A lavender farm in Ojai

OUR STORY

Frog Creek Farm, located in the Upper Ojai Valley, was named for the seasonal creek on our property running next to our lavender field. This creek is inhabited by numerous frogs and toads. Each evening starting in "Froguary" we are bathed by the sounds of various croaks, ribbits and calls.

We planted our first lavenders (Lavandula angustifolia) in 2004 without a full vision of what lied ahead. Our desire was to plant drought tolerant perennials that would out compete the weeds and add some beauty to the land. Once established the bloom was so beautiful we felt a need to share it with others. In preparation of opening the farm, we converted our lavender drying shed into a shady spot for visitors to escape the hot summer sun. In our "shop" guests can learn more about the varieties of lavender we grow, and the various uses of the lavender we harvest.

With all major upgrade projects behind us, in 2014 Frog Creek Farm Ojai was born. Recently, in the Spring of 2023 we cultivated an additional 250 plants in a plot of land adjacent to our legacy field. Between the two fields we have now have five varieties of lavender: Lavandula x intermedia Grosso, Lavandula x intermedia Provence, Lavandula angustifolio Hidcote, Lavandula angustifolio Royal Velvet, and Lavandula angustiffolio Miss Katherine.

Since 2014, we’ve had the privilege of welcoming a diverse array of visitors to Frog Creek Farm. They have come from States and continents all across the country and planet. We have watched pregnant partners return with their babies and then year after year with their growing children. We have witnessed heart-felt matrimonial requests and joyful exchanges. We have openly shared our knowledge and understanding of these medicinal plants. 

What has been most important to us has been the ability of our little plot of land to provide a sanctuary of peace and calm to visitors escaping what too often can be a stressful and tumultuous world. When this happens, we can physical see and feel it unfold. With dozens of people in the field their worlds become both great and small. Their pace of life and breathe slows. Their mind’s quiet, stresses are momentarily forgotten. They are together as a group, but alone with their private experiences. They appear to be foraging, but not for food. Instead, they grasp for a those unique moments in nature when something deep stirs within us. A hush settles in, but their observations are sharp.

Couples become transfixed on a bee moving from corolla to corolla. Families and friends capturing a photo of loved ones that will last for generations. Many visitors find themselves closing their eyes to better hear the hum of the pollinators, the call of a nearby warbler in the trees, red-shoulder hawks high above, or a gentle breeze moving the plants. These “Ah-Ha” moments are not a given, but when achieved they are irrefutable. When these experiences occur, the visitor is changed. Also, our fortunate decision to create and care for this plot of lavender is once again affirmed.

If you plan on visiting Frog Creek Farm Ojai hats, closed-toe shoes and a camera are all that's needed. We provide baskets, scissors and twine to help gather and arrange your lavender bouquets.

Discolsure/Disclaimer Statement 

Frog Creek Farm Ojai is a working farm and animals, insects, reptiles, and birds may be encountered while voluntarily visiting the farm. Precautions should be taken to avoid potential encounters. For example, if you are allergic to bee stings, please take all necessary precautions to ensure your health and safety. The farm is rustic and offers mulched pathways. Closed toe shoes are reccomended. We are not wheelchair accessable and have no ramps, but we are happy to bring you products from the farm to your car. Visitors to the farm may freely elect to harvest lavender with sharp tools, (e.g., scissors). Frog Creek Farm Ojai and its owners assumes no responsibility for any harms, damages, injuries, losses or liabilities incurred by any persons or pets who visits, engages or transacts with Frog Creek Farm Ojai and its owners, or resulting from the actions of Frog Creek Farm Ojai and its owners.