ABOUT US
Our foundation lavender plants arrived as cuttings from Isreal, to our favorite Montana growers. From those original plants we continue to propagate from our very best plants. Wild Horse Lavender is now home to 4,500 plants and five varieties of lavender and growing!
Why Lavender?
Its name derives from the Latin root “lavare,” which literally means “to wash.”The earliest recorded use of lavender dates back to ancient Egypt.
During later times, lavender became a bath additive in several regions, including Persia, ancient Greece, and Rome. These cultures believed that lavender helped purify the body and mind.
Since ancient times, lavender has been used to treat many different ailments, including: mental health issues, anxiety, insomnia, depression, headaches, hair loss, nausea, acne, toothaches, skin irritations, and cancer.
Our Home
We truly cannot wait to have you out to the farm!
How did we get here, and why lavender? It’s been quite a ride. We started our agricultural careers as traditional multi-generational farmers, primarily cattle, and alfalfa. We were taught to throw as much into the ground and asked it to give us as much as it possibly could. “Fence-line to fence-line,” is how we were raised. Then about ten years ago we noticed a gap. The ground was tired, and we were tired. We and our fellow farmers were getting older, but there were no young farmers to replace us. “How do we get youth and community involved in the farm?” My husband asked. Intuitively we knew it was going to take a different crop. “What about Lavender?” I said before we even knew if it was a perennial or annual. “You’d better do some research,” my husband said, and the rest is history.
US!
We are a family dedicated to family, and preserving our rural communities and way of life.
Carissa "Farm-mom-trepreneur"
Carissa was raised in the small town of Heber City, Utah, and couldn’t wait to get away from the rural lifestyle. Upon her acceptance to Weber State University, she left to complete her Bachelors in both Psychology and Anthropology. She then moved to Washington D.C., earning her Masters Degree in Public Administration with an emphasis in Non-profit Management, from The George Washington University. During her seven years away from home, her longing to return to the farm continued to call. Her life is now devoted to ensuring the next generation knows the importance of farming. She is now famous, because she is "John's Mom," and enjoys chasing him through the forest on his adventures.
Farmer Bruce & John
Bruce was born and raised in Riverton, Utah and began farming for his father as young as he can remember. His love for the soil runs deep, and his life is devoted to cultivating his crops. He has farmed for Del Monte, (peas, tomatoes) Simplot, (Sugar beets) as well as for himself. On the farm he is the grower of all things, and the fixer of all things. He has enjoyed the individuals that come to the farm to expand their knowledge. The skills he is able to pass down, not only teaches youth about the importance of carrying on the legacy of farming, but prepares youth for the workplace in a way that sets them apart from their peers.
"Nana," Carissa, Farmer Bruce & John
"Nana," aka Karrie is an artist and ultimate farm "Nana." She received a BFA in Painting and Drawing from the University of Utah in 2003. Karrie grew up in the West and has always been attracted to the beauty of her surroundings and is deeply connected to the landscape. She travels and participates in plein air events and juried exhibitions across the U.S. and wherever she may travel. Her travels have taken her to France, Costa Rica, and across country from Upstate New York to California. Karrie’s goal is to create a painting that calls to the viewer to look, then look again.
Fun Lavender Facts from the Farm
Lavender is among the most easily recognizable plants. It’s also one of the most versatile herbs you can grow because it has medicinal, aesthetic, and culinary purposes. Its scent has a calming effect on humans and animals alike, so lavender is used in all stress-relieving items like bubble baths, candles, and eye pillows.
Lavender
The name lavender means “to wash.” Its word origin holds true in the ways that we use lavender today. Because of its clean scent, this herb is an extremely popular ingredient in products we use to bathe, including shampoo, facial cleansers, and hand soap. It’s also used in cleaning products for our homes.
One of the most important lavender facts is it has many medicinal uses too. Lavender can soothe burns, induce sleep, reduce anxiety and stress, and treat aching muscles and joints. Like many other herbs, you can enjoy lavender’s fresh flavor and fragrance in various recipes, including cakes, lemonade, and cookies.
Though it’s popular worldwide, lavender originated in the Mediterranean region, northeast Africa, and southwestern Asia, where it has grown for over 2,500 years. In ancient Egypt, lavender was used during the mummification process to perfume the corpse. On the other hand, the ancient Greeks quickly noticed lavender’s medicinal properties, using it to ease ailments including headaches and indigestion.
During the Black Plague of the 16th century, lavender oil was used to ward off the dreaded disease. Bunches of the plant were also sold in the streets to mask the smell of the dead.
Lavender represents purity, devotion, serenity, and calmness. These themes are often related to the ways lavender is used. Calmness and serenity point toward lavender’s uses in aiding sleep and easing anxiety. Purity is shown through lavender’s use throughout history in cleaning and its associations with cleanliness. A romantic lavender fact is that it symbolizes devotion, which makes it a popular choice for flower arrangements and wedding bouquets.
When you think of lavender, common or English lavender likely comes to mind because it’s the one usually shown on products or grown in picturesque lavender fields. However, according to the U.S. Lavender Growers Association, there are over 45 species of lavender and more than 450 different varieties. These include French, Portuguese, and fringed lavender. Heat tolerance, cold hardiness, size, and blooms vary quite a bit, so research which ones will grow best in your region and garden.
Given that this plant has the same name as a color, you might assume that its spikes of flowers only come in shades of purple. While this is true of many lavender varieties, you can also find the flowers in white, yellow, and even pink. The flower’s color doesn’t affect the plant’s fragrance; for example, ‘White Grosso’ is a lavender variety with white blooms that also has a potent scent.
Product Benefits
Among essential oils, few have been studied as much as lavender. Lavender has been associated with improved sleep in multiple research studies, including in some people with insomnia. The smell of lavender has calming effects . In a study of people exposed to lavender before bed, deep sleep increased, leading to feeling more refreshed in the morning.
Various research indicates that lavender can help reduce anxiety levels and headaches, and can be used in a variety of ways, including massage, aromatherapy, baths, and roller balls.
While lavender can be used as a cleaner, we find we use it most to freshen things up. That’s because lavender is a great deodorizer, but did you know that it is also antiviral, antibacterial and antiseptic? That’s why cleaning with lavender oil is so awesome.
Many people use lavender for painful conditions including migraine headaches, toothaches, sprains, nerve pain, sores, and joint pain. and to repel mosquitoes and other insects.
Testimonials
We would love to hear from you, with your lavender and farm visit experiences!
Excellent on burns! I burnt my hand on a hot oven pan. Put “Farm-Aid,” right on the burn as soon as it happened and again 30 minutes later. The next day, it was just a small scab on my skin. No blister! Have used it many times since. It’s great and safe for kids and pets!
Sarah Robbins
I use the “Stress Be Gone,” roller ball every day and throughout the day. After visiting with a client I will put it on my wrists and it resets my energy to be ready for the next client. Lavender instantly soothes my feelings of anxiety, and also helps me against anxious worries, and stress.
Jessica Wright
I have a difficult time sleeping. I cannot let my mind rest I guess. I starting using the “Relaxing Bath Oil,” to my nightly bath a little on my skin mixed with oils before bed. I found by adding that to other things like no caffeine and sugars it helps soothe and relax. Thank you!