About Us
Bald Butte Lavender Farm
We are Carol and Chuck Stiff of Bald Butte Lavender Farm, a Division of Kitchen Culture Kits, Inc. Our farm is located in the idyllic town of Johnson, WA which lies 6 miles south of Pullman the home of Washington State University. Johnson is an unincorporated farm land community of approximately 70 independent souls without much in common and no local businesses. However, for more than 40 years this hamlet has hosted an off-beat Independence Day celebration. Every Fourth of July the town folk along with hundreds of visitors put on a parade and anyone is welcome to join the procession. The parade is short and sweet, and afterwards the crowd packs up and returns home.
Our Journey
For our family, Johnson is the continuation of a personal journey that started in Wisconsin. We have lived in six different states and moved eleven times. During this time Carol received graduate degrees in horticulture, forestry and adult education, and was involved in university and private industry biotechnology research. She also developed her life long passion for plant tissue culture and started her own company Kitchen Culture Kits, Inc. With graduate degrees in forest management and biometrics, Chuck has worked in university research/education/service, continuing education, consulting, and industrial forestry. Gardening has always been his passion.
Lavender Northwest Association
Bald Butte Lavender Farm is a proud member of Lavender Northwest Association (LNW), an organization created for the purpose of showcasing and promoting lavender grown in the Pacific Northwest. Lavender Northwest is a collaborative, mutually-supportive community of NW businesses and services that provide outstanding lavender-focused products, education, and agricultural experiences, thereby showcasing the NW as an outstanding region for lavender in the United States.
United States Lavender Growers Association
Bald Butte Lavender Farm is also a proud member of United States Lavender Growers Association (USLGA), an organization whose mission is to provide exceptional resources for members to grow, strengthen, and advance the U.S. lavender industry. The USLGA seeks to be recognized as a contributor to the global market by establishing standards of excellence to equip members to produce high-quality, sustainable lavender products. The members have the opportunity to develop their skills and knowledge through networking, education, and research. In addition, the members gain from USLGA promoting, supporting, and advocating for the U.S. lavender industry.
Acknowledgements
We have visited numerous lavender farms in the Pacific Northwest. The growers have graciously provided their valuable time while sharing their wealth of experience and providing us with invaluable insights. In particular, we greatly appreciate the advice and guidance provided by Tom Binder (Crockett Road Lavender Farm, Milton Freewater, OR), Beth Hammerberg (Down By The River Lavender, Wenatchee, WA), Tammy Lewis (Flannigan Creek Flower Farm, Viola, ID), Joe Downs (The Lavender Boutique, Wenatchee, WA), and Chris Mulder (Barn Owl Nursery, Wilsonville, OR).