Debbie & Kevin McQuilkin
We are pleased to introduce Debbie and Kevin McQuilkin who are the owners of Abby Normal Farm, purchased in 2017.
First off: the name – Abby Normal Farm – how did you choose it?
Anyone familiar with one of our favorite movies, “Young Frankenstein,” will readily understand the reference. Definitely recommend the film!
What led you into lavender farming?
In 2017, we were anticipating retirement and moving home to Washington from Connecticut. We began as an alpaca farm. Lavender seemed a good complement to our alpaca products as well as a great option for our long hot summers as a sustainable crop. We put in a test row of six varieties in 2019 to see how they liked it. Things looked good, so we began adding plants each year. We moved back to Washington in 2021, and physically to the farm in 2024. We are still small, with plans to expand now that the dust has settled a bit after building our home here. We are also the proud parents of four children, and grandparents to four!
What did you do before becoming a lavender farmer?
I founded and ran a very successful Special Hockey program for 18 years in Connecticut before moving home to Washington. We taught life skills to children and young adults with developmental disabilities using ice hockey as the catalyst for engagement. I also brought the program to Gonzaga University and helped them start their own program in the School of Education. Both programs still remain strong. I am very proud to have been a part of Special Hockey for so long. It was life changing for me.
Kevin was an investment banker in NYC, now retired and teaching a finance class and mentoring students as the Executive in Residence in the Business School at Gonzaga University.
How many plants do you manage and what cultivars do you grow?
We have 250 plants — still small compared to other farms. But we have plans to expand now that we are here full time. We are growing 10-12 cultivars including ‘Grosso’, ‘Royal Velvet’, ‘Hidcote’, ‘Phenomenal (Niko)’, to name a few. We chose a mix of plants for craft, culinary and oil distillation purposes. I think my favorites are ‘Phenomenal’ and ‘Royal Velvet’, at least at this moment. I’m beginning to branch out as I continue to learn and explore more about cultivars, their uses, and the techniques needed to produce fine lavender products.
What is your favorite product or use for the lavender you grow?
At the moment, I’m loving exploring the culinary cultivars and trying them in breads and other recipes.
What’s your best tip or advice regarding any aspect of growing lavender?
Sometimes a particular cultivar just doesn’t love your land. Dig ‘er up, move it, and try another! My under-performer seems to be L. x intermedia ‘Sensational.’
What forms of marketing or community outreach have you used that may, or may not, have been successful for your business?
I’m just beginning to explore this. I use social media and word of mouth. I go to a few small markets each year and host a few open farm days.
As you reflect on prior farming practices, what is your biggest “regret” or “wish” that you had done differently?
I do often wish I had been able to put in far more plants in the beginning. But, as I learn more, and find my niche, a part of me is glad I don’t have hundreds of plants that I would regret having put in, given my new preferences.
Do you grow anything in addition to lavender? What other products or services does your farm offer?
We raise alpacas and angora goats. They provide us with fiber for beautiful yarns and other fiber products for knitters, spinners and other customers. I also host classes occasionally.
Who helps you with your lavender operation?
My husband and Head Farmhand, Kevin, is a huge help in all aspects of our lavender growing and harvesting. Our son, Colin, and his family live at the farm and provide an enormous amount of help, especially with the heavy lifting around the animals and lavender, making Abby Normal Farm a true family affair. I also use a high school student during the growing season for both lavender and help with the animals.
What outlets do you use to sell your products?
At the moment, I open the farm by appointment, with plans to open more often soon. I have a shop here, do a few small shows and a fiber festival each year, as well as host groups, classes, and open farm days here on the property. Plans for an official website and online shop are in the works.
Anything else you would like to share?
Lavender NW has been instrumental in my lavender journey! I’m grateful for the expertise and willingness to help other farmers and beginners “learn the ropes”. I’m especially fond of the great new friendships I’m forming, and being fairly new to the area, it’s definitely a family I’m very proud and delighted to be a part of. [Editorial note: Many thanks to Debbie for committing her time and expertise as our new Executive Secretary for Lavender Northwest!]
Contact Information:
Abby Normal Farm
13005 S Valley Chapel Road
Valleyford, WA 99203
Instagram: @abbynormalfarm
Facebook: Abby Normal Farm
Phone: 203-554-2752
Contributed by
Carol Stiff
Bald Butte Lavender Farm
Edited & formatted by
Michael Lemmers & Chris Mulder
RavenCroft / Barn Owl Nursery
