The sun is high in the blue sky as you walk toward row after row of healthy purple buds bursting with fresh and comforting floral scents. Bees have gathered in abundance around these rich blooms that belong to over 2,200 lavender plants, which you can tell have been tended to with much love. Lush, green trees tower overhead on the six acres, providing some relief from the sun. These trees house majestic birds such as eagles, owls, and hawks, making this location perfect for birdwatchers.
You turn your head and notice the cutest barn animals in a petting zoo, which include goats, sheep, turkeys, ducks, chickens, and rabbits. Running toward you is the happiest golden retriever you have ever seen, tongue lolling out of its mouth and ears flopping every which way. This is the most relaxed you’ve felt in a while, and this is Laurel Lavender Farm.
Photograph by Heather Lopez Photography
The farm was founded in 2017 by Bruce and Karen Duim, who noticed a lack of lavender farms in Whatcom County. Bruce has been living in Whatcom County his entire life and has always had a special interest in plants, while Karen grew up in Eastern Washington and found herself in Whatcom County in the late ‘80s. As the lavender farm has been open for almost a decade, the couple has found a natural rhythm amongst themselves, splitting up the various tasks on the farm. Bruce focuses on growing his vegetable garden and the website, and Karen is the mastermind behind the products sold in their on-site lavender shop.
“I had taken soap classes way back and enjoyed it. Then I went to a seminar on handmade products for like five days back East, learned a lot, and decided what I wanted to make,” says Karen.
Photograph by Heather Lopez Photography
Now, the farm sells everything lavender-themed that you could ever desire: lavender jelly, English lavender scone mix, lavender lemon pepper, lavender bar soap, lavender hand sanitizer, and lavender essential oils, for example. These are made by the couple out of the lavender they grow themselves.
“First, we grow the lavender, then we harvest it, and then, depending on what we’re making, we either dry it or make essential oils right away. Depending on the weather, it takes about four weeks to dry out, and then it’s ready to be used in things like the tea,” says Bruce.
Photograph by Heather Lopez Photography
There are no other employees besides the couple, although they love taking in WWOOF-ers for some extra hands from time to time! The Duims also offer many different classes to the public. These include a watercolor class taught by Dannie Mae Designs, a wreath-making class taught by Cheyanne Charroin, and a felting class taught by Sarah Lane, a local artist. Not only that, but they are planning on hosting their first-ever festival on July 11–12 from 10 a.m.–7 p.m. The festival will contain 16 colorful vendors-the first 200 lavender bundles are free for WECU members! 5842 Braeside Lane, Ferndale, 360.820.9340, laurellavenderfarm.com
