Today we’d like to introduce you to Holly Flowers.
Hi Holly, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
Lavender Vale Farms has really been a labor of love. My family moved to our property in 2018 with the dream of creating something beautiful that we could share with others. What started as a small lavender planting has gradually grown into a destination where people can slow down, reconnect with nature, and make lasting memories.
I’ve always believed that some of life’s happiest moments happen outdoors. Whether it’s cutting a bouquet with your family, watching bees work among the flowers, or simply sitting quietly surrounded by lavender, those experiences have a way of helping us reconnect with what really matters. That philosophy has shaped every decision we’ve made at the farm.
Over the years we’ve expanded beyond lavender to include a self-serve cut flower garden, handcrafted lavender products, and spaces designed for people to simply enjoy being outside. We try to keep the farm welcoming and affordable because we want everyone to feel like they belong here.
One thing that many people don’t realize is that my passion for farming is closely connected to my passion for animals and conservation. I believe farms can produce beautiful things while also creating habitat for pollinators, caring for animals with compassion, and helping people develop a deeper appreciation for the natural world.
We’re still a small family farm, and we’re always learning and growing. Every season brings new ideas, new challenges, and new opportunities to create meaningful experiences for our visitors. Looking back, it’s amazing to see how far we’ve come from those first rows of lavender, and I’m excited to continue building a place that brings people joy for many years to come.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road, but I think that’s true for most small farms. Every season brings new challenges, whether it’s weather, rising costs, changing customer habits, or simply learning through trial and error. Farming teaches you to be flexible because nature doesn’t always follow your plans.
Like many small businesses, we’ve had ideas that were successful and others that weren’t. We’ve learned to pay attention to what our visitors truly value and not be afraid to pivot. For example, we’ve shifted towards offering more self-serve experiences that give guests the freedom to enjoy the farm at their own pace while also allowing us to operate more sustainably as a small family business.
One of the biggest lessons has been realizing that growth doesn’t always mean doing more. Sometimes it means simplifying, focusing on what brings people the most joy, and letting go of ideas that aren’t working. That hasn’t always been easy, but it’s helped us build a farm that feels authentic to who we are.
Looking back, I wouldn’t change the journey. Every challenge has taught us something valuable and has shaped Lavender Vale Farms into the place it is today. There’s something incredibly rewarding about watching people create memories here and knowing that all of those ups and downs helped make those moments possible.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
At Lavender Vale Farms, I wear a lot of hats, as well as my mother who is my partner in all things lavender. I grow lavender and flowers, create handcrafted lavender products, design new experiences for our guests, and care for the property year-round. While there are plenty of behind-the-scenes tasks involved in running a small farm, the creative side is what I enjoy most—finding new ways to help people connect with nature.
I don’t think of Lavender Vale Farms as just a place to buy flowers or lavender products. I think of it as a place where people can slow down. Whether someone is cutting their own bouquet, enjoying the fragrance of lavender in bloom, or simply taking a walk through the gardens, I hope they leave feeling a little more peaceful than when they arrived.
One thing that sets us apart is our focus on accessibility. We work hard to keep our experiences affordable and welcoming because I believe everyone should have the opportunity to enjoy the beauty and peace that nature provides. Some of my favorite moments are watching families introduce young children to our donkeys or seeing visitors leave with bouquets they created themselves.
I’m also passionate about showing that agriculture and conservation can go hand in hand. Pollinators, wildlife, and animals all have an important place here, and I hope our farm encourages people to appreciate the connections between healthy ecosystems, thoughtful farming, and the food and flowers we enjoy.
What I’m most proud of isn’t any single product or event—it’s hearing that Lavender Vale Farms has become part of someone’s favorite memories. Knowing that we’ve created a place where people gather, celebrate, relax, and reconnect with nature is the greatest compliment I could receive.
What do you like best about our city? What do you like least?
One of the things I love most about our area is the incredible sense of community. People genuinely want to support local businesses, farms, and one another. We’re also surrounded by some of the most beautiful scenery in Oregon. From vineyards and farms to forests and rolling hills, it’s a place that inspires you to spend more time outdoors and appreciate the beauty around you.
If I had to choose one challenge, it would be that many people don’t realize just how many wonderful small farms and local businesses are tucked away throughout our community. There are so many hidden gems that deserve to be discovered. I think the more we can encourage people to explore locally and support these small businesses, the stronger our community becomes.
Pricing:
- Admission is free
- Self-serve U-Pick Flower Garden: Bouquets $12
- U-Pick Lavender: $10 when in season
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.lavendervalefarms.com
- Instagram: lavendervalefarms
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LavenderValeFarmsOR
