Schuhwerck Family
Marie and Marty Schuhwerck started The Lavender Barnyard in 2019 as a grand experiment, not knowing if the plants would survive Minnesota winters. To their delight, the plants survived as long as they were covered. The couple began to develop products and attend farmers markets. In 2022, Marie and Marty started offering U-pick so that people could come out and experience lavender for themselves.
This year, the Schuhwercks have expanded to U-pick, small group events, micro-ceremonies, and kids' days. They are experimenting with propagation with the goal of having a plant sale each year. They are also adding a few employees to keep up with demand during lavender bloom. Marie runs the day-to-day operations and Marty handles all the behind-the-scenes work with machinery and construction.
The Schuhwercks host Kidsploration on Wednesdays when kids can explore the farm and learn about lavender and pollination. This year they are inviting a variety of local farmers to the farm to teach the kids about sheep and wool, maple syrup and beekeeping.
The Schuhwercks also run a non-profit called Twofold Blooms for which they take flowers left over from weddings, funerals, and other events, and repurpose them into arrangements for seniors in memory care and hospice.
Marie currently sits on the board of the U.S. Lavender Growers Association and serves on the membership committee. She has presented at two North Central regional events. The couple is sponsoring Farmington Dew Days candidates for a second year. Marie consults budding lavender farmers around the state to help expand the lavender industry in Minnesota. This fall, she will teach a class on growing lavender at the University of Minnesota Landscape Arboretum.