Lake Holm Lavender

Auburn, Washington

Jackie & Andrew Szarka

Nestled in Washington’s Lake Holm area, Lake Holm Lavender farm stands as a testament to the dreams and aspirations of its owners, Jackie and Andrew Szarka. Their journey from the bustling city life of Seattle to the serene countryside started in 2017 when they decided to purchase and cultivate five acres of unworked land.

Jackie was raised gardening and always envisioned having her own nursery. The vision unfolded, guided by the belief that lavender was the perfect choice – beautiful, drought-hardy, and deer/rabbit-resistant. By the fall of 2020, the farm had its first 1,000 aromatic lavender plants. Today, the landscape is a welcoming sight with the hues of nearly 3,000 lavender plants, weaving a fragrant tapestry that includes cultivars like ‘Grosso’, ‘Royal Velvet’, and ‘Melissa’.

Jackie, a retired clinical psychologist, with a background in PTSD treatment for veterans, transitioned from urban life to lavender farming. Her husband Andrew, is a longshoreman with talents ranging from heavy equipment operation to photography, music, and baking. Andrew’s diverse skills also extend to coaching MMA in the martial arts gym that he runs at their farm.

Together, the couple is transforming Lake Holm Lavender farm into a stunning field of lavender that combines elements of healing, creativity, and fitness. Jackie humorously suggests that harvesting should be incorporated into MMA training.

The fruits of their labor manifest in the form of Jackie’s favorite product, dried lavender bundles and sachets, crafted from their harvests. These beautiful bundles and other artisanal products find a home at local farmers’ markets, a strategic outlet chosen due to community covenants that restrict public access to the farm. Jackie initially focused on the allure of cut stems but has since recognized the demand for value-added products. Although they have launched their online shop to extend their reach to a broader audience, Jackie and Andrew derive profound joy from their interactions with visitors at local markets.

The path of Lake Holm Lavender has not been traversed alone. The couple acknowledges the pivotal role played by the many members of Lavender Northwest and their farm mentor, Victor Gonzalez, in Sequim, WA. which has helped shape their trajectory. Jackie expresses her gratitude, “He helped us establish our farm and continues to guide and support us every step of the way; none of this would have happened without his knowledge and generosity.”

Thank you Jackie and Andrew for sharing your story and making this article possible. It is a pleasure to read how your transition from the busy city life to the tranquility of the countryside has unfolded. As a final note, Jackie makes this statement “I feel so fortunate to have found Lavender Northwest and am very grateful for every person here. I’m really looking forward to being a part of the growth and development of the organization and to enjoying many lavender years together!”

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Contributed by

Mike & Sandra Mitchell

Willamette Valley Lavender

Edited & formatted by

Michael Lemmers

RavenCroft