My spice cabinet stores the herbs I use sparingly. Next to my stovetop is a Lazy Susan which holds the herbs and spices I use nearly daily. There sits my container of Herbes de Provence , a mixture of savory, fennel, basil, thyme, and lavender flowers. I’ve been told that if it doesn’t have lavender – it isn’t the real blend used by French chefs. Earlier this summer, I found myself sitting on the porch of local lavender growers John and Mary Hendon. Overlooking the beautiful landscape of the Trackrock Valley, I sipped iced tea and munched on lavender cookies (wonderful), while listening to their travel adventures. I found myself all too ready to set sail for the south of France and experience the lavender fields for myself.

Why lavender?

Several years ago we visited France . We were captivated by the farms, particularly olive and lavender. Looking out over the pasture land here, we couldn’t help thinking of those lavender fields we loved so in Provence . Our favorite village was Arles. (The Hendon’s now reside on the hilltop of the old Hugh Collins property, overlooking the meadow that was one time the campgrounds of the Cherokee).

Did you just clear a portion of the field and start planting seed?

We had been growing lavender indoors. We started with 4 plants about 12 years ago. We have a lovely southern exposure in the sun room and they do beautifully there, even all winter. We took cuttings to family and friends. Eventually we decided to plant outdoors. Lavender is perennial. It needs a sunny exposure, sandy soil and mulch. We’ve found this to be ideal climate and earth. We grow several varieties of lavender, including Lady Lavender, Grosso Lavender, Provence Lavender and Hidcote Lavender.

When do you harvest the lavender?

Just about the second week in June. We cut them by hand. And it’s important to harvest in the heat of the day to insure that the fragrant oils are the strongest.

Mary, you’ve become very creative designing crafts around the dry lavender. What all do you make?

The fragrant lavender makes wonderful sachets. Lavender wands are made from the stem and flower, and have a woven tip, where inside are the scented lavender. I also have hot pads which when heated bring out the wonderful full aroma of the lavender. My little angels can hang in the closet adding a mild lovely fragrance and keep the moths at bay, as well.

Do you whistle while you work or listen to music?

(Mary) – I listen to classical music.

(John) – I love the quiet, serenity of nature. In the morning it’s the roosters and later in the day it’s the bob whites.

What’s your favorite piece of equipment?

(Mary) It has to be my sewing machine. It’s over 100 years old. My mother bought it second hand during WWII. I taught my daughter and granddaughter on it.

What other hobbies do you have?

(Mary) I love to paint – oils and water color.

(John) Trout fishing and just anything to do with nature.

What would you still like to attempt in life?

(Mary) Pottery – throwing clay!

(John) I would like to try growing more fruit. I have a thing for blueberries.

How did the two of you meet?

(Mary) John was born and raised in Buckhead. He’s one of the original “Buckhead Boys”. When he was in the Coast Guard in the 60’s, he was stationed in Baltimore , Maryland , where I’m from.

(John) She was a USO Club hostess when we met. We’ve been together ever since.

Where did you raise your family?

In the Atlanta area. John was an engineering auditor and later specialized in environmental issues. He was instrumental in locating the 515 corridor through the mountains.

What do you like best about the Union County Farmer’s Market?

The camaraderie with the other vendors is so special. And it is so rewarding sharing our knowledge and our product with visitors.