NILES — Summer is just around the corner and small light purple shrubs, with grey-green leaves and long flowering shoots, are blooming as Shades of Lavender Farm in Mattawan prepares opens to the public.

Janene Rawlinson of Shades of Lavender Farm shared her journey to lavender farming and information about the uses and benefits of lavender at the Cass District Library Howard Branch Monday evening. Shades of Lavender Farm opened to the public in July 2018 and provides u-pick lavender and essential oil distillation demonstrations. The farm also provides a source of pollinator plants for bees that include a field of wildflowers and of course — lavender, Rawlinson said.

“It’s all Scott’s fault,” said Rawlinson as she began to tell us how her and her husband, Scott Rawlinson, began their journey of growing lavender.

The two bought land to build their dream home and ended up buying more land than needed. Rawlinson, a dental hygienist, began researching what they can grow in full sun and sandy soil, and lavender sparked the most interest for the couple.

“There are so many benefits and uses for lavender — that’s why it really stood out to me,” Rawlinson said.

Fast forward to summer 2019, the couple has well over 400 lavender flowers on their farm. If one were to visit the Shades of Lavender Farm, they would see the farm shop the couple built last year. The farm shop is where the Rawlinsons sell their products. It includes a certified kitchen where foods are made with lavender, along with a distillery that makes essential oils. In this building visitors can watch and experience how to make the products that the farm sells.

When customers head out the back door, they will be led right to the lavender field where the magic happens, Rawlinson said.

“I love to watch how things are made, so I wanted our customers to be able to see how the products their buying are created,” she said.

Lavender is a Mediterranean herb that offers several benefits, according to Rawlinson. Lavender encourages healing of minor burns, helps sinus congestion, encourages sleep and relaxation and is a culinary herb that enhances the flavor of sweet and savory dishes.

Studies are beginning to show that lavender can help calm and create a focus for those with ADD and ADHD and lavender essential oils may be effective as an antibacterial.

The farm is open now and offers hands-on classes on cooking with lavender, make and take lavender bath fizzies, sugar scrub making and more. As June and July approach, the farm will have u-pick lavender days where the public is encouraged to come out and wonder the lavender farm while picking lavender to take home.

“Shades of Lavender is a dream come true,” Rawlinson said.

Shades of Lavender Farm is located at 47222 24th St., Mattawan. The farm is open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Wednesday and from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.  Friday through Saturday. For more information regarding classes and u-pick dates, visit shadesoflavenderfarm.com or call (269) 668-5267.