Shrubs | Okanagan Xeriscape Association

Mahonia or Berberis?

Claire — Tue, 09 Dec 2025 06:14:27 +0000

PLANT OF THE MONTH- DECEMBER

by Sigrie Kendrick

Why is Mahonia being reclassified?

For decades, gardeners and botanists have recognized Mahonia as a distinct genus of evergreen shrubs prized for their architectural foliage, fragrant yellow flowers, and ornamental berries. However, recent botanical studies have led to a significant shift in taxonomy, and Mahonia species are now being reclassified under the genus Berberis.

This change stems from genetic research revealing that Mahonia and Berberis are more closely related than previously understood. Traditional classification separated the two based on leaf structure- with Mahonia species typically having compound, holly-like leaves, while Berberis species have simple leaves. Recent advances in DNA analysis show these differences don’t justify maintaining separate genera. The plants share numerous characteristics, including similar flower structures, fruit development, and chemical compounds in their tissues.

Botanical Science Continues to Evolve

Popular Okanagan natives, once known as Mahonia aquifolium (Oregon grape) and Mahonia japonica are now properly referred to as Berberis aquifolium and Berberis japonica. For gardeners, this change is primarily one of nomenclature. The plants themselves haven’t changed and still offer the same winter interest with their bold evergreen foliage, bright yellow flower clusters that bloom in late winter or early spring, and blue-black berries that attract birds. Their cultural requirements remain identical, thriving in sun to partial shade with well-drained soil.

Nurseries and botanical institutions are gradually adopting the new nomenclature, though many gardeners and plant labels still use the familiar Mahonia name. This transition period can create confusion when searching for plants or information, so it’s helpful to be aware of both naming systems.

Understanding this reclassification helps us appreciate how botanical science continues evolving as new research methods reveal deeper relationships between plant groups.

Berberis in the summer

Berberis in bloom in the spring

Sigrie Kendrick is a master gardener and executive-director of the non-profit Okanagan Xeriscape Association.

Our Plant Database features more than 500 plants tested and ideally suited for the unique challenges of gardening in the Okanagan’s extreme climate, iincluding the plants in this article.

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Deer-resistant Plants?

Claire — Tue, 22 Jul 2025 03:56:47 +0000

GARDENING WITH NATURE

Article by Sigrie Kendrick

Living with Deer in the Okanagan

Living in the beautiful Okanagan Valley comes with many perks, but for gardeners, there is one persistent challenge that stands out: marauding deer.

While deer may be lovely to observe from a distance, they can quickly transform a carefully-cultivated garden into their personal buffet. Understanding deer-resistant plants, particularly those suited to our semi-arid climate, can help you create a thriving landscape that both you and the local wildlife can appreciate—each in your own ways.

Deer are opportunistic feeders, but with surprisingly-discerning palates. They typically avoid plants with certain characteristics that make them either unpalatable or difficult to consume.

The most effective deer-resistant plants share common traits: strong fragrances, fuzzy or textured foliage, bitter or toxic compounds, thorny structures, or tough, leathery leaves.

Plants with high essential oil content, such as herbs and aromatics, are particularly unappealing to deer, as their sensitive noses find these scents overwhelming.

It’s important to emphasize that no plant is completely deer-proof. When food sources are scarce, particularly during harsh winters or drought conditions, deer will eat almost anything, a behavior that was especially obvious in West Kelowna gardens since the 2023 McDougall Creek Fire.

I have a client in Casa Loma who has gardened at her property for decades and accepted that the deer would munch on her Bergenia cordifolia flowers, but more recently, both flowers and foliage are missing.

Photo by Lise Guyot @elleguyot on Instagram

Deer in an urban garden

Deer-Resistant Plants for a Semi-Arid Climate

The Okanagan’s semi-arid climate, characterized by hot, dry summers and relatively mild winters, makes it ideal for xeric plants, those adapted to dry conditions. These water-wise plants not only conserve our precious water resources but often possess natural deer-resistant qualities.

Many xeric plants have evolved tough, waxy, fuzzy or aromatic foliage as adaptations to conserve moisture—characteristics that coincidentally make them less appealing to browsing animals.

Check out the plant database on this website for examples of some plants we’ve found that normally deter deer.

Perennials: Okanagan deer-resistant, xeric perennials include Achillea cultivars (Yarrow), with its ferny foliage and flat-topped flowers in various colours, and Nepeta (Catmint), which produces spikes of blue flowers and aromatic foliage that deer find objectionable.

Lavender stands out as perhaps the perfect Okanagan deer-resistant plant. Its intense fragrance, drought tolerance, and beautiful purple flowers make it both functional and ornamental.

Similarly, Perovskia atriplifolia (Russian sage) offers aromatic silvery foliage and tall spikes of blue flowers while requiring minimal water once established. Both plants thrive in our alkaline soils and intense summer sun.

Ornamental grasses provide excellent deer resistance while adding movement and texture to the landscape. Helictotrichon sempervirens (Blue Oat Grass), Schizachyrium scoparium (Little Bluestem), and Pennisetum alopecuroides (Fountain Grass) all perform well in our climate, requiring little supplemental irrigation after their first year. Their thin, sharp-edged leaves are simply not appealing to deer.

Shrubs: consider Mahonia species, formally Berberis (Barberry) species, which combine drought tolerance with thorny branches that deer actively avoid.

Potentilla fruticosa (Shrubby Cinquefoil) offers bright flowers throughout the summer in shades of yellow, orange, pink, and white while requiring minimal care. Appreciated more for its foliage than its flowers, Sambucus racemosa “Lemony Lace” (Elderberry) offers yellow-green lace-like foliage with highly dissected leaves and, as of yet, has not been browsed by deer in our West Kelowna demonstration garden.

Annuals: Tagetes tenuifolia (Signet Marigolds), Zinnia elegans (Zinnias), and Antirrhinum majus (Snapdragon) provide bright blooms while being generally deer-resistant, though they’ll need a little regular watering in our dry climate.

Barberry

Lavender

Designing a Water-Wise Garden with Deer-Resistant Plants

Success with deer-resistant gardening involves more than just plant selection. Group plants with similar water needs together, mulch to conserve moisture, and consider installing drip irrigation for efficient watering, rather than overhead. The theory of planting deer favourites near the house where human activity should deter browsing, while placing deer-resistant plants in more remote areas of your property may work in some areas. Remember that young plants are more vulnerable than established ones, so protect new plantings with temporary fencing or repellents until they mature. With thoughtful plant selection and proper care, you can create a beautiful, water-wise garden that thrives in the Okanagan while minimizing deer damage.

Our Plant Database features more than 500 plants tested and ideally suited for the unique challenges of gardening in the Okanagan’s extreme climate. Deer-resistant plants are included.

Sigrie Kendrick is a master gardener and executive-director of the non-profit Okanagan Xeriscape Association.

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Planting for Winter Birds

Claire — Tue, 07 Jan 2025 06:34:55 +0000

GARDENING WITH NATURE

Article by Sigrie Kendrick

Creating Vital Food Sources

The Okanagan Valley’s unique climate and ecology make it a crucial habitat for both year-round resident birds and winter visitors.

By thoughtfully selecting and planting native trees and shrubs that provide food during the harsh winter months, homeowners and landowners can create vital food sources for local bird populations while maintaining our region’s natural biodiversity.

Western Mountain Ash (Sorbus scopulina)

This tree stands out as one of the most valuable winter food sources for Okanagan birds. Its bright red berries persist well into winter, providing essential sustenance for Grosbeaks, Cedar Waxwings, and Northern Flickers.

These hardy trees thrive in the Okanagan’s climate and can reach heights of 20 feet, making them excellent landscape focal points while serving as natural bird feeders.

Western Serviceberry (Amelanchier alnifolia)

Locally known as “Saskatoon”, this shrub offers multiple benefits throughout the year. While its berries are primarily available in summer, any remaining dried fruit provides emergency winter food for birds. The dense branching structure also offers crucial shelter during harsh weather conditions, making it an excellent addition to any bird-friendly landscape.

Ponderosa Pine (Pinus ponderosa)

A signature tree of the Okanagan landscape, this tree supports numerous winter birds, particularly seed-eating species like the threatened White-headed Woodpecker, Pygmy Nuthatch, and Black-capped Chickadee. The large cones produce nutrient-rich seeds that become accessible throughout winter as the cones gradually open. According to the South Okanagan Similkameen Stewardship Program there are approximately 55 species of birds and mammals, some endangered, that depend on these pines for food and shelter.

Oregon Grape (Berberis aquifolium)

Invaluable in winter bird gardens, this shrub’s blue-black berries, high in natural sugars, often remain on the plant throughout winter, providing vital energy for various bird species. This evergreen shrub’s dense foliage also offers essential winter cover for smaller birds.

Red-Osier Dogwood (Cornus sericea)

This shrub produces bluish-white berries that, while not a preferred food source, become increasingly important as other food options diminish during late winter. The plant’s bright red stems add striking winter interest to the landscape while providing shelter for ground-feeding birds.

Snowberry (Symphoricarpos albus)

This shrub holds its white berries well into winter, offering an important food source for ground-feeding birds like Dark-eyed Juncos and Spotted Towhees. While these berries are not typically first-choice food for birds, they become crucial during periods of severe weather when other food sources are depleted.

Landscaping Tips

When establishing a winter bird habitat, consider creating multiple vegetation layers. Plant tall trees like Ponderosa Pine and Western Mountain Ash as backdrop elements, medium-sized shrubs like Western Serviceberry in the middle ground, and lower-growing Oregon Grape as ground cover. This layered approach mimics natural habitat structure and provides diverse feeding opportunities for different bird species. Group plantings of the same species together rather than scattering individual plants throughout the landscape. Clusters of three to five plants create more visible and accessible food sources for birds while establishing more robust plant communities that better withstand harsh Okanagan winters. Consider sun exposure and soil conditions when selecting planting locations. Most native Okanagan species prefer well-drained soils and full sun exposure, though Red-Osier Dogwood can tolerate partial shade and moister conditions. Proper plant placement ensures healthy growth and maximum fruit production.

Care and Maintenance

While native plants generally require minimal maintenance, some care during the establishment period ensures long-term success. Water deeply but infrequently during the first two growing seasons to encourage deep-root development. Avoid fall fertilization which may promote late-season growth vulnerable to winter damage.

Resist the urge to prune away all berries and fruits in fall cleanup. These food sources become increasingly valuable as winter progresses and natural food becomes scarcer. Similarly, leave some leaf litter under shrubs and trees, as ground-feeding birds often forage for seeds and hibernating insects in this natural mulch.

Beyond providing crucial winter bird food, establishing native plants creates year-round habitat value. These plantings support native pollinators during flowering periods, provide nesting sites in spring, and offer summer shade and shelter. As plants mature, they become increasingly valuable components of the local ecosystem, contributing to the Okanagan Valley’s biodiversity while providing endless opportunities for bird watching and nature appreciation throughout the winter months.

Check our Plant Database for more information on the plants mentioned above.

Sigrie Kendrick is a master gardener and executive-director of the non-profit Okanagan Xeriscape Association.

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Prune Shrubs Properly

Claire — Fri, 27 Jan 2023 23:45:33 +0000

Gardening with Nature

Article by Sigrie Kendrick

Avoid Pruning Stress

Few things are more irritating than seeing shrubs that the deer have pruned.

However, wrapping them in burlap to help them escape the ravages of these animals who are trying to survive winter’s icy blast is not the answer. Instead, browse our plant database and read our blogs on alternatives to the water-thirsty cedar hedge which is so attractive to deer.

What’s even more irritating is shrubs that have been sheared into box or vase shapes by a lazy landscaper or gardener. On an emotional level, I find it painful to see these trees and shrubs tortured into balls or squares, regardless of their natural form, especially if that natural shape is a particularly attractive one.

Pruning causes stress to the plant and as such should not be done without good reason.

Basic pruning requires little more than the removal of dead, damaged, or diseased wood to maintain the health of the plant.

Especially offensive to me is seeing such shrubs as the Berberis thunbergii, commonly known as Barberry, that have been systematically shorn. Left to grow naturally, barberry has a graceful, weeping form yet little of this is evident when they are badly pruned. You can see how beautiful their natural form is at the Okanagan Xeriscape Association’s Demonstration Garden at 4075 Gordon Dr. in Kelowna. Such careless pruning also eradicates the lovely bright red berries which provide winter interest and food for birds. Sometimes such drastic pruning is done in an attempt to control the size of trees and shrubs because they were improperly planted—either too close to buildings and pathways or under power lines. If you choose the right plant for the right situation, you will eliminate the need for corrective pruning later on. Thousands of dollars are often spent due to poor planning or design, on landscaping that is neither visually appealing nor supportive of pollinators or beneficial insects—an increasingly important environmental consideration.

Sigrie Kendrick is a Master Gardener and Executive-Director of the Okanagan Xeriscape Association. She can be reached at 778-363-8360 or by email at exec_dir@okanaganxeriscape.org.

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Hedge Alternatives- Part 2

Mark Godlewski — Sat, 30 Jan 2021 16:57:46 +0000

Article by Sigrie Kendrick and Mark Godlewski

This is the second in a pair of blog articles discussing appropriate hedge choices for the Okanagan. This article will address non-native options.

European Privet (Ligustrum vulgare) is a good candidate for a hedge in our valley. It has been used extensively in the UK since Victorian times. Given its’ frequent use in rainy Britain people often do not realize that it is actually very drought tolerant. Privet is a fast-growing hedge that can reach up to 12 feet high with a spread of 10 feet. It takes pruning very well so it can be kept to a much smaller size. How frequently it needs to be pruned depends on whether you are looking for a traditional clipped hedge or a more casual natural look. The clipped hedge will likely require two or more clippings per year. Once established, Privet will require supplementary irrigation only in the hottest Okanagan summer months.

Fig. 1 – European Privet (Ligustrum vulgare), Mark Godlewski

Mugo pines (Pinus mugo) can make an excellent evergreen hedge. There are many cultivars of Mugo pine available, from dwarf to those which can reach a height and spread of 15 feet or more. The cultivar ‘ Columnaris’ slowly reaches a height of 10 feet, spreading 3-4 feet and as such it is perfectly suited for use as a drought-tolerant hedge. It can be successfully grown in an area of full to part-sun and once established will only require minimal water. Pinus mugo ‘Columnaris’ has finely textured foliage and produces small ornamental cones. It is not bothered by deer.

Amur maple, (Acer ginnala), is another option for a large hedge. It is really a small tree, but it can be pruned to a large multi-stemmed shrub suitable for use as a hedge in full sun or part sun, reaching up to 20 feet. Amur maples feature early-season yellowish-green flowers followed by red-winged samaras. The glossy, green-lobed leaves of Amur maples turn shades of yellow, red, and purple as the days cool in the Autumn.

Fig. 2 – Amur maple (Acer ginnala), Mark Godlewski

Hedge Cotoneaster (Cotoneaster lucidus) should also be considered, especially for smaller spaces. Native to Siberia and China, Cotoneaster lucidus is well adapted to the cold Okanagan winter and can eventually grow to 8 ft in both width and height. However, it responds very well to pruning, and can easily be kept to less than half of this maximum. The plant has small pink spring flowers transitioning to black fruit in the fall. It features stunning fall foliage in shades of orange and red. Flowering is best in full sun but Cotoneaster lucidus will tolerate partial shade, poor soil, and windy locations.

Fig. 3 – Cotoneaster lucidis, Mark Godlewski

Fig. 4 – Cotoneaster lucidis late fall, Mark Godlewski

Japanese Barberry (Berberis thunbergii) can make an admirably attractive hedge if you are content with its natural dimensions of 6 feet by 6 feet. It certainly discourages through traffic with its thorns. There are several shorter varieties if you are looking for a shorter hedge. Barberry hedges are often best pruned only occasionally which is a relief because it can be a painful experience.

Fig. 5 – Japanese Barberry (Berberis thunbergii), Mark Godlewski

Dwarf Burning Bush (Euonymus alatus ‘compactus’) and Golden Currant (Ribes aureum) are two other deciduous shrubs that can make excellent hedges. You can look up their attributes on the OXA Plant Database.

Fig. 6 – Burning Bush (Euonymus alatus) above and Golden Currant (Ribes aureum) on right, Mark Godlewski

Or, if you are looking for a more modern-looking line of plants to delineate your property, why not consider a grouping of one of the many ornamental grasses on the market? A favorite is Andropogon gerardii or Big Bluestem. This is a warm season grass, meaning it will not offer you early-season privacy, but by midsummer the foliage will reach 5 feet and the attractive late season flowers extend another 2 feet on top of this. The foliage that starts out bluey-green, and transitions through the season to end with russet tones. If you want a grass that starts out early in the spring, you should consider Panicum virgatum ‘Heavy Metal’. Most ornamental grasses are not bothered by deer and their extensive root systems makes them good candidates for erosion control on many of our sloped Okanagan properties.

Whatever you choose to plant it is important to have a definite long-term strategy for pruning. The strategy will depend on the type of plant you are using and the maximum dimensions you want. Many homeowners plant and forget – until it is too late. All hedges need to be pruned regularly and some, conifers especially, respond very badly to heavy deep pruning. Some other hedges (e.g., Privet, Amur maple, Golden Currant) are prone to getting leggy if they are not pruned heavily sometime around their third year of growth after transplant. Hard pruning should be done in the late winter or early spring.

With all these fine choices for reliable, drought tolerant hedges listed in these blog articles, hopefully landscapers and gardeners will think twice before simply defaulting to cedar hedges.

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Hedge Alternatives- Part 1

Mark Godlewski — Thu, 14 Jan 2021 03:05:39 +0000

Article by Mark Godlewski

Cedar hedges carved into vase shapes by neighbourhood deer are a common sight in the Okanagan, as are the burned and blackened silhouettes of cedars. Cedars can even draw wildfire to the flammable siding of a home. A brown pyramid cedar amongst the green ones, where the drip irrigation has become blocked, leaving one in a hedge dead for lack of water, is also not uncommon.

Cedars are naturally found in damp areas and as such are a poor hedging choice for the semi-arid Okanagan Valley. They are heavy water consumers and are likely to be early casualties of water restrictions during a drought.

There are many drought-tolerant hedge options available that offer food for pollinators while being deer and fire-resistant—both native and non-native options. This blog entry will focus on native options, with a follow-up blog item looking at non-native options as alternatives to cedar hedges.

Fig. 1 – Mock Orange, Philadelphus lewisii, Judie Steeves

One of our most stunning native shrubs is Philadelphus lewisii, commonly known as Mock Orange. This shrub has it all, from fragrant creamy white spring flowers to interesting peeling bark during the winter season, and everything in between. Blooming in profusion in June this shrub features fragrant white flowers which are loved by all sorts of pollinators. Philadelphus lewisii is extremely drought-tolerant once established and is not prone to pests or disease. The common name ‘Mock-Orange refers to the spring blooms which fill the air with a warm orange-blossom scent, absolutely unmistakable. The leaves and flowers were traditionally used throughout the Okanagan Valley for soap and the hard wood was used for a variety of implements from primitive tools to arrows.

Mock Orange is a sprawling shrub reaching nine feet by nine feet, but as it is such a popular shrub, breeders have been focused on offering homeowners smaller cultivars, many of which are available at local nurseries. One of the smallest on offer is Philadelphus ‘Snowbelle’ at only three feet high and wide, so it is easily included in smaller gardens. A grouping of these shrubs makes a wonderful hedge which will delight all and offer an important source of food for early pollinators and later snacking birds.

Philadelphus lewisii blooms on old wood, the previous year’s growth, so it is best to trim your hedge just after its Spring bloom or you may jeopardize the future year’s blooms.

Fig. 2 – Saskatoon, Amelanchier alnifolia, Judie Steeves

Another option is Amelanchier alnifolia, which is commonly known as Saskatoon or Serviceberry, and requires little if any supplemental water once established. It provides early food for pollinators with white showy flowers in spring followed by purple or almost black fruit for birds in the summer and fall.

The berries of Amelanchier alnifolia featured heavily in native culture, being consumed both fresh or dried and they were an important trade item. Amelanchier alnifolia has a long life, up to 60 years in an ideal location here in the Okanagan, and they are fast-growing, reaching six feet in as many years. This shrub can reach 15 feet and can be pruned in late winter or early spring, prior to new growth, in order to adapt to its location.

The cultivar ‘Regent’ is smaller in stature, reaching six feet high and wide. Amelanchier alnifolia offers multiple seasons of interest and as such is an excellent hedging option, both drought-tolerant and Firesmart. This shrub is featured in our Native Garden at the Xeriscape Demonstration Garden.

Fig. 3 – Oregon Grape, Berberis aquifolium, Mark Godlewski

Another Okanagan native option for hedging could include what was known as Mahonia aquifolium but has recently been renamed Berberis aquifolium, commonly known as Tall Oregon Grape. This evergreen features shiny leaves with spiny teeth, similar to holly, with bright yellow spring flowers, loved by hungry pollinators, followed by blue berries which attract birds later in the season.

This shrub can grow up to eight feet with a spread of three to six feet and performs well in both full sun and partial shade. The vast root system makes it an excellent choice for erosion control on sloped properties common throughout the Okanagan Valley. If sited in an irrigated location these roots may be an issue and a root barrier should be used.

The spiny leaves are not a favourite of browsing deer and can be pruned as desired. This native was traditionally used culinarily by cooking up the berries to make a tart jam to accompany meats and the yellow pigment was extracted from the stems to use as a dye.

Fig. 4 – Rocky Mountain Juniper (Juniperus Scopulorum), Mark Godlewski

Rocky Mountain Juniper (Juniperus scopulorum) is another candidate for evergreen hedges. It is native to our region and consequently admirably adapted. The striking blue foliage makes a nice contrast to other plants in the garden. There are many cultivars of this species some of them relatively narrow which can make them easier to work with as a hedge.

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Lavender

Claire — Sat, 04 Jul 2020 03:05:56 +0000

Article and Photo by Gwen Steele–

Photo: The fragrant pathway border of Lavender ‘Grosso’ provides an invitation to rest and enjoy the Centennial Garden off Richter Street at St. Michael’s Cathedral. Three blooming feather reed grass (Calamagrostis ‘Karl Foerster’) provide a backdrop.

Thriving in our hot dry summers, lavender blooms abundantly from mid-June for about four weeks, its flowers attracting butterflies, bees and other pollinators. Deadheading encourages repeat bloom at summer’s end.

Being evergreen, lavender looks good year-round providing winter interest in the landscape. The foliage emits its calming fragrance when touched so is great planted beside walkways and garden seating. A bonus, the fragrant foliage makes it unappetising to deer.

Lavender likes well-drained soil. After the first year it will grow without any supplemental water. Native to the Mediterranean, it grows naturally in rocky locations so can tolerate the heat given off by rock mulch.

It does best in full sun.

Lavender needs little maintenance. When flowers are finished, stems are cut off flush with the foliage. Long-bladed shears do the job quickly. If there are a lot of plants, an electric hedge trimmer works well. Plants can be shaped at this time by shearing back some foliage. This encourages new leaves to grow on bare stems and keeps plants compact. Up to one third of the foliage/stems may be cut off. Cutting more than this could damage or kill the plant.

In the fall, flower stems from the second bloom can be cut off or left until spring. Cut out deadwood in spring.

Care

Plants can be shaped at this time by shearing back some foliage. This encourages new leaves to grow on bare stems and keeps plants compact. Up to one-third of the foliage/stems may be cut off. Cutting more than this could damage or kill the plant.

In the fall, flower stems from the second bloom can be cut off or left until spring. Cut out deadwood in spring.
Old, misshapen lavenders may be beyond rejuvenation and need to be replaced.

Varieties

There are many varieties available. Choose one to fit your space. A dwarf variety, Lavendula angustifolia ‘Blue Cushion’ grows 12 to 18 inches high and wide. A mid-sized variety, L. ‘Hidcote’, has been used effectively along the cycle/walk corridor on Cawston Avenue. Lavendula x intermedia varieties grow to three feet high and wide. When mature, they have striking silver foliage and long-stemmed blooms. In 2013 Lavendula x intermedia ‘Grosso’ was planted as a low hedge along Sutherland Avenue in the water-wise garden at St. Michael’s Cathedral. Spanish lavender (L. stoechas) is not hardy here. Lavender is a sub-shrub, growing from a single woody stem. It cannot be divided. Some lavender plants produce seedlings, however, they may not be the same as the parent. To get an identical plant, propagation must be done from cuttings.

Companion Plants

Great companion plants for lavender include sedums, especially the tall, late-blooming varieties such as ’Autumn Joy’ and ‘Matrona’.

Deep-yellow flowers of Achillea ‘Moonshine’ yarrow or Coreopsis ‘Golden Gain’ provide a good colour contrast.

Silvery-grey leaves of blue oat grass provide a good foliage texture contrast.

To find more plants that like the same conditions, check the OXA Plant Database. Select ‘dry’ and ‘full sun’.

To learn more about lavender, and see many varieties that thrive here, visit the Okanagan Lavender Herb Farm. They have a beautiful demonstration garden, serve tea, teach lavender crafts, and have a delightful shop.

Check okanaganlavender.com for information and special events.

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