LAVENDER is a unique plant with qualities that help it survive in Montana’s harsh climate, and one farm in Lakeside has been successful in farming it for two decades.
“When I started this, I wanted to be a little lady walking in my lavender garden. And here I am, this little lady walking in my lavender garden. So how lucky am I?” said Purple Mountain Lavender owner Deb Davis.
Davis of Purple Mountain Lavender is celebrating 20 years of her lavender farm in Lakeside.
“I think the most important part is to get in there and get your hands dirty, be with the soil, and smell the different scents of the different varieties of lavender. It’s really an amazing plant and you can do so much with it,” said Davis.
Purple Mountain Lavender is a working farm with over 1,500 lavender plants of 35 different varieties. Davis and her husband offer tours of the lavender farm, classes, and a retail store.
“I think what inspires me is that when people come up, they’re friendly, positive, they love lavender. So socially, it’s great to see them meet other people on the tour or in a class. It’s a chance for them to relax,” said Davis.
The tours offer a chance for people to see the beautiful lavender and learn from a pro how to successfully grow lavender.
“So, you’ll get a chance to smell them, see all the different colors, lengths of the stems, smells, and decide which one is the best depending on your preference,” said Davis.
While farming the lavender only takes place during the summer, Davis uses the winter months to make products that she sells at the farm, online, and to local vendors in Montana.
“It’s been a journey for us, and it keeps going. When we open up during this short period, I just meet marvelous people like all of you, and it’s all good,” said Davis.
Purple Mountain Lavender is an environmentally friendly farm that does not irrigate because lavender is a drought-resistant plant. They do not use fertilizer and use eco-friendly packaging for their products.
“Once you get it started, it’s a very hardy plant. It can endure our winters and heat, but agriculture is tough. I have so much respect for anyone in farming,” said Davis.
Davis’s love for lavender is immense, and her dedication to teaching others makes for a fun, educational Montana experience. Like any Montanan, she encourages people to get outside.
“Get your hands dirty. Go out there and plant a flower, you know do something, be outdoors and enjoy being here,” said Davis.
Visit https://purplemountainlavendermontana.com/ to learn more about Purple Mountain Lavender.
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