The Sweet Smell of Success at Lavender Hill Farm

Aug. 31, 2014

From sleep aid to superficial skin abrasions, lavender has been the household goto herb for centuries. And for one Boyne City couple, it’s begun to symbolize the sweet smell of success.

 

FRESH FARM

While neither Linda nor Roy Longworth had any farming background prior to buying the land that would become Lavender Hill, they loved to garden and, most of all, felt a sense of urgency upon hearing that the farm property would be sold at auction.

"Township officials knew there was a good chance that the land would become a residential development, and they were hoping to keep it agricultural," Linda Longworth said. "We jumped in with no plan for farming, but a desire to keep the land in its rural beauty."

The Longworths had heard that lavender was in short supply and wondered if it would grow on their new property.

"We tested the soil and found it had the perfect pH of 7, just what lavender requires," Linda Longworth said. "Michigan has limestone in its sandy loam soil, which is necessary for lavender - to have the proper drainage and nutrients."

PLANT POSSIBILITIES

The Longworths learned planting techniques, harvesting skills, and the art of distilling the herbaceous plant’s oils.

They attended international conferences where they compared notes with fellow farmers.

"The number of lavender growers is small, but it is a great group of people who like sharing experiences," Linda Longworth said.

More than 10,000 plants are grown on Lavender Hill Farm, and the Longworths have become experts at making the most of lavender’s many possibilities, while keeping things ecologically friendly.

"By choosing to grow lavender, we were committed to using the plant for the benefit of the area," she said, "so we decided to not use any sprays or fertilizer on the property. Our niche is to grow the best culinary and medicinal lavender possible."

The flower blooms are used for sachets, distilling, and culinary purposes. Some are dried on the stem and used for crafts or in bouquets. The stripped stems are used for fire starters and grilling sticks, adding a beautiful aroma if soaked before cooking, Linda Longworth said.

The couple also works with local craftsmen and outside companies so the lavender can be turned into even more products.

"We have a whole gift shop full of products made from the lavender," she said.

"We are proud of the fact that at least 80 percent of the products are made in Emmet and Charlevoix counties."

LAVENDER LABYRINTH Among the lavender offerings are sachets, lavender goat milk soap, lavender wands, essential oils, lavender teas, and lavender shortbread cookies. Tea, cookies, and lemonade can also be sampled on-site, and guests can also walk the "lavender labyrinth" or pick a bouquet of their own.

The wide variety is all part of the Longworth’s aim to share the beauty and versatility of lavender with as many guests as possible.

"It has been a wonderful experience being on the farm," said Linda Longworth. "We have met so many people from around the country and abroad. Lavender has been the draw, as it is loved by so many."

The farm has also taught the Longworths "many new things," she laughed, and has given them a whole new respect for "the work of the farmer."

"We have learned that nature cannot be controlled, and we have to be very clever to survive the challenges posed by the weather," she said. "The farm has allowed us to become a contributing part of the community, and has enabled us to become a partner in improving the land and making it a healthy environment.

"It is very special."

Lavender Hill Farm is located at 07354 Horton Bay Road in Boyne City, telephone 231-582-3784. Visit them online at www. lavenderhillmichigan.com