Cultivators of lavender, comfort and wellness, the story behind the Kuipers and their purple paradise is one of resilience, commitment and family.
A New Chapter Blooms at PEC Lavender Farm
Nestled in the heart of Prince Edward County, PEC Lavender has been a beloved destination for visitors for more than two decades. Established in 2005, the farm has long been known for its breathtaking light purple fields, charming farmhouse accommodation, and peaceful rural atmosphere. In May 2025, the farm entered a new season of growth when Joe and Jessie Kuipers, purchased PEC Lavender Farm, and began transforming it into what it is today.
The couple have four children: Gabe – 16, Sam – 18, Grace – 21 and Cecilia – 23. Joe is currently a Building Inspector for the City of Belleville and Jessie spent the last seven years as the Executive Director for the Pregnancy and Family Care Centre of Quinte West. Jessie’s decision to leave a secure position behind and embrace the challenges of life running a farm was inspired by two major life events. “I loved my job at PFCQW but I had always enjoyed the outdoors and had dreamed of working on a farm. However, after a cancer journey in 2023-24 we decided it was time to make this change,” Jessie shared, “I’ve had several medical journeys, and my health changed my perspective on how I wanted to live and work. Taking care of the farm has allowed me to be more creative and to spend more time outdoors, which is where I love to be. This opportunity also allowed all of us to work together as a family towards a common goal. Joe is enthusiastic about the endless opportunities he can see to develop the farm and create new activities and experiences for our guests.”
The second major event that had Joe and Jessie pivot their paths, had to do with their daughter. “In 2024, our daughter Grace graduated high school. Grace has Down’s Syndrome and now attends Loyalist College. For her to live out her college dream and future employment opportunities, I would need to be available to provide transportation, since she is unable to drive. Being self-employed provides the flexibility to do that. It allows us to support her as she finishes college and transitions into volunteering and working in our community. Grace is also learning the trade of creating and making lavender products we sell in our store. She’s been very helpful with the soap making process and the guests love her.”
Knowing nothing about lavender or farming, together the family made a bold decision: they would learn an entirely new industry and build something special as a family.
“We spent months reading and educating ourselves on lavender, learning how to make all the products we sell and learning how to use farm equipment like tractors and harvesters,” explains Jessie.
Today, every member of the family plays a role in helping the farm thrive. Each of their children has specific responsibilities that contribute to the operation, making the lavender farm a truly family-run business. “We decided it was a great time for our family to take on this adventure together and everyone is helping to make this work.”
More Than Lavender Fields
Since taking ownership, Joe and Jessie have already expanded the farm’s bed and breakfast accommodation and upgraded the onsite store, creating a heart-felt and warm welcoming experience for visitors.
The farm now produces nearly 100 handcrafted lavender products onsite. From culinary creations to wellness and skincare products, their offerings highlight both creativity and craftsmanship. Guests can browse lavender-infused syrup, sugar, honey, vinegar, herb blends, and traditional Herbes de Provence made using herbs grown in the farm’s extensive gardens.
The wellness collection includes soaps, lotions, massage oils, sugar scrubs, bath oils, room sprays, eye pillows, and facial creams. The family has recently partnered with a lavender supplier in Sudbury that shares their values by employing adults with intellectual disabilities, helping extend the farm’s mission of inclusion and community support. This company makes their bath bombs, shower steamers, cold pressed soaps and shower soaps because their values align.
The Truth About Lavender
Educating visitors about lavender and dispelling common myths is all part of the job.
“Many people think lavender likes rich, moist soil or frequent watering,” she says. “In reality, lavender thrives in dry, rocky soil with lots of direct sunlight.”
Visitors are often surprised to learn there are forty-seven species of lavender, including Jessie’s personal favourite — a beautiful white lavender variety called Melissa.
Lavender is also commonly misunderstood as a sedative. While it is not technically a sedative, it is widely valued for its calming and restorative properties. Lavender can help relax the nervous system, reduce anxiety, improve sleep quality, lower blood pressure, and provide natural antibacterial and anti-inflammatory benefits for skincare.
A Farm Experience Guests Never Forget
Beyond the lavender itself, the farm offers guests a peaceful countryside escape filled with memorable experiences.
The original farmhouse, built in 1835, has been transformed into a charming bed and breakfast featuring four guest bedrooms. Visitors may book individual rooms through Airbnb and can enjoy a full hot country breakfast indoors or outdoors on the Adirondack chairs. The entire farmhouse, including the kitchen can be reserved through VRBO for family gatherings and group getaways. One of the most beloved features is the farmhouse’s large front porch, where guests can unwind and take in the views of the fields. Conveniently, the farm is just minutes from provincial parks, beaches, wineries, and charming local shops.
Rooms named The Alberdina, The Nanko, The Hendriks or The Lavendel May, all with ensuite bathrooms await overnight guests. Lavendel May is a particularly cozy and inviting retreat situated on the ground-floor with easy access. It offers a tranquil spot to relax, surrounded by the beauty and calming scent of lavender.
Visitors can enjoy private breakfasts by the lavender fields, and then stroll through the fragrant fields or observe distillery demonstrations with a chilled glass of lavender lemonade. Guests enjoy exploring the store, and studying the huge variety of lavender products for sale.
Looking Toward the Future
Joe and Jessie have no shortage of ideas for the future of the farm, aspiring to create even more opportunities for families to connect with nature and farm life.
“We have hopes that possibly one of our four kids would like to take over the farm,” says Jessie. “Currently, we’re teaching them alongside ourselves as we learn how the farming operations work and how to grow, harvest, distill, and make products from lavender essential oil. Farming is still new for us so we’re all learning together – it has been a lot of fun to do this with them,” she says. “We have lots of plans for development, but we can’t share them all quite yet. Our focus is really making this a family-friendly space where adults and children can learn and have fun in nature. One project we can share which is coming soon will be to add an all-natural outdoor children’s discovery playground and a small barnyard petting area. We can’t wait to see it grow and become a great community location to visit.”
What began as a leap of faith during a challenging period has quickly blossomed into something much greater — a place rooted in healing, family, education, and community.
At PEC Lavender Farm, every lavender bloom now tells a story of resilience, reinvention, and the courage of one family working together all pulling on the same end of the rope to start something entirely new.
The Lavender Festival
Each July, the farm comes alive during the Annual Prince Edward County Lavender Festival held on the first two weekends of July 4-5 and July 11-12 from 10-5 each day. Thousands of visitors travel from Toronto, Ottawa, Montreal, and beyond to experience live music, buskers, food trucks, children’s activities, massages in the lavender fields, wagon rides, petting zoo experiences, and u-pick lavender.
