Origin Story: The Beginning of the Lavender Field at Big Blue Farmhouse

Every field has a beginning — and ours began small and slowly.

The idea of planting lavender at Big Blue Farmhouse wasn’t born from a grand plan or a polished vision. It started with a feeling. A desire to slow down. A longing to work more closely with the land. And a deep respect for the calming, restorative nature of lavender itself.

In our first year, we focused less on outcomes and more on listening — to the soil, the seasons, and the subtle lessons that come with growing something new and in an growing enviroment totally new to us since we had only lived here on the north shore of NB for less than a year when we got started.

Why We Chose Lavender

Lavender has always held a special place in our hearts. Ever since my first visit to a lavender field, I remember sitting on the grass between the rows of these beautiful evergreens in full bloom. A sense of deep peacefulness and calm washed over me — a feeling I knew I would carry forever. It was in that moment that my love affair with lavender began, and I quietly said to myself, “If we ever have enough land to plant a field, we will offer this experience to others.”

So strong was that dream that we even gifted small lavender plants to our wedding guests, long before this field existed — back when it was still just a vision held close to our hearts.

But it was more than a feeling alone. Lavender’s gentle scent, its ability to calm the nervous system, and its long history in herbal and culinary traditions made it feel like the perfect plant for us. With years spent in the restaurant world, a deep love for holistic wellness and nourishing foods, and a belief in the power of natural medicine, lavender felt like a natural extension of who we are and what we value.

More than anything, lavender teaches patience. It doesn’t rush. It asks for trust — in timing, weather, and care. And that has made it the perfect teacher for this chapter of our journey.

Summer 2023

Planting the First Rows

Our first year was filled with learning curves. Preparing the soil, spacing the plants, understanding drainage, and adapting to the realities of our local climate all became part of the process.

There were moments of uncertainty — wondering if we had done enough, or too much — and moments of quiet joy, like seeing the first new growth appear or watching pollinators discover the plants for the first time.

Nothing about that first year felt instant. And that, we’ve come to realize, is exactly how it should

be.

Lessons From a Young Field

The first season taught us that growth doesn’t always look dramatic. Sometimes it looks like strong roots forming quietly underground. Sometimes it looks like restraint — allowing plants to settle rather than pushing them to perform. In our second year of growing, we made the intentional decision to focus on root development and chose not to harvest the flowers for use. Instead, we pruned the plants back whenever blooms appeared, encouraging the energy to return to the root systems.

This was not an easy task. It meant giving up the joy of seeing the field in full bloom. But we knew that the long-term benefits — establishing strong, healthy plants that will thrive for years to come — would be well worth the patience.

It has been a continual learning process. We have learned to observe more and interfere less, to trust that nature has its own timeline, and to understand that our role is simply to support it as best we can.

A Field Still Becoming

Today, our lavender field is still young — 2 years in the ground, which is very much in its early chapters. It may not yet be overflowing with blooms, and we have had to replace some that didnt survive the winter; therefore our field is in different growing stages, but it is full of promise. Each season builds on the last, strengthening the plants and deepening our connection to the land.

The first year laid the foundation — not just for lavender plants, but for a way of growing that feels aligned with our values: slow, intentional, and rooted in care.

Our Field This Year 2025

Gratitude for the Beginning

We are grateful for every lesson that first year brought, and for everyone who has shown curiosity, encouragement, and support along the way. Big Blue Farmhouse is growing — gently, thoughtfully, and with deep appreciation for the journey.

Thank you for being part of our beginning.

Michelle & Kevin