About Lavender Hill Farms

Acquired in 2003 by Linda and Roy Longworth, the property has been groomed for lavender production. After traveling the world visiting lavender farms and studying growing techniques, the Longworths were delighted to discover that lavender thrives on the 45th parallel in both the northern and southern hemispheres.

Incredibly, Lavender Hill Farm, near Horton Bay, Michigan (Yes, Hemingway Country) also lies on the 45th parallel. Additionally, the natural limestone deposits common in the Great Lakes region provide the soil with an ideal Ph of 7 out of the 6 to 8 recommended for growing lavender.

So perfect is the soil and climate on the farm, that the first plantings settled in beyond expectations. The farm currently has over 5500 plants of 25 different varieties with plans to increase the fields each year.

The Longworths originally planted lavender as food for their honeybees. Soon after, they acquired an appreciation for the essential oil distilled from the flower. After the bees have had their fill of nectar and pollen, the lavender is still gorgeous, fragrant and full of therapeutic oil. Lavender Hill works to find uses for all parts of the plant.

Lavender Hill lavender is grown without SPRAYS, pesticides, or herbicides in the most pristine environment possible for this most essential herb. This is accomplished by covering the fields with weed barrier cloth which has the added benefits of preventing weeds which battle with the lavender for nutrients, keeping the soil warm, reducing drying from the winds, and yielding a clean product for culinary and craft use.

Local artisans create the sachets, linens, spa pillows and other gifts found in our lavender shop. Our all natural goats milk soap with lavender, and the LAUNDRY BAR are made by the locally owned and operated family business, “SOAPS ‘N SUCH”.

In September, 2009, the Longworths will attend the 1st International Lavender Conference at Cambridge, England. They are eager to learn from other growers, including Tim Upton and Susyn Andrews, authors of “Lavandula”. The meeting is being hosted by Cambridge Botanical Gardens. This will be a great opportunity to present information about the lavender industry developing in Michigan.

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