Did you know that lavender comes in dozens of varieties, each with a different smell, and many with different growing habits? I did learn that from Rebecca at Lavender Connection, who owns a family-run lavender farm in Sequim, Washington, which also happens to be the lavender capital of the United States! After meeting her at the Northwest Flower and Garden Show, where her beautiful lavender scents were wafting over to my booth all day, I knew I had to have her on the podcast to share her incredible expertise.

In this episode, we learn:

• [02:40] How Rebecca became a lavender expert
• [06:25] Where does lavender grow natively?
• [07:17] How many species does lavender have?
• [09:06] English vs French vs Spanish lavender
• [11:19] How to avoid killing your lavender (top growing tips!)
• [12:55] Why you need well-draining soil for lavender
• [15:13] Make someone’s special day unforgettable by gifting them Wind River Chimes!
• [17:27] Common mistakes new lavender gardeners make
• [20:12] Life as a lavender farmer: agritourism, DIY, and more
• [22:17] The lavender essential oil bar experience
• [24:03] How Starbucks drinks was inspired by her Lavender Connection!
• [25:29] Favorite lavender varieties (including the mysterious Row 19)
• [27:15] What you can actually do with harvested lavender
• [29:30] What’s the easiest thing you can do with a lavender?
• [30:28] Where can you find Lavender Connections?

Mentioned in our conversation:

• GJ Episode 158: Grow and Make Essential Oils with Chris Satch
• “Row 19” Lavender Essential Oil (lavandula intermedia)

Planning to grow your own lavender?

Check out the full show notes and blog for Rebecca's expert growing tips!

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Thank you to our episode sponsor:Wind River Chimes

Bring the gift of peace, serenity, and magic this wedding season with chimes! Wind River is a Virginia-based company creating premium handcrafted and hand-tuned wind chimes for over 35 years. If you are looking for an amazing gift that can help you or your loved ones grow joy and find a moment of peace, a Wind River chime is the perfect option. Plus, you can engrave the wind sail on the wind chime with meaningful dates, names, or phrases!

Visit windriverchimes.com and use code GROWINGJOY to receive free engraving on your chosen wind chimes. 

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