After ten years of college coupled with seven years in big business, it became clear that there was more to life than a good job in the big city. In 1976, Elizabeth signed on as a chef on ocean racing yachts. This provided a way to travel to ports throughout the world and shop fresh markets offering a variety of exotic ingredients. Elizabeth soon became well known within the circle of yacht racers for menus using the freshest ingredients and in particular, fresh herbs. As word of her culinary creations and status as a chef traveled with the winds, Elizabeth began making and selling gallons of pesto sauces to other yachts.

In 1980, Elizabeth met her husband Richard, a ship captain in the West Indies, and together they continued to sail around the world. As their family grew, they needed to finally drop anchor and put down roots, and so began their search for a healthy locale to raise a family.

They chose a remote pristine farm in southern Oregon overlooking the beautiful Cascade Mountains. The land brought them exciting opportunities along with unique challenges. As they learned more about their new mountain valley home, they came upon the perfect endeavor for the hot, dry climate...growing herbs!