OUR LAVENDER FARM



Welcome to Petoskey Farms’ own purple paradise! Our lavender fields stretch across the hills just beyond the patio, nestled next to our thriving vineyard, and offering a breathtaking view of the magnificent Joy Valley—one of the most stunning vistas in Petoskey!


WHY LAVENDER?

During their 10-year wedding anniversary trip to Hawaii, Andy and Tracie visited a lavender farm, where they discovered a deep appreciation for the flower—not only for its visual beauty but also for its relaxing attributes, both in bloom and in various products.


The Roush family has always been captivated by the breathtaking beauty of their farm and the surrounding views. Inspired by this natural wonder and a desire to enrich the experience of their visitors, they chose to diversify the farm once again by planting their own lavender fields.

In the late summer of 2019, we planted two fields with five different lavender varietals, totaling over 2,000 individual plants, adding a burst of color and vibrance to the landscape.

The Essence Purple blooms earlier than the other varietals, producing beautiful, full bouquets. The Grosso, on the other hand, blooms later and has longer flowers, lending its bouquets a more elegant, refined appearance.

Fast forward to the early summer of 2024, plans and preparation for more lavender fields were realized...

...and we planted two new fields with five different lavender varietals, totaling approximately 936 individual plants. We selected these varietals based on their flower yield, which results in a higher oil concentration, as well as their striking visual appeal. When they bloom, these new varietals will display a beautiful mix of pink, white, and purple hues! In total between the four fields, we have nearly 3,500 lavender plants.

To make the most of our abundant fields, we invested in a lavender still from Portugal, which allows us to produce essential oil and hydrosol (lavender floral water).

HOW DOES IT WORK?

First, we fill the bottom with water and seal the tall column on top...

Then we fill the column to the brim with freshly harvested lavender...

Next, we apply heat to the bottom pot, causing the water to evaporate. The rising vapor passes through the flowers in the column, extracting essential oils as it goes. This oil-and-water vapor then travels through the tulip at the top of the column and into the coil, which is connected to the condenser. The condenser, filled with cold water, cools the vapor, allowing it to re-solidify into a liquid...

This liquid flows into the oil separator, where the essential oil and hydrosol naturally separate. The lighter oil rises to the top and flows out to the left, while the heavier hydrosol settles at the bottom and flows out to the right. This process allows us to collect both in separate vessels, from which we then bottle each one.


Lavender essential oil and hydrosol offer an enchanting array of uses, each brimming with a multitude of soothing and restorative benefits.


Delight in the soothing power of essential oils by infusing your space with their calming essence through a diffuser, or indulge in the luxury of a tranquil bubble bath with a few delicate drops. Known for its serene and calming properties, lavender oil invites you to explore its many enchanting uses—let your curiosity guide you to discover the perfect ways to enhance your own moments of peace and relaxation.


Hydrosol is cherished by many for its versatility, serving as a gentle guardian against mosquitoes, a purifying antiseptic for cuts, burns, and scrapes, a refreshing mist for the air and linens, a dry shampoo and tangle-tamer for unruly hair, and even a natural alternative to deodorant.


We also offer charming bundles, both fresh and dried, to adorn your home with nature's beauty... and delightfully fragrant sachets to infuse your pillow, dresser drawers, or even your car with calming aromas.


We've partnered with Birch n Lavender Apothecary, a local gem, who uses our fragrant oil and buds to create an array of products, including luxurious goat’s milk bar soap, nourishing lotions, and hydrating lip balms

We hope you find as much joy in our lavender views and products as we do. Come visit our farm and take home your own lavender treasures today!


Did you know that July is when the lavender blooms are at their peak? It’s the perfect time to experience their vibrant colors in its full glory!