While growing lavender and Christmas trees might seem like an unusual side hustle for a banker and newly retired newspaper publisher, it makes perfect sense to us.

Tom grew up on his family's farm, which connected us to ours through rich cropland, forest, and a meandering creek. He has been nurturing animal habitats and trees since he was young, but has been more intentional about it since building his dream home a mile south of the house where he grew up.

Julie, who retired from newspapering in May of 2023, has been on what seems like a life-long pursuit of zen energy, always searching for ways to enlighten herself and those around her. In recent years, that journey has focused on working to slow down her self-created busy-ness and to be truly in the moment. Most recently she's tapped into her creative side to build an inventory of lavender must-haves.

While the farm is still a little off the beaten path in Morely, MI, Tom and Julie think it's the perfect place to invite guests to leave their stress and schedules behind, take a deep breath, relax and connect to the quiet and calm - the peace - that is Peaceful Valley Farms.