Down by the River Lavender Farm

Beth Hammerberg’s husband, Jason, had been growing and selling lavender at his school’s plant sale when the couple, both Agriscience teachers, started planting lavender in their yard in 2014. They chose lavender “because it is fire-wise and drought tolerant”, says Beth. In 2016, when they started to realize how much lavender they were putting in the ground just to fill their front yard, they decided to try lavender farming. Beth reflects, “lavender farming seemed like a fun and natural fit given our backgrounds and interests.” Their 3000 plant farm now consists of several varieties including Buena Vista, Super, Riverina Thomas, Pacific Blue, Alba, and Munstead. 

The name of their farm has layers of meaning for the couple. When Beth began asking for farm name ideas from her coworkers and friends, someone suggested “Down by the River Lavender” and Beth and Jason both loved it. Given their river vista it is a fitting name, but there’s more to it. Since the couple also both really enjoy the Chris Farley sketch where he refers to living in a van down by the river, their farm name has a personal humorous aspect to it as well. One of these days Beth says she might spring for a bright purple van and park it out front! While their farm is not open to the public Beth does offer wreath-making classes at wineries and other farms.

The farm, which is 95% farmed by Beth, has expanded into a business offering hand-crafted products she makes using her fresh lavender and farm-distilled lavender essential oils. “I have kind of taken the adventure and continued to run with it while Jason mostly stays in the background and is supportive of most of my crazy ideas!” muses Beth. Traveling to markets May-October, selling via consignment in a few local stores, and wholesaling add to her online market presence. Wholesale items include fresh and dried lavender, soaps, lotions, bath bombs, hydrosol, and ‘Super’ (lavandin) essential oil. While her favorite product to make is fresh wreaths, Beth says her favorite use for lavender is to apply the essential oil directly to insect bites. She reports there is a spider that lives in her lavender that has a whopper of a bite for which the lavender EO helps reduce swelling (it works well on hornet stings as well).

Asked for her best lavender tip, she states that their big lifesaver was to buy an inexpensive auger that fits on a cordless drill to speed up planting preparation. Beth also suggests getting kids/grandkids to help you plant, although she cautions that you have to hide the varieties you’re not ready to plant so the rows don’t get mixed! On the topic of varieties, like most lavender farmers who grow more than a handful of varieties, Beth expresses difficulty when asked to choose a favorite. After some thought, she settles on Riverina Thomas which she refers to as “Tommy Boy”, solidifying her sense of humor in another nod to Chris Farley (title of a 1995 film in which Farley starred). Beth, be sure to let us know when you park that purple van out front!