"Green Meadows" is a three-acre 19th century farm on the Lake Erie north coast. It is south of the historic village of Sparta Ontario. Since 2002 Green Meadows has become the home of En Fleur Lavender in Bloom. The previous property owners, Bill and Grace, lovingly nurtured their retirement homestead for over 25 years. They took great pride in their property and planted a wide variety of trees, shrubs and perennials. Humble seedlings have become stout Firs, blue Spruce, towering Poplars, white Cedars and bountiful mature Walnut trees. A magnificent row of Sumac lines the property to the East and wild roses and Hydrangea line the laneway. An ancient Spy and Macintosh apple trees planted by Irish settlers still provides an abundance of fruit for fresh pies and applesauce. Bill and Grace have passed on this beautiful and bountiful legacy for us to enjoy and sustain. Shortly after our move to Green Meadows we vowed to leave our mark on the property for future generations to enjoy. My Mother is an avid gardener and shared her passion for perennial flower gardens with me. Consequently, my first choice for planting was to create a large formal oval Lavender Garden in sandy loam on the east side of the house, just a few meters away from the bedroom window. To my delight the Lavender has flourished and its intoxicating scent permeates the summer air whenever there is the slightest breeze. Each year thereafter we plant more Lavender seedlings and continue our research into growing practices, cultivation and propagation of this ancient herb. Fresh cut lavender is our first priority as the summer progresses. Covent Garden Market in London, and the Horton Street Market in St Thomas have become the beneficiaries of our first fresh bundles. With the help of family and friends we hand-cut our Lavender stems, saving the longer stems for the fresh market and for making our intricate Lavender Wands. Our now famous Lavender Jelly, Linen Sachets, Lavender Birds and Bunnies and Hemp/Silk and Organic Cotton Pillow Liners (filled with alpaca fibers and dried lavender) round out our unique product line. The hypoallergenic alpaca fiber is milled in Edy Mills, Ontario. Through our Lavender Co-op connections we also supply Lavender Soap, Lavender Goats Milk Soap, Lavender Essential Oil and related items are available for purchase. We also have our very own Culinary Lavender, suitable for adding to your favorite shortbread or brownie recipe. From our bluffs overlooking Lake Erie, the view is ever-changing, the sunsets are always inspiring, and the lightening is thrilling. As an added blessing, we are in a migratory bird and Monarch flyway. We enjoy the Baltimore & Orchard Orioles that fill our Cedars each spring, sharing their space with flocks of Robins and then there is an amazing Blue Jay invasion each the fall. Just minutes from Hawk Cliff we also enjoy watching the aerial performances of Red Tail hawks, Golden & Bald eagles and other raptors on their way to winter hunting grounds. En Fleur Lavender in Bloom and the fragrant Lavender field at Green Meadows is evidence of our commitment to sustain our legacy. We take great pride in being part of a local, home based enterprise that brings simple pleasures to those who have discovered a little bit of Provence in Elgin County. We dedicate our efforts to Bill's memory and to Grace who still enjoys a walk around the yard and a cup of tea in her kitchen. Janine Tucker, |
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Stratford Rotary Christmas Show 353 McCarthy Rd. Saturday, November 14th
316 Rectory Street, London, ON Thursday, December 3rd Indoor booth Monday, December 21
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