Karen Larter explains that lavender offers various advantages, and she appreciates every part of the plant, from its stem to its blossom.
Karen Larter finds pure joy amid endless rows of blooming lavender at Lavender Moon Farm in Malden, N.B.
"We built this from the ground up, literally, and it's something I could talk about all day," said Karen, the farm's founder, owner, and operator.
Over the past five years, Karen and her husband have cultivated Lavender Moon Farm, a cozy two-acre plot adorned with six varieties of English lavender.
Karen emphasizes that English lavender boasts 45 species, 450 varieties, and numerous benefits beyond its visual appeal.
"There's a wealth of benefits in the flower itself and its oils. It's a natural bug repellent, a sleep aid, and an antiseptic. For us, it's a complete plant—we use every part, which is essential," she explained.
Karen's firsthand experience with a stress-related skin condition prompted her shift from a demanding corporate career to lavender cultivation.
A passionate gardener, she found solace in nurturing lavender blooms.
Today, Karen welcomes visitors to participate in seasonal lavender u-pick sessions throughout July, offering them a chance to savor the plant's myriad benefits.
"I recommend people come here to disconnect, relax, and maybe bring a picnic blanket," she suggested.
Visitors enjoy engaging with Karen, learning about the farm firsthand, and relishing the experience of cutting lavender.
Currently, the u-pick operates Monday to Friday from noon to 5 p.m., with updates on social media reflecting the season's bloom.
Lavender Moon Farm is also home to a thriving beehive essential for pollination, alongside a small store stocked with homemade lavender products, including soap, room sprays, pillow sprays, and locally crafted 100% N.B. wool dryer balls.
For Karen, Lavender Moon Farm is more than a business—it's an opportunity to share her passion with others.
"Talking to someone who grows the product lets you see the person behind it all," she expressed.
