From Air Guard to Lavender Fields: The Inspiring Story of Lowe’s Lavender Farm
A New Season Blooms: The Journey of a Canby Lavender Farmer
Tucked away in the picturesque landscape of Canby, Oregon, lies a unique, thriving boutique lavender farm. What began as a quiet hobby and a hopeful retirement plan has blossomed into a full-fledged passion project and small business, cultivated through hard work, dedication, and an unwavering connection to the local community.
📑 Table of Contents
Table of Contents
The Accidental Farmers’ Field
The farm’s founder and sole full-time employee, a woman who brings the same discipline and commitment from her former careers, initially started the lavender business on a smaller property in Aurora, Oregon. However, recognizing the potential for growth and the dream of welcoming the public, the operation relocated to its current, more expansive, nearly five-acre home in Canby.
Today, the farm proudly cultivates over 900 plants, encompassing both true lavender (Lavandula Angustifolia) and lavandin (Lavandula × intermedia). Commitment to natural processes is key; every bit of the lavender is hand-harvested and processed without the use of pesticides or harsh chemicals. The team utilizes a Besel Debudding Machine to efficiently strip the buds for use in culinary products and crafting. In addition, the farm engages in small-batch essential oil and hydrosol distillation, occasionally partnering with a mobile distiller for larger quantities. While an online store caters to orders, the business truly thrives by actively participating in local markets and fulfilling wholesale orders for regional retailers.
The Heart and Hands Behind the Harvest
The operation is primarily driven by its founder (Michelle), who manages the bulk of the intensive labor. Yet, the farm is a family affair, especially when the season shifts into high gear. Her husband, Rick, along with their daughter, son-in-law, grandchildren, and a network of supportive family and friends, eagerly lend a hand—a critical support system during the demanding harvest period.
For 23 years, she dedicated herself to public service as a teacher and school counselor, all while simultaneously serving in the Oregon Air National Guard for almost 16 years. Chronic health challenges, however, forced a medical retirement from both beloved careers, a devastating change that demanded a new purpose. What started as a simple hobby quickly became a new ambition.
The physical demands of lavender farming are significant, but the flexibility allows her to work at her own pace and maintain the sense of contribution she has always valued. Rick, who remains active in the Air National Guard and works as a full-time federal technician, still dedicates time to lend a helping hand, particularly enjoying the science and craft of the distillation process.
Rooted in Knowledge and Community
In the early days, getting the business off the ground required strategic outreach and education. The founder focused on local markets, forging connections with nearby businesses for wholesale and consignment arrangements. She proactively joined key industry organizations, including Lavender NW and the United States Lavender Growers Association (USLGA), and enrolled in extension classes on lavender farming and agritourism through Oregon State University and Michigan State University. These networks and educational pursuits have proven invaluable, providing a continuous flow of knowledge and mentorship from other experienced farmers.
During the peak season (June through July), the days are a whirlwind of activity, a constant tug-of-war between harvesting, product creation, and attending markets. A typical day begins early, around 6 or 7 a.m., with an inspection of the rows to determine what is ready for harvest. The ultimate use—be it for fresh bouquets, culinary purposes, sachets, or essential oil—dictates the precise time to cut each cultivar. Fresh bouquets are either immediately hung in the shop to dry or prepared for fresh sale. The demanding schedule usually stretches until 6 or 7 p.m.
When asked about her favorite aspect of running the business, the founder finds it difficult to choose just one. The harvest itself holds a special magic.
Connections That Define Success
Beyond the peaceful rows of purple, the community connections forged through the farm are another immense source of joy. The lavender has served as a gentle magnet, bringing together countless kind, generous people—customers, fellow small businesses, and makers—over the last five years.
One particularly cherished relationship is with The Butteville Store, Oregon’s longest-running retail establishment, which is owned by the Oregon State Parks Service and managed by Jordan and Cathy Scoggins, who operate their food service company Half Pint Brothers from The Butteville Store. These retired teachers wholeheartedly support the farm by selling its bouquets and incorporating its culinary lavender into their renowned Luna’s Lavender ice cream.
Overcoming Challenges and Looking Forward
The journey hasn’t been without its hurdles. Lacking a formal business background initially presented a significant challenge, necessitating engagement with the local Small Business Administration (SBA) and coursework through the United States Lavender Growers Association (USLGA). The recent move to the new property was also a considerable undertaking, requiring the business to essentially start all over again.
In the highly competitive Pacific Northwest lavender market, the farm strives to stand out through its deep commitment to the local community. As a former educator and veteran, the founder feels that public service is inherently a part of her mission. She is constantly seeking opportunities to give back or uplift vulnerable communities, making this civic-minded approach a defining characteristic of the business.
The short-term focus for the farm is to expand planting and, excitingly, to finally open the grounds to the public for u-cut lavender experiences, classes, and demonstrations.
The long-term vision is even broader: propagating and growing more diverse herbs and flowers for sale and product development, as well as creating a dedicated space for private events. Most passionately, the founder aims to develop a respite space for children and families impacted by cancer. This goal is deeply personal, driven by her grandson’s recent battle with Ewing Sarcoma, an aggressive bone cancer.
Sharing the farm’s peace and beauty with others in need has become a powerful, long-term ambition.
For anyone considering starting their own small business, the farmer offers clear, concise advice:
Last, but not least, a surprising fact reveals the founder’s driven nature that preceded her life in agriculture: she was once a personal trainer and even competed in a bodybuilding competition. It’s a testament to her lifelong commitment to hard work and self-improvement, traits that now serve her well in the fields of Canby.
