Steeped in rich history and natural beauty is the Shenandoah Valley ,in Virginia.It encompasses a 200 mile region from Harpers Ferry West Virginia to the Roanoke valley and surrounded by the beautiful Blue ridge and Alleghany mountain ranges.Our first visit was to the White Oak lavender farms.It's conveniently located near I -81(exit 247) and route 33 E ,Off Cross Keys road.This farm was established in 2008 .It is owned and operated by Julie and Rick. while talking with Julie we came to understand that they got the interest in lavender farming on a visit to a family near Sequim WA .Julie started it as a hobby and later on they expanded to a farm and now it has become an agri-tourism venue.
Lavender is a flowery perennial bush,got its name from the latin word 'Lavare' which means to wash. The farm has 30 varities of lavender and over 6000 plants.Julie explained each and every part of the farm so beautifully. She also eplained about the way they made all the lavender oils,soaps lavender tea ,moisturising cream (all made from lavender).From her description we came to know that the farm has animals too,like the nubian goats ,the pygmy goats, the miniature horses, Alpacas (it resembles a small Llama in appearence),ducks, chickens, rabbits etc.While on our tour we saw a tree with bottles, it is called as bottle tree. it is believed to wade off evil spirits during early times.
At the end of the tour we got an opportunity to pluck the lavender stems.
We thanked her for giving us such a beautiful description about the farm. On our way back we didn't forget to wish her good luck.
