the beginning…sort of

Once upon a time, we came to a beautiful place…our farm.  With endless views, a meadow, tree-lined creek, rustic corrals and arena, old barn/buildings full of character and a modest home…we found happiness.  After getting settled, it was time to kick around what in the world we were going to do with our 27 acres.  Taking care of a farm is very hard work.  There are decisions you must make based on a sense of responsibility to your land.  We were so excited at the possibilities that we wanted to do everything right away!  Then the reality of that idea set in and we realized that having a working farm is a process.  It requires flexibility, room for growth and time.

Preparing the Southest field for planting.

So, the first year, we just tried to keep up with the mowing and planted some fruits and veggies for family.  Getting our hands dirty…kind of just getting settled.  We then decided that we would make a plan for the years to come.  My husband’s aunt absolutely loved lavender and we talked about it frequently….”maybe we should grow a few plants!”  As we did our lavender homework, we were overwhelmed by the romantic and practical history of this beautiful herb!

That fall, while we owned our coffee shop in town, we played with different flavors for our latte’s, smoothies and steamers.  I decided to give lavender a try and I WAS HOOKED!  So were our customers!  The lavender flavoring we made in the shop was a customer favorite.  Unfortunately, our lease terms had changed and it was not workable for our coffee shop.  So, feeling a little down and exhausted, we moved everything to the farm.  This was such a blessing in disguise because we were able to really put time into farm planning!

A fresh cut bouquet at Prairie Lavender Farm in Bennington, Kansas.

We visited some lavender farms in Kansas (yes, Kansas!).  They were so gracious and took time to let us chew their ear a little about the business of lavender and all its possibilities…we had so many questions!  And the lavender on these farms…oh, the lavender!  The smell was addictive.  It was beyond comforting.  It was like nothing I have ever smelled…beauty in an aroma.  So, back to the farm we went, with an even stronger confidence and excitement that we were going in a good direction.  We wanted to share the relaxed, enjoyable, free feeling we got every time we came home to the farm and combine it with the amazing sense of calmness you get when you are surrounded by lavender.  So, here we are.  And, here we go!  Whatever happens, it will be quite an adventure!