What do you do when you can't sell everything and move to Provence? You bring a little of Provence to you. As a former French teacher turned entrepreneur, I've spent the last several years helping people "Bring the Colors of Provence" into their homes through my imported French tablecloths and kitchen products at TheSunflowerofProvence.com.

​

Meanwhile, my husband began keeping bees. For over nine years now, his busy little colonies have brought us endless wonder and joy — but also concern. Faced with toxic sprays and sudden colony collapses, we knew we needed to do more. We shifted our focus to planting only what's beneficial to pollinators, and in that quest for a more bee-friendly property, we rediscovered our love of lavender.

​

Today, our four acres are a true oasis. With over 700 plants and several cultivars — stretching from the front of our yard all the way to our angustifolia labyrinth — we've created a haven for our bees, butterflies, and giant native bumblebees alike. Nestled below the Sierra Nevada mountains in Northern Nevada, I look out and see (and smell!) Provence all around me.

​

And we're growing. Last June, with the help of dear friends and family, we planted nearly 3,000 lavender plants on a newly leased acre and a half. We have exciting plans for this field — you can follow along as this new chapter unfolds by becoming a member.

​

We hope what we're creating here inspires you to help bring nature back into balance in your own backyard.