U-pick lavender farm in Waterford offers more than aromatics. It offers generational history
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When members of the Crooker family decided to convert their cattle ranch, they were faced with the question of what it would become. Thanks to a TV show, the family decided on lavender.
In 2014, the Crookers opened Roberts Ferry Lavender Farm in Waterford, which has been a community staple ever since.
Family is at the root of the lavender farm, owned and operated by four generations of Crookers.
“All of the grandkids help and participate, it’s really all of us,” said Mark Crooker, co-proprietor of the farm.
The three-acre farm has over 6,000 lavender plants, all hand-picked and organically grown.
“We like to pick them ourselves because the machines won’t do it as nicely,” Tom Crooker, Mark’s brother, said.
The family also hires additional helpers who pick lavender during the summer, like Victor Alvarez, who has been with the farm for four seasons and is an honorary member of the Crooker family.
“He knows about as much as we do now,” Tom Crooker said.
Mark and Tom Crooker said the best part about the farm is spending time with family. Every day, their father, Don Crooker, comes to enjoy a cup of coffee with the two.
Potency differs among lavender varieties
The farm grows 10 varieties of lavender that can be placed into two categories: English and French.
Mark Crooker said the main differences between the varieties are potency and length. French lavender is taller and the flowers last longer. English lavender is shorter and has a stronger scent.
The farm has a space dedicated to drying lavender, filled with rows of the plant. The bundles of lavender are hung upside down for days at a time to dry. Hanging the flower upside down preserves the color and shape.
“The kids love to play in here (the drying space) and always come out with buds in their hair,” Mark Crooker said.
Using the dried lavender, the family makes sachets, which Mark’s daughter London Claus said are great for enhancing a small space.
Lavender is known for its soothing effects, Claus said. It aids in reducing anxiety and can bring a sense of calmness to its users.
Lavender acts as a universal remedy for all types of health issues. Some studies show the flower can help support sleep by improving melatonin levels through aromatherapy. It can reduce pain and inflammation, kill bacteria and harmful viruses, and help with anxiety and depression, according to an article published by Cleveland Clinic.
The farm produces lavender oil, which can treat headaches and muscle pain. It can also be added to an essential oil diffuser.
Where to find the farm’s products
Roberts Ferry Lavender products can be found in 14 local businesses, including Baba Bazaar Fruit Strand in Ripon and Rodin Farms in Riverbank. The full list can be found at www.robertsferrylavender.com/where-to-find-us.
The farm also partners with Matkat Sourdough to offer sea salt lavender chocolate chip cookies and lemon lavender sourdough.
If you visit
The farm is at 21166 Yosemite Blvd. and welcomes visitors for U-pick on Fridays and Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. U-pick season ends July 13.
A lavender bundle goes for $12 with the option for visitors to pick it themselves or to select a bundle from the prepicked options.
The farm also offers some of its storefront products including whipped body scrubs, candles, and lip balms.
The farm can be contacted at robertsferrylavender@gmail.com or 209-852-6263.
