Grotto Grosso: Wayward Winds Lavender

Nestled into the hills 30 minutes west of Portland you will find Wayward Winds Lavender, a family-run farm that opens its gates to the public each summer for u-cut bouquets and peaceful afternoons among their vibrant purple fields. Unlike other flower farms that charge admission, Wayward Winds offers its bloom season as a true public good. The farm’s commitment to openness and community access aligns closely with our core values: building for the public, with the public. We jumped at the opportunity to design and build a shaded arbor tunnel for their guests to enjoy sno-cones under when the fields erupt in color.

Grotto Grosso was designed with the site in mind. Beside the existing farm store, we built this 14-foot-tall arched frame made from dimensional lumber with integrated bench seating and a standing bar that faces out toward the lavender fields. Overhead, a series of fabric sails (cut and sewn by volunteers) offers shade during the hottest part of the day.

Build

The weeks before the onsite build were filled with lumber cuts and fabric hemming; prefabricating as much as possible so that the build could be completed over a single sunny June weekend on the farm. 13 volunteers spent a cumulative 148 labor hours to bring Grotto Grosso to life.
Despite the physical demands, the tone stayed upbeat onsite: powered by snacks, teamwork, and a steady playlist. Many of the volunteers had been part of the prefabrication effort in the weeks leading up to the build, and seeing the pieces come together on the farm was a shared payoff. The process was full of problem-solving, sweat, and satisfaction as the structure slowly took shape against the backdrop of lavender fields just on the verge of bloom.

Each Blackbird project begins with a conversation, not a blueprint. For Grotto Grosso, we worked closely with the team at Wayward Winds to understand what would genuinely serve their space and guests. They told us they needed afternoon shade during bloom season and a focal point for visitors to rest, take photos, and admire the fields. From there, our team sketched and adjusted until the design checked every box. Louvers were added at a height and angle that provided the best shade covering based on the farm’s location and elevation. A small but meaningful detail: we matched the color of the fabric awnings to the colored baskets the farm provides for bouquet gathering. The final build is a result of a shared vision that began with a short walk around the property between strangers.

Design: Christopher Cardoza