A St. Johnsbury couple is harvesting more than just beauty from their hillside property. Christy and Kyle Mann started 4M Lavender in 2020 after researching crops that thrive in Vermont's rugged terrain. The farm now grows four varieties of lavender, two culinary and two fragrant, on a hillside in the Northeast Kingdom.
Visitors can walk through the fields and pick their own blooms. The farm stand near the road sells handmade products including lip balms, lotions, body cream, linen spray, soaps, and candles. Restaurants have also reached out for lavender sprigs to use in cocktails.
Christy Mann said she developed a natural bug spray using essential oils that deter mosquitoes, ticks, and black flies. "I enjoy putting out a quality product that people will enjoy," she said.
Kyle Mann said the farm started as a way to make use of their land and offer something unique to the community. Christy Mann acknowledged that some people think they dislike lavender, but suggested the store-bought version often differs from the real thing. "Some things that you've probably been exposed to in stores is not a true lavender smell and I think that makes a difference," she said.
Originally reported by WCAX.
Photo: Monstera Production via Pexels. Photo is illustrative and not from the scene.
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