Discover the Magic of Our Farm

We chose this 350-acre plot of land, nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Western North Carolina, for its rich alluvial soil and amazing biodiversity.

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A Living Laboratory

Gaia Herbs farm is a living laboratory for the latest organic planting and cultivation methods. Each year we produce over 5 million individual plants, representing 45 species of herbs. The moment you step onto the farm, Hawthorn and Ginkgo trees — symbolizing the Heart and Mind of Gaia Herbs — greet you with their beauty and wisdom. We grow fields of flowering Echinacea, fragrant Lemon Balm, and brilliant California Poppy, all nourished by the clear mountain waters flowing through the valley. We nurture and observe each plant, allowing it to flourish in the sun until the right moment to harvest. By mirroring the growing conditions of Nature, we ensure the purity, potency, and integrity of each plant.

Ginkgo (GINKGO BILOBA)

Over 300 Ginkgo trees greet visitors as they enter the farm.
Hawthorn (CRATAEGUS SPP.)

A grove of Hawthorn trees produces a bountiful harvest each spring.
Echinacea (ECHINACEA PURPUREA)

A staff and customer favorite, many fields of Echinacea are grown annually.

Brevard, North Carolina

Gaia Herbs Farm

Discover the herbs that are growing on our farm:
American Skullcap, Astragalus, Burdock, California Poppy, Chinese Skullcap, Echinacea angustifolia, Echinacea purpurea, Feverfew, Ginkgo, Hawthorn, Holy Basil, Lemon Balm, Nettle, Oats, Valerian, Vervain

Pisgah Field

Echinacea purpurea

Ginkgo Trees

Hawthorn Trees

Henry Field

American Skullcap, Echinacea angustifolia, Lemon Balm, Feverfew, Astragalus & Vervain

Stoney Knob Field

Nettle, Feverfew, Astragalus, Vervain & Echinacea purpurea

Silvermine Field

Echinacea purpurea

Black Mountain Field

Burdock, Chinese Skullcap & Vervain

Hickory Knob Field

Echinacea angustifolia

Laurel Field

Vegetables

Bamboo 2

Holy Basil

McCall Field

Feverfew & Chinese Skullcap

French Broad Field

Oats, Lemon Balm, Vervain & Vegetables

Bunker Hill Field

Oats

Claypole Field

Oats

Nancy Field

Echinacea purpurea

Three Forks Field

Valerian

Black Balsam Field

Holy Basil

Stone Mountain Field

Echinacea angustifolia

Chestnut Knob Field

Holy Basil

Rocky Field

Vegetables

Taxaway Field

Echinacea purpurea

Spice Cove Field

Echinacea purpurea & Valerian

Woodruff Field

Valerian

Cathey’s Creek Field

Echinacea purpurea

Stone Field

Echinacea purpurea

Blue Ridge Field

California Poppy & American Skullcap

Certified Organic through Oregon Tilth

Since 1997, the Gaia Herbs farm has been certified organic through Oregon Tilth, one of the nation’s most stringent organic certifiers.

Always with the
Earth in Mind

On Gaia Herbs Farm, the soil is enriched with organic fertilizers and biodynamic compost. Additionally, Gaia’s 64,000-square-foot greenhouse in nearby Mills River allows the farm team to raise several hundred thousand seedlings during the winter months, which are planted in the fields in the spring.

Meet Our Farmers

Our passionate and experienced Farm Team follows strict standards from seed selection and soil preparation to cultivation and harvesting.

Thomas Leonard

Farm Operations Manager

As Gaia Herbs’ Farm Operations Manager, Thomas Leonard seeks to empower farmers to grow organic potent medicinal herbs and sustainable foods. He has a passion for reforestation and teaching sustainable farming methods. Thomas brings an eclectic agricultural background including experience as an independent farmer, spearheading community garden development, and managing a 300-acre commercial nursery and farm. Through hands on gardening, he has worked with youth of all ages and spent time providing horticultural therapy and vocational training to adults with disabilities. Thomas is excited to be building on the strong foundation at Gaia Herbs Farms by integrating restorative management practices and expanding community involvement on the farm.

Katherine Renner

Farm Operations Assistant Manager

The opportunity to be the Farm Operations Assistant Manager at Gaia Herbs is the culmination of Kate’s life journey thus far, as her earliest memories are of playing in the dirt in a home garden. Intrigue of living things led her to pursue a Bachelor’s Degree in Biological Sciences. Kate served as a Peace Corps Volunteer for three years in El Salvador and emerged with a conscience towards the global impact of conventional farming systems, health and nutrition, and cultural sensitivity. Bringing these learnings home, Kate worked as an apprentice on an organic farm and connected the dots from soil health to nutrition, leading her to pursue a Master’s Degree in Nutrition Sciences with a focus on Sustainable Agriculture. At Gaia, Kate combines all facets, from migrant farmworker health and awareness, organic and regenerative agriculture practices, local community relations, and working with fellow Gaians to provide the freshest, purest, quality herbs for the natural wellness of our bodies and world.

Jorge Mendez

Farm Crew Manager

Jorge, also known as “George”, manages Gaia's Farm Crew. His roots go back to the start of the farm in 1997 and he’s essential to the successful operation of Gaia Herbs. Jorge assigns farm tasks to the crew to ensure an efficient herb harvest. He also provides grandfatherly advice and support to the crew in times of need. His favorite crops are the Gingko and Hawthorn trees because they remind him of some of his favorite people, like his father, whom he feels could have benefited from the medicine of the trees. He feels good about the products we provide here in hopes that they will help many people. Jorge made the United States his home in 1981, making seasonal farming rounds between North Carolina (vegetables), New York (Christmas decorations) and Florida (oranges) before settling down here in Brevard, N.C. full time. He says, “It feels like home here” where he lives with his wife, Martha, who was born just down the road from the farm. In his free time he likes to take his two grandchildren to the park, on walks in the nearby National Forest. His friendly smile and dedication to Gaia are really appreciated.

Gaia Herbs Farm Crew

Helping us tend to the 30 to 40 crops that represent approximately 25% of our raw materials each year, the workers on our 250-acre western North Carolina farm follow strict Certified Organic standards from seed selection and soil preparation to cultivation and harvesting. Their dedication to our Principles of Purity and furthering the bonds between plants and people is more than a commitment—it’s a passion.

Sustainability at Gaia Herbs

Our business decisions continue to be guided by our values and our commitment to people, planet and purpose — not by profits alone.

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