DISCOVER

The Science of Lavender

Why Sequim's rain shadow and our glacial soil produce some of the finest lavender in the world

THE MICROCLIMATE

The Olympic Rain Shadow

The Olympic Mountains rise over 7,000 feet, creating a massive wall that intercepts Pacific storms. While Seattle gets 37 inches of rain and the western Olympics get over 140 inches, Sequim sits in the dry shadow receiving only 16 inches annually — comparable to Los Angeles.

This means abundant sunshine — over 300 sunny days per year. Long, warm summers give our lavender the time it needs to develop the highest concentrations of aromatic oils. Our farm on Marine Drive sits right in the heart of this extraordinary microclimate.

Lavender fields with Olympic Mountains

Annual Rainfall Comparison

Sequim, WA
16"
Provence, FR
22"
Seattle, WA
37"
Portland, OR
43"
16" Annual Rainfall
300+ Sunny Days
70-80°F Summer Temps
15-20 hrs Summer Daylight

The Terroir of Lavender

Like fine wine, lavender quality is shaped by place

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Glacial Soil

Our soil was deposited by ancient glaciers, creating perfectly drained sandy loam. Lavender hates wet feet — and this soil never holds excess water.

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Alkaline Balance

The naturally alkaline pH (7.0-8.0) matches lavender's native Mediterranean conditions. No amendments needed — nature got it right.

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Mineral Rich

Glacial deposits brought a diverse mineral profile that feeds our plants complex nutrients, contributing to the depth and complexity of our essential oils.

🇫🇷 The French Connection

When Sequim's pioneer growers first tested their soil and climate data, French lavender experts were astonished. The conditions mirror the best growing regions of Provence so closely that Sequim has earned the title "Lavender Capital of North America."

From Field to Essential Oil

Each harvest transforms thousands of fragrant blooms into pure, therapeutic lavender oil

The Science of Fragrance

Why our lavender is uniquely therapeutic

The secret to lavender's legendary calming properties lies in two key compounds: linalool and linalyl acetate. These naturally occurring terpenes are what give lavender its distinctive fragrance — and its remarkable therapeutic effects. The rain shadow's growing conditions produce lavender with exceptionally high concentrations of these beneficial compounds.

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Sleep Quality

Linalool significantly improves sleep quality and duration. Our lavender sachets and essential oils are prized for their potent sleep-promoting properties.

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Anxiety Relief

Clinical research shows lavender's linalool reduces anxiety without the side effects of pharmaceuticals. Our high-concentration oils deliver measurable calm.

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Anti-Inflammatory

Linalool has proven anti-inflammatory effects, making our lavender products effective for muscle tension, headaches, and skin irritation.

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Stress Response

Inhaling lavender essential oil lowers cortisol levels and heart rate, activating the parasympathetic nervous system for deep relaxation.

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Harvest

Hand-cut at peak bloom

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Steam Distill

Copper still, 2+ hours

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Separate

Oil rises from hydrosol

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Pure Oil

1 lb from 100 lbs flowers

Lavender Varieties We Grow

From culinary favorites to aromatic powerhouses

We grow two main families of lavender: English (Lavandula angustifolia) for culinary use and fine fragrance, and Lavandin (Lavandula x intermedia) for essential oil production and dramatic field displays. Walk our rows and you'll see — and smell — the difference.

English Lavender

Hidcote

L. angustifolia 'Hidcote'

Compact plants with deep violet-blue flowers. Prized for culinary use, sachets, and crafts. Sweet, floral fragrance. Blooms early-mid summer.

English Lavender

Munstead

L. angustifolia 'Munstead'

Hardy and compact with blue-purple flowers. Excellent for borders and containers. Sweet, clean scent ideal for cooking and teas.

English Lavender

Royal Velvet

L. angustifolia 'Royal Velvet'

Stunning deep purple-blue flowers on long stems. Exceptional for dried arrangements and the highest-quality essential oils.

Lavandin

Grosso

L. x intermedia 'Grosso'

The world's most planted lavender variety. Large plants produce abundant oil-rich flowers. Bold, camphoraceous fragrance. The backbone of our fields.

Lavandin

Provence

L. x intermedia 'Provence'

Named for the French region. Thrives in our similar climate with long flowering stems, sweet fragrance. Excellent for bundles and crafts.

Experience It Yourself

Walk our fields, breathe in the fragrance, and watch live distillation on our copper still. The best way to understand lavender is to experience it firsthand.

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