Lavender proves lucrative during a tough economy

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By Erica Rush, KCBY News

Story Published: Jul 15, 2010 at 2:57 PM PST

BANDON, Ore. -Whether you like it in a vase, tub or tea cup, lavender is a soothing scent that's in full bloom now.  And one local farmer is making a living on all its essences.

Just South of Bandon lies the Merritt Lavender Farm.  There, a handful of lavender varieties are grown each Summer, producing over 2,500 dried bouquets and as many as 25 different natural products in the gift shop.
    
Owner Sherri Merritt says what started out as a hobby has now become a blossoming business.

"With the downturn in the economy, I think people more than ever are stressed and have a lot of anxiety and lavender is very calming and soothing and it's just a nice pampering thing to do," said Merritt.
    
Cutting off each flower by hand, Merritt says she was a little concerned on what this Summer would bring, due to the extended rainfall we had this Spring.  But luckily, the plants are responding nicely.

According to Merritt, "It's a native Mediterranean plant, but even though we're in a temperate Rain Forrest, it seems to do quite well because we have a lot of sandy soil and it's a little bit slow getting started this year but i think we'll be just fine."

Merritt gives tours of her farm four days a week and you can catch her every Wednesday at the Coos Bay Farmer's Market.  You can contact her at www.lavenderladyfarm.com

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