Spry Mountain Lavender LLC

Rainier, Oregon

Tiff Pippin

Meet Tiff Pippin, the sole owner and primary caretaker of Spry Mountain Lavender LLC.

How did you choose the farm’s name?

Spry Mountain is a name that’s traveled with me across the Oregon Mountains. When I first chose it, I was someone who rarely sat still and didn’t sleep much, always moving, always restless. The name also comes from an echo of my grandmother’s maiden name, Sprague. I once misheard it as spry, and the word stayed with me. What began as a name for my photography work became something I grew into. These days, it reminds me that being spry isn’t always about speed, but about resilience, patience, and the ability to adapt to where you’re planted.

How did you start lavender farming and how has it affected you?

I’ve grown lavender in different seasons of my life over the years, but this is my fourth year growing it intentionally and on a larger scale. Lavender farming began during a time when I was craving something slower, more grounding, and real. I wanted work that connected me to the seasons and gave me a sense of purpose at the end of the day. Lavender drew me in because of its quiet strength and gentleness, surviving harsh weather, poor soil, and long stretches of waiting. As I learned to care for the plants, I found myself changing too. The work requires patience, presence, and consistency, and it offers those things back in return. Becoming a lavender farmer wasn’t a single decision so much as a series of small commitments that slowly turned into a way of life.

And before lavender?

Before lavender farming, I wore many hats. I worked creatively, with a background in photography and art, and I’ve always been someone who learned by doing. While raising five wild and wonderful children, my work life wasn’t a straight line; it was shaped by curiosity, responsibility, and the need to make things work with what resources I had. Those experiences taught me how to observe details, solve problems, and stay adaptable, all of which quietly prepared me for farming. Looking back, nothing was wasted. Every skill I picked up found its way into how I grow, create, and run Spry Mountain today.

What’s your lavender portfolio currently?

We grow around 1,500 lavender plants representing 13 different varieties. While we enjoy growing and observing a wider range, we focus our products on eight main cultivars that perform especially well for quality and aroma. These include Lavandula x intermedia ‘Grosso’ and ‘Edelweiss’, and Lavandula angustifolia ‘Folgate’, ‘Melissa’, ‘Betty’s Blue’, ‘Buena Vista’, ‘Maillette’, and ‘Royal Velvet’.

Your favorite cultivar?

My favorite lavender cultivar is ‘Melissa’. It grows in a beautiful light pink color and has a soft, sweet aroma and flavor that honestly reminds me of cotton candy; gentle, comforting, and a little nostalgic. What makes it even more special to me is that it was developed right here in Oregon, so it feels deeply connected to the place I call home. ‘Melissa’ isn’t loud or showy; it invites you closer. It’s the kind of lavender that makes you slow down and breathe, and that’s exactly what I love about it.

Favorite use for lavender?

I struggled with cystic acne for years, and lavender hydrosol and essential oil were the first things that truly helped my skin and kept flare-ups away. Lavender didn’t just become a product for me; it became part of my routine and healing. That personal connection is why it remains my favorite way to use it.

Best advice for lavender growers?

Pay attention, and don’t give up. I spend a lot of time with my plants – pruning, observing, and yes, talking to them. Not because it’s magic, but because presence matters. When you’re out there every day, you start to understand what they’re telling you. Lavender is resilient, but it asks for patience and persistence. Some seasons are hard and some plants don’t make it, but showing up consistently and not giving up has been my greatest prescription.

Your approach to marketing and outreach?

My approach to marketing has been very personal and hands-on, much like the farm itself. I rely on word of mouth and social media. I don’t have a big marketing team or formal strategy, so everything comes directly from me — from photographing products to designing labels and writing posts. What’s worked best has been authenticity. People seem to connect most when I share quiet moments, the hard work, and the behind-the-scenes reality of small-scale farming. I’ve learned that consistency is more important than perfection. While I’m still learning and growing when it comes to outreach, the relationships I’ve built feel genuine and meaningful, and that’s what I’m most proud of.

Any regrets so far?

If I have a regret, it’s that I didn’t trust myself sooner. Early on, I spent a lot of time second guessing my instincts and worrying about whether I was doing things “the right way” instead of listening closely to the plants, the land, and my own observations. Lavender has taught me that there isn’t a single formula and every farm has its own rhythm. I also wish I had given myself more patience in the beginning. Farming is slow by nature, and growth doesn’t always show up on a timeline we can control. Mistakes are often the best teachers, and every season adds a layer of understanding. Now I approach the farm with more confidence, curiosity, and kindness towards myself, and that has made all the difference.

Beyond lavender: other offerings?

Alongside the lavender, I keep a large garden with over 33 different herbs and vegetables each year. Growing food and herbs are a big part of how we live and stay connected to the land. My husband Travis grows fruit trees and maintains a full greenhouse, where he cultivates an incredible jungle of houseplants. He also takes care of a 29-year-old jade plant that’s as old as our relationship, a living piece of our shared history.

Farm access and products?

Although the farm is currently closed to the public, Spry Mountain offers a line of small-batch lavender products crafted from our own plants, including essential oil, hydrosol, and seasonal goods. I currently sell my products through my own website as well as on Etsy. Looking ahead, I hope to open the farm on a limited, basis as a photography location for local photographers – a space for family portraits and floral sessions.

Farm help?

For the most part, it’s just me out there. I handle the planting, harvesting, product making, labeling and all the day-to-day work that keeps the farm running. My husband is a welding foreman and often works long stretches – sometimes seven days a week, twelve hours a day – but during distillation season he sets designated time after work to help at the still. It’s very much a small, hands-on operation built with a lot of dedication and teamwork when it counts

Reflections & closing thoughts?

I’d like to say how deeply grateful I am for the lavender community. Farming can feel very solitary at times, especially when you’re doing most the work yourself, but this community has reminded me that I’m not alone in it. The shared knowledge, encouragement, and generosity among lavender growers means more than I can easily put into words. Being a part of this larger network has given me confidence, perspective, and a sense of belonging. It’s a quiet but powerful reminder that even when we’re working our own small pieces of land, we’re connected by the same love for these plants and the work they ask of us.