About You
Can you tell us how Lavenbel Farm started?
What led you to grow lavender in Ontario?
Starting my own business had always been a dream, but I was still searching for the idea that truly resonated with me.
In 2020, a lavender farm in Central Ontario was listed for sale. I spent just half a day with the owners—who were considered pioneers in Ontario’s lavender industry—and I instantly felt a deep connection to the plant and all the natural benefits it offers. I fell in love with lavender: this incredible plant with anti-inflammatory, antifungal, and antibacterial properties.
Where does the name “Lavenbel” come from?
Lavenbel is a twist on Lavendel, the German word for lavender. I replaced the “d” with a “b” to highlight the word bel (which means “beautiful” in French), emphasizing both the beauty of lavender and my Francophone roots.
Growing Lavender in Canada’s Climate Is No Easy Task. How have you adapted your production to the Glengarry region?
In Glengarry County, Ontario, the soil is quite rocky — which surprisingly benefits lavender: the stones help drain excess water and retain heat from the sun, creating an ideal environment for the plant.
To deal with harsh Canadian winters, we use Hybertex frost covers to protect the lavender throughout the cold season. This allows us to maintain healthy, resilient plants year after year.
Choosing Organic Lavender in Canada
Why did you decide to grow organic lavender?
We chose to grow lavender organically to ensure the highest product quality while also respecting the environment.
We farm on my in-laws’ land, and they’ve always cultivated it in a way that protects wildlife and pollinators.
Lavender responds incredibly well to organic methods — it doesn’t require pesticides or synthetic fertilizers to thrive. Keeping the soil alive supports microbial biodiversity and strengthens plant health in the long run.
The result is a purer lavender, with a richer scent and enhanced natural properties.
You grow both English and French lavender.
What are the differences between these varieties, and how do you use them?
English Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia)
English lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) is hardier and better suited to our Canadian climate.
It produces small, delicate, highly fragrant flowers that are perfect for culinary use, herbal teas, and for infusing into our soothing products, such as our Lavender Relax Roll-On and facial care line.
French Lavender (Lavandula x intermedia)
French lavender (Lavandula x intermedia) — also known as lavandin — grows taller and produces longer stems and flowers.
Its scent is more intense, making it ideal for essential oil distillation, dried bouquets, and several of our body care products.
Both varieties complement each other beautifully in our fields, allowing us to stagger harvests and offer the best possible aroma across all our creations.
Your farm isn’t open to the public, but you’re very active in the Ottawa region. Can you tell us more about your presence at local farmers’ markets?
Farmers’ markets are our way of bringing the benefits of lavender directly to the community.
We attend weekly markets in Ottawa at Lansdowne, Westboro, and Orleans, as well as the Carp Farmers’ Market every week. We also take part in several other seasonal markets throughout the year.
We love meeting and chatting with people at the markets. It’s a wonderful way to build stronger connections with fellow lavender lovers.
Products & Well-Being
What is the transformation process for lavender — from flower to finished product?
We harvest the lavender when the flowers are at their peak bloom to preserve their fragrance and therapeutic properties. Harvest begins with the English lavender, followed by French lavender about two weeks later. From there, the flowers follow one of two paths: They are gently dried out of direct sunlight to preserve their color and scent — perfect for use in dried bouquets, sachets, or culinary blends. Or they are steam-distilled while fresh to extract essential oil and lavender water (hydrosol).
The entire process is done by hand, using traditional methods. Our lavender water is used in linen sprays, pillow mists, toning elixirs, and more. Our essential oils and oil infusions are incorporated into a variety of home, skincare, and wellness products.
What types of products do you currently offer (bouquets, dried flowers, natural skincare…)?
We now have a wide variety of natural products that showcase the many benefits of lavender and other clean ingredients. Because lavender is naturally antibacterial and antifungal, it’s ideal for our hand care products and household cleaners. Its calming and relaxing properties make it a great ally for better sleep — featured in our pillow mist and Relax Roll-On. And thanks to its anti-inflammatory and skin-regenerating effects, it’s perfect for facial and body care. Each product is thoughtfully designed to combine effectiveness, wellness, and scent, while staying true to the natural benefits of the plant.
We also use our dried lavender flowers to create bouquets for sale, culinary blends, sachets, and other creations.
How can lavender improve everyday life — for skin, sleep, or stress?
Lavender has been shown to help people fall asleep more easily and reduce nighttime awakenings, which leads to feeling more refreshed and improving overall well-being. Scientific studies have revealed that lavender not only calms the mind but also increases the duration of deep sleep, allowing the body to regenerate and restore itself.
Its relaxing effect also helps reduce stress and anxiety, whether used in a diffuser, applied during massage, or simply by breathing in its aroma.
Lavender is also a plant that’s easy to integrate into daily life. On the skin, its anti-inflammatory and soothing properties help calm irritation and promote skin regeneration.
As a bonus, lavender is a natural insect repellent — a great ally for the home and for outdoor activities.
Do you have a signature product that your customers particularly love?
Our most popular product is our hand cream. I formulated it to ensure it wouldn’t leave a greasy or sticky finish on the hands. It’s specially designed for dry, damaged skin, particularly during the winter months. It absorbs in one or two minutes and leaves a soft, silky finish on the skin. I chose fast-absorbing oils like rice bran oil, camellia oil, and kokum butter. Instead of using glycerin — which often leaves a sticky residue — I opted for gentler, plant-based moisturizers like propanediol and aloe vera.
It’s always fascinating to see people’s reactions when they try it at the farmers’ markets. They’re surprised by how quickly it absorbs and by its velvety finish. They also love the scent — a blend of lavender and lemon that’s both fresh and soothing.
How do you select the ingredients that accompany lavender in your formulas?
Étant donné que nous cultivons la lavande en culture biologique, je m’assure de choisir des ingrédients naturels ou de dérivation naturelle. Je fais quelques exceptions pour certains ingrédients de nature identiques fabriqués en laboratoire comme la niacinamide.
Using natural ingredients is generally gentler and better tolerated by the skin, reducing the risk of irritation, redness, or allergic reactions. It also aligns with our values and our commitment to environmentally friendly practices.
A Local & Ethical Approach
What values guide your work on a daily basis (zero waste, soil care, slow cosmetics, etc.)?
Many values guide our daily work. First, we prioritize respect for nature and the soil: no chemical inputs, maintaining biodiversity, and caring for our fields. We follow a slow cosmetics philosophy — taking time to create sustainable, effective products that are kind to both the skin and the planet, instead of focusing on fast or industrial production. These values reflect our vision of responsible agriculture and artisanal production, focused on quality and long-term well-being.
Do you collaborate with other artisans or local farmers?
This year, we’ll be collaborating for the first time with a local artisan to create lavender-scented candles for the holiday season. We’re also considering introducing beehives to the farm. We hope this project will come to life soon.
What is your vision for the future of small farms like yours in an increasingly industrialized world?
For us, the future lies in connecting with consumers, maintaining transparency, and respecting the natural rhythms of the earth. The people we meet genuinely enjoy supporting small farms; for them, it’s also a way to encourage local purchases and strengthen community ties.
Nous pensons que les petites fermes comme la nôtre ont un rôle essentiel à jouer en proposant des produits authentiques, artisanaux et de grande qualité.
Sales and Community Engagement
Where can people buy your products today (farmers’ markets, online shop, retail partners…)?
We offer several options: from May to October, we attend multiple farmers’ markets in the Ottawa region. From November to December, we’re busy participating in Christmas and holiday markets. Between January and April, you can find us every Sunday at the Lansdowne Market in Ottawa, along with some winter craft markets. We update the list of where to find us regularly on our website and social media (Facebook, Instagram).
You can also order online through our website, lavenbel.com.
We also sell a small selection of products in shops.
- The Makers Hub Winchester
515 Main Street, Winchester, ON - Stone House Vineyard
21065 Lochiel Road, Lochiel, ON
Do you also take custom orders for events, gifts, or collaborations?
Yes, we sometimes create custom products for weddings — gift boxes, floral arrangements for receptions, etc. I also collaborate on custom formulations with estheticians and massage therapists.
Life as a Local Artisan
What does a typical day look like on Lavenbel Farm?
Since our lavender farm is located on my in-laws’ property and we don’t live on-site, our daily schedule differs from most small farms.
During the blooming season (June and July)
We drive to the farm almost daily to harvest the lavender, arriving early in the morning and finishing by early afternoon to avoid the heat. Essential oil quality is best early in the day.
In 2025, we launched a unique initiative by welcoming volunteers to help with the harvest. In return, we hosted a picnic in the lavender field — everyone absolutely loved the experience.
After the harvest season
A typical farm day often involves weeding, which can take 3 to 4 hours straight. We also monitor for insect or wildlife damage in the lavender fields. Occasionally, we harvest a few stray branches that bloom late.
At the end of the day, we clean and store our tools. By September, we begin cutting back the plants for winter, using mechanical tools to give them a rounded shape and remove seasonal shoots.
What are the biggest challenges you face as a small-batch artisan producer?
As small-scale producers, everything is done by hand, which is a significant challenge. Organic farming requires more manual work, especially when it comes to weeds, since we use no chemicals. Expanding production means clearing new land, which is very labor-intensive. We need to make the most of every inch of cultivable soil.
And on the flip side — what motivates you the most each day?
The support and enthusiasm from people who buy our products — that’s the biggest reward. Their encouragement and appreciation for the quality of what we create mean the world to us.
To Wrap Up
If you had to describe Lavenbel in three words, what would they be?
Self-care
Nature
Well-being
What advice would you give to someone wanting to start a small artisanal business like yours?
You need to find a true passion for what you do — something that allows you to create unique, meaningful products for the community. Every job has less enjoyable aspects, but when your passion drives you, it won’t feel like work — it’ll feel like a contribution to the world.
And finally, what message would you like to share with future generations to inspire them to take care of themselves, plants, and nature?
Learn to slow down — take time to listen to your body and mind. Recognize fatigue, embrace stillness, reconnect with your emotions. Building a meaningful connection with nature, plants, and the land is essential for a healthy and balanced life. We hope to inspire others to live in harmony with nature, as the First Nations have long taught.