All Things Are Lavender at Hambly Farms
Story by Becky Mosgofian
Lavender is having quite a moment. Newsweek magazine declared lavender 2024’s food trend of the year but Gina and Milton Hambly have been living and breathing all things lavender since they planted their first crops in 2019. Today, their rolling hills are lined with enough lavender plants to cover nearly three football fields.
“If it goes in or on your body, or even in your home, it should be free of harmful chemicals. We use organic farming practices and hand harvest and hand weed in nature’s time,” says Gina Hambly, co-owner of Hambly Farms with her husband, Milton. They own a U-Pick lavender farm located in San Miguel with a line of handcrafted, estate-grown lavender products.
It’s hard to believe the Hamblys’ decision to grow lavender full-time wasn’t even part of their original vision. Gina and Milton were both born into families with strong entrepreneurial drives. Their respective connections to agriculture go back five generations with Milton’s family coming to the area by covered wagon in 1886, settling on the Carissa Plains and later running walnut and almond orchards. Gina’s great-grandparents met when they worked at what is now known as Halter Ranch. Her great-grandmother worked as an upstairs maid while her great-grandfather built the stone wall that is still there today. Gina’s grandparents, Mary and Armand Mastagni, founded their ranch where Summerwood Bed & Breakfast is today on 46 West in Paso Robles. They retired and sold it to Hope Wines in the early 90’s. The Mastagnis bought the iconic Paso Robles clock tower building in 1973 where Mary Mastagni owned and operated a boutique clothing store – they were both very involved in the local community.
Gina and Milton’s journey to their own farm life began with their children’s involvement in 4-H and FFA. In 2017, they put down roots with a 26-acre plot about 10 minutes north of Paso Robles where they could have farm animals and plant orchards.
Lavender farming came to them unexpectedly after a visit from a local farming consultant. She helped them realize their vision to plant olive trees would not fare well in the drought conditions that existed at the time. After assessing the soil, climate, and location, they found lavender to be the perfect fit and quickly pivoted.
“The first year was all about learning,” says Gina. They started with a modest number of plants and refined production processes while maintaining demanding full-time jobs—Gina in county staff development and Milton as an eighth-grade history teacher. The Hamblys joined local organizations like FARMstead ED and the SLO Farm Bureau which helped them thrive.
In the fall of 2019, they doubled production to 400 lavender plants. When the pandemic began both Gina and Milton worked from home so were able to use the extra daylight hours to expand their crop from 400 to 1000 plants; they started envisioning opportunities for agritourism with farm tours and picnic areas among their fragrant fields.
After watching friends and family enjoy the farm, they crafted the Lavender U- Pick Experience and the Guided Farm Experience so visitors could explore the fields, learning about the growing and harvesting process, followed by a picnic among the lavender. During this time they also started handcrafting a line of lavender products including their estate-grown essential oil which requires one-third of a pound of lavender to create a single 5 ml bottle.
By the third year, managing 2000 plants, the demands of the farm and business became an all-consuming business. Gina made the decision to retire from her job and focus on the farm full-time, while Milton continued to work as a teacher.
“Letting go of a steady paycheck was daunting but necessary,” Gina admits. Being dedicated to the farm full-time proved crucial to its success. “Hambly Farms is a 365-day operation. We recognize that the growth and achievements we’ve experienced would not have been possible without taking that calculated risk and committing wholeheartedly to our passion for lavender farming.”
Gina recommends entrepreneurs utilize free resources such as the Small Business Development Center in San Luis Obispo to gain knowledge and help make informed decisions, just as the Hamblys have. “Know your limitations. Hire people to help you in areas that aren’t your personal strengths,” she suggests. Gina also believes in networking and volunteering, and serves as the Co-chair of the Paso Robles Olive and Lavender Festival and the FARMstead Ed/SLO County Farm Trail’s Friday Evening Farmers Market. Gina volunteers with the Paso Robles Pioneer Day on the Belle Committee, is a member of the United States Lavender Growers Association.
Mother’s Day kicks off the second year of Hambly Farms’ public experiences. Travelers headed to Paso Robles Wine Country may want to add a visit to their itineraries for an Evening on the Farm, U Pick and Guided Experiences, as well as workshops such as painting, yoga or a sound bath among the lavender fields. A new Demonstration Garden featuring 30 lavender varieties is in the works for this season.
“We offer a quintessential California experience for families and wine enthusiast visitors alike. Guests can meet friendly goats, chickens, and pigs while enjoying a picnic amidst the serene lavender fields. Stroll the lavender fields, harvest your own bouquet, shop the farm store and enjoy a lavender-inspired treat,” says Gina. “Come unwind amidst the lavender and feel your shoulders drop as you inhale its sweet scent.”
The Hamblys continue to embrace organic farming practices and craft handmade lavender products for their farm store which is also open year-round online. They source ingredients from nearby farms like Sierra Honey Farm for beeswax, Giving Tree Family Farm and The Shady Oaks Farm for goat’s milk, and incorporate local olive oils.
And as for those lavender-inspired food trends? They’ve got them too. Lavender gelato, anyone?
WHEN YOU GO
Tickets are required to experience the lavender fields, demos, workshops and picnic areas. The field-to-farm store is open to all. Ticketed experiences include
Self-guided Lavender U-Pick: $15 per person, under 12 free.
Guided Lavender Experience: $25 per person, under 12 free. Reservations required.
Workshops, Classes and Evenings on the Farm. Various sessions available by reservation.
UPCOMING CLASSES AND WORKSHOPS
May 12 TOUR. TASTE. LEARN. Mother’s Day event
All about lavender and the how to’s of crafting artisan cheese and charcuterie with Black Market Cheese Co.
May 18 Yoga at Hambly Lavender Farm
Yoga for all levels set on the hilltop overlooking lavender fields and surrounding vineyards.
May 19 Grow Your Own Lavender Garden
Learn about lavender varieties and ideal conditions to grow your own garden.
May 24 Mocktail Class
An early evening experience crafting lavender-inspired mocktails with Yes Cocktail Co. and artisan cheeses by Black Market Cheese Co.
May 31 Sound Bath
A sound bath among the fragrant scent of lavender, and panoramic countryside vistas.
June 1 Brushes & Blooms
Artsocial805 leads a painting journey, teaching knowledge of brushwork and techniques in the tranquil blooming lavender fields.
Visit Hambly Farms at 1390 Grana Place in San Miguel. Friday – Monday. 10am – 4pm. Mother’s Day to October and by appointment.
A recipe for Lavender Lemonade
This is so delicious, consider concocting a double batch of Gina’s refreshing lavender lemonade on a hot day.
INGREDIENTS
3 cups granulated sugar
3 cups water + 4 cups water, separated
1/4 cup Hambly Farms Culinary Dried Lavender
4 cups fresh lemon juice (about 20 lemons)
PREPARATION
Bring sugar and three cups of water to a boil. Stir until sugar is dissolved. Stir in Hambly Farms Culinary Dried Lavender. Remove from heat and let steep a minimum of ten minutes (note: Gina steeps for hours to bring out maximum lavender flavor). Strain out lavender buds and let cool. Stir in lemon juice and add two cups of water. Determine if the sweet to tart ratio is to your liking. If needed, add in remaining water.
Serve over ice and garnish with a lemon slice or wedge, dried lavender sticks, or a fresh sprig.
To make a Lavender Foot Soak
An aromatic foot soak to soothe hard-working feet.
MATERIAL
2 cups Epsom salts
1/8 cup baking soda
3 tablespoons Hambly Farms Lavender Buds
10 drops Hambly Farms Lavender Essential Oil
PREPARATION
Mix together all material together. Enjoy about ½ cup per soak, or to your liking.
A bonus idea!
Use lavender stems as skewers in savory and sweet recipes. To beautify the presentation leave lavender flowers attached to stem before threading skewers.
