Opening Up Agriculture Attractions
local family finds peculiar hobby, set to welcome public to Chippewa Falls farm this summer
McKennaScherer |
LAVENDER HAZE. The Sworski family will open Pondview Lavender Farm to the public on June 6, marking a beautiful start to the summer. (Photos by Standing Pines Photography or submitted)
Some people dream of a retirement spent on white-sand beaches or taking it easy with a relaxed schedule and more family time. Others spend their retirement purchasing 11 acres and learning how to farm for the first time –or maybe that’s just the Sworski family.
About four years ago, Bob and Stephanie Sworski had “the retirement” conversation: What would Bob do with his sudden surplus of time? “Although you wouldn’t tell most people to become farmers in retirement, he started looking at what lucrative, small volume crops (were out there). Lavender was on the list,” Stephanie recalled.
In 2020, roughly 300 lavender plants went into the ground at their Chippewa Falls property. While most nurseries in the area likely encourage not planting lavender in our climate, the Sworski’s plants have survived several years. Now, there are about 9,000 lavender plants on their land.
“That’s what I’ve loved so much about this: It got me connected back to things that grow, the dirt and being in the sun, and allowing other people to make that connection too is important to us.”
stephanie sworski
CO-OWNER OF PONDVIEW LAVENDER FARM
It takes around three years for lavender plants to become mature enough to harvest, and they can be harvested for about 12 years before needing replacement. “We’re at the point where we can harvest and we enjoy being out here so much we thought, ‘How can we invite other people to come experience this?’ ” Stephanie said.
The answer: Pondview Lavender Farm will officially open to the public on Thursday, June 6. Located at 3735 Business Highway 29, Chippewa Falls, near River Bend Winery & Distillery (which uses the farm's lavender syrup for its Lavender Collins co*cktail!), the farm is about 13 miles from Eau Claire and 8 miles outside of Chippewa Falls.
The farm’s main site is about five acres with another six acres located just across the highway. The space will also be home to a greenhouse, a small retail space, and a covered patio for folks to sit and enjoy the lush lavender views. A mural is currently being painted on the farm’s silo, too.
"Maybe somebody just wants to come walk through the lavender field or wants to get their camera out and practice pictures; or pick their own lavender; or sit and visit with a friend on the patio. There’s just a variety of spaces for people to use and enjoy,” Stephanie said. “That’s what I’ve loved so much about this: It got me connected back to things that grow, the dirt and being in the sun, and allowing other people to make that connection too is important to us.”
Bob, Stephanie, and their four kids have participated in literally growing the lavender as well as the business side of things (Pondview Lavender Farm currently sells fresh-picked lavender bundles at Eevy Ivy Over Flowers, Eau Claire Floral, and Lakeview Floral & Gifts). It’s a family hobby-turned-family business.
Currently, the Sworski home is filled with boxes upon boxes of products, and construction is still underway at the farm in preparation for its public opening. They will also sell lavender lemonade, made by the family, and more goods using both their plants and other lavender farms’ goods.
Pondview Lavender Farm will offer a host of products in its small retail shop including jars of its lavender buds, lavender syrup, lotions and self-care goods featuring lavender, cookbooks, and more. Plus, several events are being organized to host at the farm: sunset yoga, pick-your-own bouquet events, a tea blending class, and a few mixology classes using the farm’s lavender. Stephanie said they are also working on offering kids’ activities, hoping families find as much joy in the farm as their own family has.
Peak bloom should occur around the end of June or early July, and will stretch about two to three weeks, Stephanie said. The family is most excited to organize and offer pick-your-own lavender bundles and bouquets for visitors, and to share the family gem with the community.
While things will need time to settle and kinks worked out, the family is certain visitors will enjoy a simple guarantee: a beautiful local lavender farm view and free smells.
Owners Bob and Stephanie Sworski.
It is free to visit Pondview Lavender Farm (3735 Business Highway 29, Chippewa Falls), which will officially open to the public on Thursday, June 6 • Keep up with them on Facebook and Instagram • Learn more on their website, which will be updated prior to opening
