Sunshine Acres Lavender Farm is owned and managed by the Clarke family and located in Morrow, OH. The owners Jeff and Jennifer Clarke moved to Morrow in 2014 in search of a more peaceful and simple environment to raise their family. After purchasing 7 acres, they prayerfully decided to research different types of micro-crops that would work on this secluded property. In 2016 they decided to plant the first lavender crop of approx. 220 plants.
Also in 2016 the Clarke family added a flock of chickens to the farm. There are several different varieties of chickens including Leghorns, Ameracaunas, Rhode Island reds, Polish Crested, Wyandottes, and many more. Different breeds of chickens lay different colored eggs, but the yumminess inside is the same. Be sure to check out the farm fresh eggs for sale in the barn. Happy chickens lay fantastic eggs!
The spring of 2017 brought the first beautiful harvest of lavender. The family has been enjoying sharing the lavender with the public at several U-pick events. Photographers have also discovered the farm to be an ideal location for year round rustic farm photography and seasonal lavender photos with their clients.
Grace and Evan operate a lavender lemonade stand during the main season. "Upick" the price will get you a delicious glass of homemade lavender blueberry simple syrup combined with crisp lemonade. The kids love talking to guests about growing up on a farm. Making hundreds of glasses each summer teaches the kiddos about work ethic and business skills. Their parents use the lemonade stand as a chance to teach the kids about expenses, planning, inventory, and COGS. The kids keep all the profits, first tithing at least 10% to their 3 sponsored Compassion International friends in Nicaragua and another friend in Haiti. Then they stash away some in their long term savings before budgeting and spending the balance over the following year. (Dave Ramsey for the win!)
Lavender is such a versatile herb. Prized for its many uses in decoration, crafting, body care, and culinary creations. At Sunshine Acres, culinary uses of lavender are the focus. Jennifer's first delicious lavender creations were lavender blueberry simple syrup and whipped lavender honey butter. Over the years, product offerings have grown and now include lavender white chocolate chip cookie mixes, lavender infused local honey, lavender hot chocolate mixes, lavender coffee, strawberry and lavender jam, savory lavender herb blend, and many more! Body care products are also available such has hand lotions, body scrubs, and lip balms to name just a few. Their quaint barn store is open during lavender season and then items may be purchased online year round as well.