herb Farm's Lavender Academy in Wytheville, VA. What an experience! Ellen & Gregg Reynolds are a fount of knowledge when it comes to growing lavender (and so much more!)! If you are just beginning your lavender journey or need a fresh look at your own operation, seek them out! This trip also allowed me to meet some of my USLGA connections face-to-face from all over the country.
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And now as we close out this year, I am again thinking about the next season!
Sitting on about 220 plants is just enough for me to manage on my own.
Every year Jillian gets more hands-on and isn't shy to step up in the field, but we're not quite ready for the next level.
The 2022 Season
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In agriculture, the only thing you can expect is the unexpected. Tim is very much a "have no expectations and you will never be disappointed" kind of philosopher.
Late 2021 was wet and warm which were not ideal conditions to cover the lavender for winter. Combining the two would have created a molding hot bed; the exact opposite environment for lavender to go dormant and come out healthy in the spring. No worries! People all over the country do not cover their lavender for the winter. Snow is the perfect insulator for dormancy, protecting the plants from ice damage and frigid temperatures.
Unless you live just below the snowbelt and your weather is temperamental, at best. We got a decent snow, that did cover the lavender, but major winds and warm-ups cleared the snow off the top of the plants and opened up air flow to the centers. Followed by sub-zero temps. And so, coming out of a weird winter into a wet spring... we took a 60% loss of our lavender crop. I was comforted in connected with growers all over the region who experienced the same loss.
Our greatest cultivar loss was Buena Vista. This plant has been my least favorite; the stems are not very long or straight, it did not shape nicely like the Grosso or Betty's Blue, and it did not seem to produce at a comparable volume to the other cultivars. But... it was my favorite scent and my first pick for culinary purposes. We also lost quite a bit of our Grosso, but were baffled why some wintered so well under the same conditions. Needless to say, Betty's Blue is still trucking on! It pulls through every time and impresses me.
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I'm always looking for a silver lining; the longer the lavender is in the ground, the easier I am finding the maintenance. Mostly, I have figured out a solid care routine that makes the process smooth and painless. The new tools we purchased in 2021 and our unfortunate crop loss are probably directly related to this reflection.
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Our best maintenance practices, once a week, are to mow between the rows first (this is still Tim's job) and then I weed-eat along the weed barrier of each row. The next lap through the field is with the leaf blower to clean off of the lavender plants and weed barrier. Lastly, I pull weeds among lavender plants by hand. We have 15 rows and I break this up task into chunks, weeding 5-6 rows at a time over a couple of days. I make sure everything is done a day or two ahead of any activities we have planned in the lavender field. I can easily spend 2 or 3 hours working in the lavender field and not even notice the time slip by! I am usually listening to music or an audiobook while I am working.
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Our crop loss also prompted me to considering propagating more seriously. I did the research to determine which of my cultivars are permitted to be propagated because some are patented with exclusive propagation rights. My plans were to get a small green house up and filled when I did fall clean up (using those trimmings as starts for spring planting). But again, I'm still learning to balance being a soccer/horse mom with lavender grower in that fall season. The baby green house was purchased, but not constructed in time for fall propagating. Here's hoping all will come together to propagate in the spring for a late summer planting!
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We continued with yoga in the lavender in 2022, trying a Saturday morning class with my sweet neighbor and certified yoga instructor, Sarah Motts @thisagrariansoul. We had beautiful mornings for our yoga series, but agreed evenings were better received and are planning for evenings in 2023.
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This year I played with easy value-added items, nothing to market just yet. I experimented with making a eucalyptus and lavender wreath, a simple syrup gift set, and blended bundles. The blended bundle was my favorite and once again a happy creation of Jillian's.
I'm just obsessive-compulsive enough that when I make a bundle to dry, I want it to be all one cultivar and I want to label, dry, store, and de-bud it all together as one cultivar. But then along comes Jill, with a bundle of ALL the cultivars in bloom and I love it! The scents blended softly and the color pallet was gorgeous! This. This is why our lavender endeavor is hers as much as it's mine.
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