offers public events during the season on their open days and tea during the Loudoun County Spring and Fall Farm Tour weekends each year .
Traditionally , the farmlet opens their lavender field to the public for U-Pick the second week of June , when at least 80 percent of the lavender is at peak . The growing season typically features a selection of 90 vintage and well known lavender varieties . The Rineks love sharing their property and lavender experience with people who visit Blooming Hill . Visitors come to experience lavender , either by picking a few stems , buying a few plants , enjoying lavender sweets and treats , or just breathing in the view .
All about lavender
Cyndie has become quite a wellknown expert on lavender over the years , and she loves to share her knowledge with others .
Lavender has been around for over 2,500 years and is native to the Middle East and North Africa . It made its way through early trade routes to France and Italy , and the Romans are credited for introducing it to England and other European countries . It came to America with the pilgrims on the East Coast and the Catholic monks and Spanish explorers on the West Coast .
There are over 450 varieties of lavender , in almost 50 species within the genus of lavender . There are two species worth noting : Lavandula angustifolia , typically known as “ English ” and Lavandula x intermedia , typically known as “ French .”
English lavender varieties tend to grow between 12 ” to 30 ” tall and range in color from white and pink to lavender , grey violet and deep purple . Among Cyndie ’ s favorites are French Fields , Elizabeth , Hidcote Blue , Super Blue , and Royal Velvet . All lavender is edible but English lavender varieties are more suited for culinary use , since they possess softer , sweeter , and more citrusy essences . Oil derived from English varieties is highly coveted .
Lavandula x intermedia varieties are more suited for potpourri , soaps , flower arrangements and crafts . French lavender contains five to ten times the amount of oil than English French lavender . Their oil is highly valuable as well and the essences of these plants tends to be more camphor and piney in fragrance .
Cyndie says the biggest challenge in growing lavender locally is the area ’ s dense clay soil ; also , lavender doesn ’ t love humidity . Although lavender is droughttolerant , established plants need water every four to six weeks and can normally get that easily . However , Cyndie says wet roots are the number one killer of lavender and that is what makes planting in our soil a challenge . The roots need almost as much air as the plants , so loose soil is a necessity . She mulches with pea gravel to help keep the soil a little dryer and draw the sun into the ground for healthier plants . Keeping plants
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