Our Local Vendors – Full Circle Lavender Farm
Joe Adams had always been interested in horticulture, so when he moved back home to his parents’ farm in Maple City a few years ago and pondered what he could do with an old hops field, growing lavender came to mind. His neighbors grew lavender and encouraged the idea, even helping him to yank out all the old hops poles and offer lavender-growing advice. Now Joe is growing 2500 healthy, productive lavender plants on two acres, from which he produces numerous products including essential oil, hydrosol, lavender bundles, sachets, and lavender honey and jam.
Joe says that there are about 47 species of lavender, with around 450 varieties. At their farm they grow five varieties. Three are English Lavender: Munstead, Royal Velvet, and Hidcote, and two are French Lavender: Grosso and Phenomenal. They use the English lavender for edible products and the French lavender for non-edibles.
One reason Joe chose lavender is because it’s relatively easy to grow. Lavender, which is native to the Mediterranean, is pretty hardy once it gets established but proper care and maintenance go a long way. He planted them on an elevated mound a little above ground level, gives them a light pruning in the spring and a heavy pruning in the fall, and keeps weeds and grass low around the plants to ensure good airflow. Lavender does not require irrigation and is drought tolerant, a huge bonus. “I haven’t watered them since I planted them,” Joe said.
Another great feature of this wonderfully scented perennial is its longevity. Joe continues to acquire knowledge about growing lavender and learned that the plants can live up to 30 years in the right conditions.
Summer is an incredible time to be at the farm when the lavender is in full bloom. “The plants are alive with bees. The sound they make is amazing,” said Joe. The scent of the lavender wafts everywhere, and even his neighbors can smell it. “They told me they felt so relaxed while working outside!”
Right now Joe sells his products at Oryana, the Lakeview Hill Farm store, and at a few summer markets. He plans to make new lavender products and grow his business. His short term goals include finding a few more retail outlets and working on 10 new products. In the long term Joe is planning for the farm to be his full time job. (When he’s not farming, you can find Joe stocking shelves at Oryana.) He plans to diversify the farm by also growing blueberries, strawberries, and a few other crops for the farm stand.
You can purchase Full Circle Lavender Farm products at Oryana. Or visit the farm stand in the summer. www.fullcirclelavender.com