Hood River Lavender-Our Story
My Wife and I started Hood River Lavender Farms in 2002 as a small test plot of 2,300 plants to see how well lavender thrived in our climate and how well we were to accommodate a relationship with this plant. We had a hot and dry summer, the plants did indeed grow well, and we started playing around with lavender in small little "projects" like wreaths, wands, body mists, etc. We literally fell in love with this plant.
As a master gardener instructor, I embraced the challenge of "cloning" our plants and started reading all the material available on the propagation and tolerances of lavender. I also started creating "relationships" with other lavender growers all over the globe. Their wealth of knowledge was invaluable.
By the Spring of 2004, we were growing 5,000 plants in 40+ varieties. We went to great pains to ensure that the variety of lavender that we got my hands on was in fact the "true" variety, propagated by clone, and not by seed. We also starting distilling our lavender and had our oils tested by MS/GS equipment, and discovered that not only was our climate acceptable to producing high grade essential oil, it was extremely good.
As of this year, 2007, we now grow over 10,000 plants, over 70 varieties (2 morphed varieties that are our own) on 2 farms, and distill over 20 gallons of lavender essential oil from 22 varieties. Some varieties produce AWESOME essential oil, and are used exclusively in our Organic Perfumes. We use only organic methods of feeding, harvest by hand, distill within a couple hours or less of harvest, and virtually "touch" each of our plants to ensure each is producing the very best it can. We have a very stable clientele that await some of our angustifolia (English) varieties of oil from year to year. During harvest time we often are distilling on our U-PICK farm, and encourage visitors to see, and smell deeply the wonderful aroma as the lavender releases its essential oil.
We have embraced the avenue of value-added products on our U-PICK farm which is open from May-Oct, 10-5pm daily. We create/manufacture over 65 unique products from our lavender, including Bath & Body items, Organic Perfume, Culinary Products, Insomnia aids, and much more. Lavender by its very nature is soothing and relaxing, something that is far too often lacking with the pressures and stress of our society. Our essential oils and products aim at helping people relax and deal with day to day stress. These days folks are programmed to structure their schedule to get more & more out of their day. We are telling people just the opposite, take time to slow down, relax, enjoy the “scenery” and the soothing aromatic moments with this beautiful flower.
Our certified organic U-PICK farm has become an Oregon Tourist Attraction that brings thousands onto our farm. We regularly have festivals and in 2007 host our 3rd annual Lavender Daze Festival on July 14th & 15th. With Live Music, 20 Local Craft Artists, instructional craft classes and some of Oregon’s best Wines, it is a popular event for locals and tourists. Visitors can view and tour our scenic Lavender Farm, U-PICK their own lavender bouquets, and purchase lavender products in our retail cottage. Reservations can be made for our patio in the garden for small and intimate luncheons, tea parties, company events, Weddings & Receptions.
What we treasure about all of this is that we have a unique opportunity to introduce the public to this wonderful plant called Lavender. We feel truly blessed to be able to do what our passion is, and love to share it with others.
Diane & Joel Orcutt
Hood River Lavender Farms
3801 Straight Hill Rd.
Hood River, OR 97031
888.LAV.FARM
Tour Groups Welcome