Driving along Closson Road in Hillier, Prince Edward County the calming scent of lavender permeates the air. Prince Edward County Lavender is nestled among the rolling hills in the heart of Hillier wine country, on a farm rich in history dating back to the 1830s.

Following a visit to Prince Edward County a few years ago owners Rolande Ann Leblanc and Derek Ryles decided to leave Whitehorse, Yukon for a warmer climate and planted themselves in a circa 1835 house on Closson Road. From just about any window there is a view of either the stunning lavender and white plants or the huge herb garden. Rolande and Derek’s passion for their plans is evident everywhere. Visitors can join them in a short tour of the fields and learn about the different varieties of lavender they grow and the history of lavender, detailing this amazing flower’s myriad of uses throughout the ages.

Derek and Rolande had travelled around the world and viewed lavender in New Zealand and Provence. They figured that if the soil was good enough for grape vines and vegetables, it would be great for lavender. So in the summer of 2005, they planted half an acre of lavender. The following spring they added more plants and completed a one acre field. They have since added over a dozen of different lavender cultivars and each summer continue to add more!

This summer they have 2.5 acres planted with a variety of cultivars of Lavandula Angustifolia (English lavender) and cultivars of Lavandula X Intermedia (hybrids L.Ang./L.Latifolia), commonly called Lavandin. As the lavender plant takes three years to mature each visit to their farm gives one a different view and appreciation of the beautiful purple fields.

From the harvest they produce soap, essential oil, hydrosol, sachet and a myriad of lavender culinary products such as lavender chocolate, herbal teas, infused vinegars and just about anything they can think of that is lavender friendly.

Two years ago they expanded their plant base to include a variety of herbs: spearmint, chamomille, calendula, lemon balm and more. All the herbs included in their Herbes de Provence, herbal teas and other herb mixes are grown on their farm. Exciting new products are coming out of these fields each year!

To contact Rolande or Derek visit www.peclavender.com.