At the west edge of rural Topeka lies a hidden gem known as Somerset Lavender. In the summer, you can find rows of the beautiful lavender plants, with their signature purple flowers, nestled within the nearly 10 acres of land owned by Joe and Teryl Studebaker. Despite the serene picture, the journey to establish this farm has been a test of faith, patience, and perseverance.
The couple’s introduction to this showy herb came nearly ten years ago, while redesigning the front landscape of their previous home. They purchased three lavender plants simply because they were on sale.
“After planting it and seeing it bloom the next few years, it became one of my favorite plants in the bed,” Teryl recalls.
When the couple moved to their current home and purchased two empty adjacent lots, they had nearly 10 acres that they did not want to sit empty.
With the help of two seasoned mentors, Teryl's entrepreneurial spirit, and Joe's unwavering support, they laid the foundation for Somerset Lavender.
Unlike the plant itself – which is said to have calming properties – starting the farm was a stressful learning process. In 2017, they purchased 80 plants, all of which died before they were able to get them in the ground.
In 2019, they tried again. Of those 50 plants, 35 survived.
Determined to succeed, Teryl found the United States Lavender Growers Association, connecting with other lavender farmers in the region and across the nation. With the knowledge and support of their new network, the Studebakers began to grow the farm. Over the next five years, they planted nearly 1,300 additional plants, but experienced a devastating 90% loss due to a hard freeze in the Fall of 2022. Refusing to surrender the dream, Joe and Teryl planted 500 more the following Spring, and will add 500 more in June 2024.
As they uncover the lavender for the 2024 summer season, the Studebakers’ dream of providing a unique and beautiful place for visitors is beginning to take shape. By next summer, they plan to have a gift shop built and mature plants available for the community to enjoy. Within five years, they hope to be one of the state’s top agritourism locations.
“We truly want to contribute to the economic growth of our community and feel we have a great vision,” Teryl says of the unique experience they will provide. “We want to give visitors an escape from the busyness – a place they can unwind and appreciate God’s creation. We’ve had so much encouragement from our family and friends to stay the course. This is our gift back to all who have supported us.”
The Studebakers also dream of building an event venue, providing glamping spaces, and hosting lavender festivals and other immersive experiences.
When they’re ready to retire, the couple says they would love for one of their children to take over the farm and carry on the legacy. As the 9th generation of the famed Studebaker automobile family, building a family business is part of Joe’s DNA.
“I come from a long line of engineers and entrepreneurs. From cars to boats, the Studebaker family has made their mark,” Joe says. “But what truly excites me is working hard alongside my wife on the land God gave us. I hope one day my children will at least appreciate what we’ve built, and at most, carry it on!”
You can find Somerset Lavender products at area farmer’s markets, online at SomersetKS.com, and at The HIVE, 4034 SW Huntoon.
Utilizing lavender’s many beneficial properties, Teryl currently hand-makes 21 different all-natural products, including seven scents of Goat’s Milk Soap, Lavender sugar, Lavender sunscreen, teas, lip balm, and more.
