generally find that the plants are too fragrant for them to eat .
Cyndie propagates her lavender plants from cuttings in her own gardens as well as from cuttings shared from a partnership with a close friend who owns a nursery outside of Lexington , VA where those cuttings become the “ mother plants .” The cuttings that come from the new mother plants become what Cyndie grows and sells the following season at Blooming Hill .
When to visit
The Rinek ’ s charming lavendar shop offers homegrown , handmade and gardengathered lavender products , including lavender tea blends , lavender coffee , lavender-infused soap and candles , and lavendar inspired gifts and gift baskets .
thriving and healthy with the right amount of water , sun and fertilizer is always a challenge for any gardener , much less a lavender grower in the mid-Atlantic region .
Cyndie characterizes lavender as a persnickety plant , but once it finds its happy place , it gives and gives . It needs little care other than continual weeding , sunshine and a little rain , and occasional basic organic fertilizer , like cow manure or lime . Lavender is a highly adaptable plant and everyone should have at least a couple in their landscape if for nothing more than the color and texture it brings to the garden . Lavender is an excellent pollinator plant attracting bees and butterflies while deer and rabbits
Cyndie encourages local gardeners to walk the field at Blooming Hill and see what ’ s growing , touch the plants , take in their aromas and truly look at their growth habits . Aside from just enjoying them , visitors get a better idea of how it can grow in their own gardens . Many people have complimented them by calling the farmlet an intimate garden spot and thank the couple for sharing their property . In return , the Rineks have been rewarded with countless new friendships through the years .
Blooming Hill is open to the public Fridays and Saturdays , 10-5 , April through the first weekend of December . This year , the farmlet will open for its fourteenth year of business on Friday April 7 . Blooming Hill often hosts garden clubs and private events on Thursdays . It is open through the first weekend of December .
Susanne Hale has always loved learning and writing . She and husband Bob are longtime Leesburg residents . They enjoy their kids and grandkids in Colorado , whitewater boating and sailing .
10 wander I spring • summer 2023