About
Biography and History
Lavender Fresh Farm in Fresno, CA was founded April 1, 2021. Founder and owner Richard Gillispie was inspired to create a lavender farm to feed his honeybees. In his research to grow the best lavender, he learned that growing lavender could be fun and that lavender could be used for more than feeding honeybees. He enrolled in college level lavender courses and read research papers on lavender... and as his knowledge of lavender grew, so did his ideas on what a lavender farm could be. The family, including Richard's nephew Randall, have turned 4 acres of their land to lavender and honey, with plans for more in the coming years.
As Richard's plantings of lavender expanded, so did the excitement spread throughout the family. Richard’s wife Vada along with their three children and their families began working in the fields and also experimenting with making lavender products. The family distills our quality essential oils on the farm in copper stills. Our dried bouquets are hung in our drying shed straight from the field. We de-bud our dried culinary lavender and craft lavender with a 3 tray shaker to clean them of dust and leaves. Friends and family are making teas, cookies, soaps, lotions and more using our oils and buds all available for sale on our website and in our farm store. This truly is a family owned and operated farm with 3 generations actively involved in making Richard's dream a reality.
As Richard's plantings of lavender expanded, so did the excitement spread throughout the family. Richard’s wife Vada along with their three children and their families began working in the fields and also experimenting with making lavender products. The family distills our quality essential oils on the farm in copper stills. Our dried bouquets are hung in our drying shed straight from the field. We de-bud our dried culinary lavender and craft lavender with a 3 tray shaker to clean them of dust and leaves. Friends and family are making teas, cookies, soaps, lotions and more using our oils and buds all available for sale on our website and in our farm store. This truly is a family owned and operated farm with 3 generations actively involved in making Richard's dream a reality.
Proud Member
- USLGA, Lavender Northwest
- Certified American Grown
- National Wildlife Federation
Supporter
- CSU Fresno Jordan College of Agricultural Sciences and Technology
- CSU Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry
- UC Master Gardener Program
- Fresno Historical Society
Environmental Policy
Lavender Fresh Farm has always had a strong environmental policy, principally aimed at reducing our impact on the environment.
We currently do the following:
- Compost all biodegradable waste.
- Sterilize/disinfect pots and trays and production beds between each batch of plants.
- Recycle – pots and trays past their life, polythene of all types, metal, cardboard, junk mail.
Lavender Varieties
To learn about the many varieties of lavender we grow please click on "Lavender Species" in the menu at the top of our page. Click on each one for a brief description and pictures of the plants. We are regularly adding more information and more varieties.