The Brightside: Lavender Farm Growth in Sussex County

MILLSBORO, Del. – A 90-year-old grain farm in Southern Delaware made the decision a few years ago to not only open themselves up to the public but to add an even more unique touch, lavender. By being one of only two lavender farms in Delaware, the Brittingham farm is blooming into a gem in Sussex County.

“I think everyone is more aware of where their food comes from. This lavender endeavor that we have started is really just a drop in the bucket in terms of food production,” says Brittingham farm’s owner, Laura Brittingham.

Brittingham Farms is a land that’s been tilled for four generations> As small family-owned grain farms continue to dwindle, the Brittinghams say they’re determined to revitalize their farm with new offerings, “When we decided to add lavender to our existing century grain farm we decided to go high volume, large scale as much as we could.” Brittingham adds, “And to be high volume large scale distillation is the answer.”

Brittingham tells us this lavender has been years in the making. She says once the pandemic came along, they knew they had to try something new. “It’s just a feel-good herb that has been around for centuries and it’s time for Sussex County to implement it way that it deserves to be highlighted.”

A state grant combined with training from one of the largest organic lavender farms in the country helped fulfill their lavender dream. They brought that knowledge back to the farm, and 3,200 plants later along with two seven-foot 150-meter copper stills, they’re distilling lavender for the whole community. “We essentially will put all of our lavender, essential oil, and hydrosol into all of our products that are made here on the farm.” Brittingham adds, “We have a main section of the lavender field that is finally at maturity. So they’re putting off 18 bundles per plant, they’re considered mature.”

While those employed at the farm are hard at work bundling the lavender, we’re told the distilling process is one of the most unique parts of it. The stills can fit almost 50 gallons of water in the base and 60 lbs. above.

Brittingham explains, “As that steam is rising from the boiling water, it infuses all that lavender plant material in the column, continues to rise through the cap, down the gooseneck and in that condenser.” Once in the condenser it’s flash cooled, turns back into a liquid, then a separate tunnel allows for the hydrosol and essential oil to drip down. “Then we bottle it, filter it, label it right from the farm. It doesn’t leave the farm until it’s purchased by the consumer,” says Brittingham.

We’re told the great thing about lavender is it never goes out of style, and always has a purpose. “It helps us relax, it’s great for our skin, it tastes good in culinary dishes, so there are lots of purposes and uses 28 Whether you’re using it in body products, soap, lotions, to scent things.”

Their farm store has every lavender product you could think of, adding another element to the farm-to-table concept. “Families are welcome to come out, we post on social media when we’re going to distill, and we give everyone plenty of notice,” says Brittingham.

While they continue their lavender journey in their small corner of Sussex County, we’re told it’s an opportunity they hope will continue to blossom for generations to come. “It takes all of us, farms big and small to contribute to that overall good of our community.”

The farm also offers farm-to-table dinners, livestock, a wedding venue, and much more. They post on Facebook and Instagram every day.

Their store hours and more information can be found on their website.