SEQUIM — The notice printed last week announcing that Sequim Valley Lavender has “ceased operations” surprised many in the lavender community — not because of the closure, but because there was an announcement about it.

“It’s not even news. They’ve been closed for a year,” said Scott Nagel, executive director of the annual Sequim Lavender Festival.

“I don’t know why they did that.”

Sequim Valley Lavender is part of Sequim Valley Ranch, which is located at Port Williams and owned by Steve Clapp.

He is reportedly in Hawaii, and several attempts to contact him were unsuccessful.

Current and former employees contacted for comment either did not respond or declined to speak on the record.

Documents on file in Clallam County Superior Court, however, detail a series of conflicts between Clapp and farm employees that led to some employees quitting and the closure of the lavender operation.

Clapp was accused of asking workers to alter their testimony in a civil lawsuit, and one former manager obtained a restraining order against him, describing Clapp as “totally unstable” and “vindictive.”

About 20 acres of the 750-acre Sequim Valley Ranch was dedicated to growing lavender, and from 1997 to 2004 the operation became one of the largest lavender wholesalers in the Pacific Northwest.

The farm recently boasted 50,000 plants, 50 varieties of lavender and a gift shop and online retail site selling lavender soaps, lotions and food products.

It was a founding member of the Sequim Lavender Growers Association and its grounds were open to visitors during the annual Lavender Festival.

It was problems with employees that forced the closure, the printed notice states.