The Great Ice Storm of 2025

Lavender Field Iced Out

We returned from Spring Break on March 28 to the reality of a really big and destructive ice storm. Temperatures on the farm remained at 33 degrees Fahrenheit with a light drizzle falling for four days in a row. It was indeed perfect conditions for a horrendous ice storm. It was too much for many of our trees and plants to take. They simply started snapping and cracking and popping. It was like hearing gun shots go off continuously and each time you heard it you knew another tree had lost the battle against the weight of the ice.

We were without power, heat and water for 8 days and internet for 3 weeks due to the extent of the storm ravaging 5 counties Up North. Melting snow to flush toilets and keeping fuel in the generator gets old quickly. For sure, we take the efficiencies of civilization too much for granted. Trying to remain mindful of that and be grateful for the simple things when we remember to.

The lavender fields got hit hard too. The dormant winter-resting perennials had already lost their snow cover insulation and were simply turned into popsicles. At the time, we did not how many plants we would lose. As spring has continued to unveil (though a bit cooler and rainier than normal) the damage to almost all of the 3 year and older plants is obvious. The centers of most plants are dry and browned out...BUT...most plants are slowly trying to regrow the center of themselves, and I don't think we will lose too many plants to total wipeouts. But for sure, they will be delayed by at least 2 weeks in flowering this year. Still, we are amazed at how resilient they appear to be and for sure seem to be working hard to recover and create amazing lavender flowers this year for humans and the bees to enjoy.