Selling bouquets at farmers’ markets expanded to offering cuttings and, eventually, to opening a nursery. Michael, a chemical engineer, became enthralled with the process of steam distillation used to collect rose oil—a resource he says that at times has exceeded the value of gold. Gathering 1 ton of petals per year yields a scant 3 ounces of the substance, Jan notes. This essential oil is used to scent Rose Embrace, a limited-edition eau de toilette produced on-site. “I wear it every day over my heart to breathe in springtime,” she says.
