Peaceful Acres Lavender Farm

From growing a full acre of certified organic lavender, constructing a home built from recycled tires, cans, and dirt, and teaching ancient natural healing methods, Peaceful Acres is known for being unique. None of these things may be quite as unique, however, as the addition of GONGS to the Peaceful Acres Wellness Studio.

Gongs are one of man’s oldest therapeutic instruments, used for meditation purposes in the practice of sound immersion, or sound therapy. The sound and vibration of the gong creates a deep relaxation, excellent for reducing stress, depression and anxiety in the mind and body. In a gong meditation session, allow the deep healing bronze to help you through denial and emotional blocks to achieve a greater and higher resonance with your spiritual self.
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Wellness Studio by Peaceful Acres will feature two Subsonic gongs (36” & 40”, pictured below) to be used for meditation sessions. 

 

Pricing: 

$15 for 5 min
$25 for 10 min

$40 for 20 min 

Wellness Studio by Peaceful Acres will be hosting their Grand Opening/Open House Saturday, March 5 and Sunday, March 6!  Come visit us at our brand new location in Wilmington, OH.   The open house will last from 10 a.m.-7 p.m. both Saturday & Sunday.

The open house will be an opportunity to meet the many talented wellness practitioners who will be joining us on this new venture.  Mini-sessions will be offered for Reiki, Reflexology, Massage Therapy, Intuitive Readings, and other services.  Our gift shop will also be open in the studio and is stocked full with our many wonderful lavender creations!

Visit www.peacefulacreslavenderfarm.com for directions to the studio.  

Here we all are.. we have stepped into another new year.. we have been through another full cycle of another beautiful year. This however, is a year so different than any year any of us here on earth now have ever experienced.[Read More]

The new spring season has become very alive and our fertilizing adventure turned out to be a little more than expected. Sharing yet another day of farm adventure.   (Blog by Kym)[Read More]

I was taking my daily walk out to the fields today, It was a little cooler today than it has been. The sky pretty overcast, letting us know that at any moment it could pour down and delay some of this planting we had set on for today. I love to close my eyes as I am walking and just listen. The birds here are amazing. There are so many sweet songs that go on further than my hearing will allow me to take in. We have quite a collection of so many kinds of birds, and the melody change walking from the woods to out in the fields is like changing the channel on the radio. The fields are so full of killdeers and red-winged blackbirds right now. The song of these two alone would satisfy me fully. The red-winged black bird males love our nature field, all of the nice tall slender left over stalks from last years wildflowers make excellent standing grounds for them to perch their amazing bodies and blast out their impressive song to all of the ladies around.

The killdeer have become quite fond of our mounded lavender rows. Their little legs seem to get much more running and exercise than most birds. If you have never seen a mother bird put on the most extravagant display of distraction, you have not been close to a killdeer nest! Last year was the first time I experienced this. It was early spring and I was checking out the winter ice damage in the rows.After hearing several displays of a racket coming from a nearby bird, I was so alarmed to see that this one seemed to be severely injured. It flapped around horribly on the ground, one wing spread out and curved. “Aw! poor bird” I was already thinking of placed I could call that surely would know how to save this birds wing. I turned towards it, changed my direction and up up and away it went. Good as new. That mamma sure did distract me from the direction I was heading.. straight towards its nest it had decided to make in the middle of a half dead lavender plant. That is a smart bird! Also one of my favorite to listen to may I add. Their tweeting repetitive sound, their white ringed necks, and there little slender legs make you feel like you are on the sandy ocean shore listening to a bird that would be nested in a rocky outcrop by the edge of the ocean water.

As I walked down the driveway this year I saw the same marvelous display, although I was not being tricked this time. The Earthship has now become a wonderful nesting community for them, and I am very happy to open up an apartment community for these beautiful creatures anytime.

The barn swallows have not yet returned this year. I reluctantly decided removing the mud packed nests in the barn from last year was the only direction I could go with them. Not much further in the season in 2007 they had chased out all of the red-winged black birds, killdeer, mourning doves, and any other flying creature around. Although I have a childlike passion for birds, these mean little bullies are no longer welcome on this harmonious farm. Even if they do return I believe our killdeer population has definitely outnumbered what they used to be and maybe they could work something out.

My next objective here is to help the little traveling hummingbirds find the acre of lavender yummyness. They have returned like they do every year to the trusty feeders we have in the woods. Although lavender is said to be a favorite of hummingbirds, I have come to the conclusion that since we have no blooms early season when the scouts are around, they are missing what is there for them the rest of the year. I had wanted to get the feeders closer to the field for them, but may have missed my early season opportunity for that. Hopefully with the helpful watch of visitors to our farm this year we will see that they have discovered it on their own! I’m excited to see if we gain these tiny marvels to the fields as well.

The simplicity of the birds, and the way they bring so much joy into every day field work is such a simple blessing that could easily be overlooked if there was not so much work to do out there! No matter how much rush, or business, or list of things I am not sure how to accomplish before the next day is in my head, soaking in the sweet songs of the birds instantly melts it all away. So with the bucketful of nightcrawlers in the kitchen and the luminous moon peaking through the cloudy sky, Its time to get some rest, and look forward to what will come as the season moves on.

Blog by "Kym Prell"

Peaceful Acres loves to share and enjoy the beauty of lavender . Choose your favorite variety and help us decide next years 4 acre planting. The farm currently grows 8 variety's of lavender. If you have a New cold weather lavender angustifolia variety and would like to share it, please do so I would love hearing from lavender lovers!

LAVANDULA STOECHAS ('Spanish lavender')

Off the Mediterranean coast France is a group of islands once called the Stoechades by the Greeks, and from which this group of lavender derives its name. The flower heads are characterized by what look like extra petals on top of the flower head. Sometimes called rabbit ears or wings, their correct name is sterile bracts. These plants bloom throughout the summer. The foliage of L. stoechas has camphor scent.

LAVANDULA x INTERMEDIA (Sometimes called 'lavandins')

This species is a natural hybrid of L. angustifolia and L. latifolia, unfortunately all are sterile. Colors are primarily shades of violets and purples although there are a few white varieties. Lavandula x Intermedia hybrids have several members which are winter hardy to zone 5. Their essential oil can be five times that of L. angustifolia. They tend to bloom several weeks later than L. angustifolia and often bloom twice in the season. Many of these varieties are bred so the dried buds fall easily from the stems. This makes collecting dried buds simple.

LAVANDULA ANGUSTIFOLIA (L. vera, L. officinalis, true lavender, L. spica, Dutch lavender, English lavender)

These are known as English lavenders. One of the largest lavender species, it contains the most winter-hardy and colorful varieties. Some are small enough for the rock garden, others large enough to make a statement! The earliest lavenders to bloom in the garden, most will bloom in June or July and again in August and September.

Lavandula x Intermedia 'GROSSO'

Plant height: 28"

Flowering height: 40"

Bud 'Grosso' was discovered in France in 1972. At the time, L x intermedia 'Abrialii' was commonly grown for oil, and being affected by disease. Someone noticed how healthy the 'Grosso' plants were, and gradually it became the popular commercial variety.

Lavandula angustifolia 'ENGLISH' (L. vera, L. officinalis, true lavender, L. spica, Dutch lavender, English lavender)

Plant height: 18"
Flowering height: 24"
Bud 'TWICKLE PURPLE'

Plant height: 24-38"
Flowering height: 34-40"
Bud 'NANA' ('Dwarf White,' 'Baby White')

Plant height: 12-16"
Flowering height: 14-20"
Bud 'ROSEA'

Plant height: 24-48"
Flowering height: 30-35"
Bud 'LADY' ('Lavender Lady')

Plant height: 16-20"
Flowering height: 20-24'
Bud 'Munstead,' they bred the plants until they produced lavender that would grow true to type from seed and bloom in the first year. This is quite an achievement, as most lavenders, whether started as cuttings or from seed, bloom in the second year. To achieve bloom in the first year, you need to start the seed indoors in January or February. It benefits from pruning to keep its size and shape.

Lavandula angustifolia 'HIDCOTE' ('Hidcote Blue,' 'Hidcote purple')

Plant height: 24-48"
Flowering height: 28-32"
Bud 'MUNSTEAD' ('Munstead Blue,' 'Munstead Dwarf')

Plant height: 12-16"
Flowering height: 16-20"
Bud 'Munstead' is the most winter hardy of all the lavenders. Although shown here as winter hardy to zone 5. Grown since the early 1900's. Flowers tend to appear bunched in a group about 1" long at the top of the flower spike.

All about "Growing Lavender" purchase on our website or our Lavender Gift Shop.

The farm has over 1200 plants ready for the fields beginning of May!

 

CERTIFIED ORGANIC produce this year includes Tomatoes of many kinds, tomatillos, peppers, squash, watermelon, orange sherbert melon, lavender, sweet marjoram, mint, onions, potatoes, lettuce, chives, basil, broccoli, green beans, snap peas, & spinach.

For the 2010 season red & black raspberry's, strawberry's, & blueberry's will be available for HANDPICK.

Our goal here as a Lavender farm is to increase our Lavender production from 1 full acres to a total of 5 ACRES next season!! Yes 5 acres of LAVENDER, we will be the largest lavender farm in the whole MIDWEST and most of the US. Production for the next three years will also include some produce but transforming into a full FRUIT FARM by 2011!!

Help support BUY LOCAL and join our farm share program to guarantee produce weekly!

See you in JUNE for our Lavender Field Day, lot's of workshops, food, live music, and a day among the fully bloomed Lavender! Everyone must see this so come on out you will be happy!!

KIDS, WE LOVE KIDS bring them along!!

Peace, Love and Lavender!!!!

Season is here and the great spring rain has past for the next several days leaving us with warm temperatures and an abundance of MORREL mushrooms waiting to be harvested. 

 

Hunt on the Eastern and Northern facing slopes. They can be found under honey suckle bushes, leaves, trail edges and near any old fire burn pile. Definitely check around your back yard fire pit. There here so be vigilant and have a great hunting season this weekend. I know we will in between the field preparations.

Come back and post your harvest for all of us to see. We will also be posting some Morrel recipes after this weekend.

HAPPY HUNTING!

Calling for all LOCAL WOMEN to come enjoy a FULL MOON GATHERING with me here among the shooting Lavender fields. 

Friday May 8, 6pm Potluck (bring a dish or drink to share),  bring a chair or blanket, any smudging herbs and in site to the phase of the moon.

THIS FULL MOON in Scorpio!

New Moons are the right time for bringing in the new. Full Moons are the right time for celebrating and reveling in successes.
Each month the New and Full Moons fall in opposing astrological signs, which rule different qualities and aspects of life. You can use these times to work on specific issues, hopes, desires and goals that correspond to the astrological energies of the Moon phase. Connecting with the monthly rhythms of our own internal biological and emotional/intuitive clocks can greatly increase our ability to fulfill dreams and goals.

Call Kym 937-944-0095

See you soon!

This is by far one of the most delicious Lavender Pork chop meals we have had!

4 pork loin or rib chops, about 3/4-inch thick
1 teaspoon coarse kosher salt
1 teaspoon coarsely ground black pepper
1/2 teaspoon dried culinary lavender
2 teaspoons minced fresh thyme leaves
1 teaspoon minced fresh rosemary leaves
1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil

In a small bowl, combine salt, pepper, lavender, thyme, rosemary, and olive oil; rub mixture onto the pork chops. Cover the chops with plastic wrap and let sit 1 to 2 hours at room temperature.

Preheat barbecue grill. Place pork chops onto hot grill. Cover barbecue with lid, open any vents, and grill 4 to 5 minutes; turn and grill an additional 3 to 4 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 155°F on a meat thermometer. Remove from barbecue and serve.

Makes 4 servings.

Well it's coming along. The Earthship has a roof.....almost! The two smaller rooms have beams and deck boards installed. I have found it is a bit harder to work with ruff cut lumber rather than traditional pine. Heavier, crooked, twisted and as heavy as you can imagine. I'm thankful for good friends helping bring this to reality. Another chapter of my life fulfilling at the blink of an eye. I think somehow I need to dedicate this building to these friends that helped with trash to construction. Keep your heads right because it's not over yet. We still need everyone's help.

NEW EARTHSHIP QUESTIONS AND COMMENTS

Will you see my beer cans I bring over inside the Earthship?
No! All cans, bottles and tires will be sealed from outside to inside. No Recycled trash will seen except the creative art light designs in the walls. Visit http://www.earthship.net here you will see how beautiful these Earthships really are.

I think their just glad you're not living in it!
A comment from a friend that must have been discussed some where around town. I know it meant no harm but the thought of citizens in the community worried about what doesn't have anything to do with them is oblivious! This structure is more reliable, stronger, sound, self sustainable than any conventional home built today.

My Comments: WELL, this Earthship project is aimed for storing our lavender products with out wasting materials for such a place. This is the original idea bringing people to our farm for agricultural/recreational use and still our plans for the future. But considering our economy and the down ward spiral we are still in, if some how, some time bad comes of it all then Yes we will have to move into the Earthship. Rules would be followed and I'm sure inspection of some kind would be needed. Seriously come on, no utility bills, no heating necessary. A place to live on our land with no house payment. Who wouldn't want to live in something they built that's a self efficient, self sustainable dream? It would look the same weather we lived in it our not. The only difference is our Earthship will be here for many of my family generations!

It is important to know that perfume oils also known as fragrance oils or "fragrances" are not the same as essential oils. Perfume oils and fragrances contain unnatural chemicals and do not provide the therapeutic benefits of essential oils. Unfortunately, many companies improperly use the term aromatherapy on products that contain unnatural and perfume oils, so it's important to look at the ingredient label when seeking true aromatherapy product.

No harmful synthetic chemicals used in any of our products. We never use solvent extracted oil (even though it's much cheaper), harmful synthetic chemicals, preservatives, petroleum products, artificial dyes, or synthetic fragrance oils.   Why?  Because natural matters!  With so many companies falsely claiming to be "all natural", we're proud to say that our commitment to natural is real. We even went the extra step and use Organic Oils in all our soaps.

We have made it through all the complicated paperwork for our ORGANIC certification. All our Lavender, Produce, Woodlot, Soaps & Lotion will be certified by summer! The 20 farm acres fit all requirements. The years of documentation & no cigarette butts paid off.

I just can't believe how involved certification is. It felt like we were buying another house.

I'll make a deal, the first person to find a cigarette butt on the property gets a $50 gift card to our gift shop!!

Let the game begin?