When one thinks of a garden, it’s easy to automatically focus on the array of beautiful colors and overlook the health benefits that our leafy friends offer on a day-to-day basis. Mike and Doreen King of Lakeside Lavender and Herbs, provide an array of plants and products that profits one’s holistic being.
“Lavender is truly a magic plant. It’s beautiful. It has healing agents and it’s great for aromatherapy,” said Mike. “For over 2,000 years, lavender has provided amazing benefits. Its aroma is such a relaxing scent that helps calm the brain. We love it so much that we currently have an abundance of it in our yard,” added Doreen.
The Kings’ love for horticulture can be seen at their two-acre farm located on 273 W Johnson Road. The property was once dedicated to a go-kart track, football field, and paintball war field for their two now adult sons.
“I had a stroke about 5 ½ years ago. Shortly before then, our son and now daughter-in-law were preparing for their wedding…Doreen was looking to make sashes from antique handkerchiefs her grandmother gave her, and she wanted to incorporate lavender into it. She started looking around for the variety and quantity of lavender that she wanted and realized that lavender grew wonderfully in our area. She said to me, ‘In our retirement years we ought to plan and grow lavender,’” shared Mike. “Several weeks later, I had the stroke and ended up losing my job and became embarrassed about my speech. Doreen came to me and said, ‘We’re not promised anything and not tomorrow, so let's dig up our yard and plant lavender and you can grow it.’”
Doreen’s interest in plants and herbs runs pretty deep. According to their company site, “Doreen graduated from Indiana University with a degree in allied health science. After many years of working in the medical laboratory, she took a position in healthcare management.”
“I am also currently the marketing manager for Pathology Consultants Inc., so it wasn't much of a leap for me to tie my love for health and well-being into our farm,” shared Doreen. “Outside of motherhood, this is what God made me for. I love what we do, and it is valuable knowledge that we love to share with others, especially young mothers. Our generation and the generation after, is out of touch with the herbal culture that our grandparents grew up on.”
Doreen is a trained herbalist and studied under Demetria Clark at the Heart of Herbs Herbal School. She is also on the path to becoming a master herbalist with a focus on complementary medicine and is currently taking an aromatherapy certification course.
“My [favorite] herbs are lavender - it’s excellent for stress relief and burns. Rosemary has amazing culinary uses, it’s also great for memory, it's an antibacterial and antifungal agent and has beneficial phytochemicals when eaten,” said Doreen.
“Lemon balm is my go to for anxiety,” said Mike. “When combined into a tea, it is the most relaxing drink ever, especially with chamomile - we grow that too.”
The Kings have not looked back and have been prosperous ever since. They now provide online sale services year round for those who want products such as their lavender lotion, herbal salves, and much more. They also sell homemade teas, dry rubs for meats, vinegars, salts, and pesto blends at the South Bend Farmers Market.
“We grow a variety of kitchen herbs, as well as some things for fun and well-being,” stated Mike. “Rosemary, sage, thyme, lavender, basil, and lovage are some of the herbs that we incorporate in our culinary blends.”
The power couple is currently gearing up for their farm’s seasonal opening day on May 1st.
“We plan to have a ‘You Pick’ open house on June 30th and July 1st on the farm. There will be vendors, food, a lavender wand making class, and a lavender labyrinth style garden,” shared Doreen.
Lakeside Lavender and Herbs LLC expects to incorporate a distillery soon, so be on the lookout for their essential oils line.
Both Mike and Doreen can also be found at the Michigan Makers Market, the La Porte Sunflower Fair and the upcoming St. Joseph’s Carmelite Home charity event.
To find out more information on Lakeside Lavender and Herbs LLC, you can visit their website at https://www.lakesidelavenderandherbs.com/