About the Growers
Our Story
Welcome to Pause Lavender Farm, a certified Michigan small-scale nursery in Rapid River on the Stonington Peninsula in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula.
Pause Lavender Farm was not a spur-of-the-moment idea. For years I researched lavender varieties, compared Delta County with major lavender-growing regions, studied climate data, and imagined the farm I hoped to build someday.
Letting the Land Lead
Long before I grew lavender, my parents gave me a love of flowers, wilderness, hard work, and the outdoors.
After working two jobs for years, I was able to purchase what would soon become Pause Lavender Farm. Before the purchase, my plan was to go BIG with lavender.
But then we got to know the land better. Deer used one clearing as a bedding area. Fawns sheltered in a meadow of tall grass. Another sunny opening supported goldenrod, wildflowers, bees, butterflies, and other pollinators.
I could not bring myself to clear those places.
I do not believe every acre has to earn money to have value. Sometimes the most valuable thing you can do with a piece of land is leave it alone - or improve the habitat.
So instead of asking, “How much lavender can we fit here?” we began asking:
“Where can lavender belong here without taking away what already does?”
And so we kept it small and thoughtful.
Today, our organically managed lavender gardens exist alongside year-round wildlife habitat, native plants, pollinators, and a USDA-recognized pollinator garden.
What We Hope Pause Brings You
Some of our favorite moments are the simplest ones: walking through the garden with lavender fragrance all around, watching and listening to bees, butterflies and wildlife, and seeing a tiny bird balance on a lavender stem.
Sometimes a curious fawn wanders over, stares at us, gives the lavender a cautious sniff, and decides it is not worth eating - and thank goodness for that!
Every plant we grow, every new plant we start, and every product we make is created with the person receiving it in mind. We hope Pause brings you a little beauty, calm, and happiness, whether that comes from a sachet beside your bed, a lavender plant in your garden, or a quiet lavender milk bath at the end of the day.
Why the Name Pause Lavender Farm?
Lavender naturally makes you pause. You stop and notice its fragrance, color, and beauty. It has a way of slowing you down.
But the main reason it's called Pause is more personal. PAUSE comes from the names of our much-loved pets past and present:
Pippy · Adam · Uncas · Sam/Sassy · Emma/Ella
This illustration is of Sassy napping nearby while we worked with the lavender. We adopted her from the Delta County Animal Shelter, and she became part of the story of Pause. Older shelter pets are very special.
If you want to learn more about Pause Lavender Farm, read about our transition to organic and some totally new northern lavender varieties born on our farm.