Apr 08, 2026
By Shelley Rich
At Prairie Pines in Maize, the scent of lavender drifts across the fields on warm summer days. A surprising and delightful twist for a farm long known for Christmas trees, fall frights and family memories.
The idea for the lavender farm didn’t begin in a greenhouse or even in the garden. Jody Scott, who operates Prairie Pines with her husband, Kip, was reading a publication from the Christmas Tree Growers Association when she came across an article about farms planting lavender to fill slower summer months. It sparked something.
“That article really stuck with me,” Jody says. “We had always been a seasonal destination, and I started imagining what Prairie Pines could look like as a destination in the summer.”
For more than 50 years, Prairie Pines has been a place where families gather for entertainment and traditions. Kip’s parents, Bob and Patsy Scott, started the farm as a Christmas tree operation four decades ago. Over time, the barn became a hub of activity, hosting tree sales, weddings and even chamber music concerts. When the COVID-19 pandemic forced many events to wind down for a time, Kip and Jody found themselves reevaluating the future of the property and leaning into their personal passions.
Lavender became part of that vision.
Starting with about 900 plants on less than an acre, the Scotts began experimenting with varieties and growing techniques.
“Lavender loves heat and sunshine," Jodi explains, "We’ve expanded planting areas and are working to refresh the landscaped garden areas to be more natural and pollinator friendly.”
Bloom time arrives in the heart of summer when the purple rows reach their peak beauty, and the air carries the plant’s calming fragrance. Fortunately, Prairie Pines’ mature trees and shady gathering spots offer a welcome escape from the Kansas heat.
The lavender has quickly become a draw, not just for its beauty but also for its versatility. Jody has spent years researching its uses in aromatherapy, wellness and everyday life.
“It’s a pretty cool plant,” she says. “You can cook with it, make drinks, create lotions and of course it’s known for its healing properties and relaxation benefits.”
The farm now hosts seasonal experiences where guests can connect with the plant in meaningful ways. Farm-to-garden lavender plant sales allow visitors to take a piece of Prairie Pines home. Demonstrations and hands-on workshops throughout the blooming season teach everything from harvesting techniques to crafting lavender-infused products. Signature events like Lavender Daze and Lavender Haze blend education with celebration, often featuring music, sampling lavender-based refreshments and opportunities to simply soak in the peaceful surroundings.
While Prairie Pines has transitioned leadership from Kip’s parents, the Scotts are also looking outward. Jody has been exploring ways to strengthen local connections, including relationships with organizations like Sedgwick County Harvest Hub. Supporting regional agriculture and encouraging people to buy and grow locally is a priority she hopes to expand in the coming years.
And on summer afternoons, when the lavender is in full bloom and guests linger beneath the trees, it’s clear that one simple magazine article has blossomed into something beautifully unexpected.
To learn more about Prairie Pines, visit here.