MECHANICSVILLE, Md. — Nestled in the heart of St. Mary’s County along the banks of the Patuxent River, the Dixon Family Farm once tilled tobacco fields. But this past weekend, those same fields were blanketed in the scent and color of lavender as the annual Lavender Days Festival returned in full bloom.
More than a simple gathering, the festival was a story of transformation — a tribute to perseverance, family and renewal. Established in 1881, the Dixon Family Farm is a certified Maryland Century Farm, and it has re-emerged as one of Southern Maryland’s most charming destinations for agriculture, artisan goods and community events.
This weekend’s festivities welcomed guests with shaded lounge areas, rows of artisan vendors, flower field tours and a charming farm store filled with homemade lavender goods. Visitors could walk the blooming fields, attend distillation demos, hear talks from a local beekeeper and sip lavender lemonade. Sunday was dedicated to the younger crowd, with face painting and a petting zoo delighting children during the festival’s official “Kids Day.”
Live music filled the air, thanks to performers like Kevin Lee (bringing smooth folk-blues), On Bleeker Street (a hauntingly beautiful Simon & Garfunkel tribute duo) and the crowd-favorite Groovespan Trio delivering French jazz and Americana blends. Whether seated on picnic blankets or dancing beneath umbrellas, guests embraced the rhythm of the land.
Jeff and Claudinne Miller, owners and stewards of the farm, shared the family’s journey with heartfelt pride.
“The soil was crap,” Claudinne said, laughing. “We brought animals back to reintroduce life into the soil. We added to the land — not just took from it.” She and her husband Jeff, both former government employees, learned the art of farming during the COVID-19 pandemic by watching YouTube videos and gleaning knowledge from cousins Raymond and Jimmy Dixon, who have been farming the land for decades.
“We were never farmers. We Googled how to be farmers on the flight back from Germany,” she added. “But we’re here now — and willing to teach anyone who wants to listen.”
For Claudinne and Jeff, this isn’t just a passion project. It’s the revival of a family legacy. Jeff’s mother was a Dixon, and the farmhouse had fallen into disrepair by the time they returned from working for DoD in Europe in late 2019. Rather than chasing careers in Italy, the couple rolled up their sleeves and got to work — restoring the barn, rebuilding the home and planting new life.
“This farm has been in the family since colonialism,” shared Shelly Dixon Evans and Fred Evans. “It’s been beautiful to see relatives come together again — to rebuild something so special.”
Jarod Roe, Claudinne’s son, fresh back from Germany, echoed that sentiment: “It’s fantastic seeing this all come together.”
Beyond the views and music, Dixon Family Farm’s real magic lies in its mission. Their store offers a stunning array of handmade products — from essential oils and botanical soaps to beeswax candles and honey — all crafted using ingredients grown and processed right on-site. The team proudly notes that every jar, bar and bottle has a piece of the farm’s soil in it.
Guests are encouraged to return throughout the summer. The farm hosts seasonal events, offers U-Cut flower days, photo shoot packages and plenty more lavender-infused experiences. As a bonus, every festival guest received a welcome bag filled with goodies — including a $10 coupon to the farm store.
For those who missed the festival, worry not. Dixon Family Farm is open every summer weekend, and their online shop is available year-round at dixon-family-farm.com.