Cultivating Calm
Where Lavender Thrives & Nature Comes Alive
By Mila Haynos
Mila Haynos outside her lavender studio at Lavender-Blu Lavender Farm and Eco-Garden
Nestled on one of the side roads of Scugog in the community of Seagrave is Lavender-Blu, a small family-run lavender farm comprised of an eco garden, an artisanal lavender studio and a hobby farm. Lavender-Blu set down its roots on this property in 2013 with a mandate to grow lavender using sustainable small acreage ecological farming practices while establishing strong artistic connections to the community.
The motto at Lavender-Blu is to “Cultivate Calm.” This means that the human hand works in collaboration with nature, rather than against it, to create a unique ecological garden space. The idea behind an eco garden is to strike a healthy balance of symbiotic relationships among plants, wildlife and humans. The plethora of visiting and thriving wildlife, native plant species, nurtured ecosystems and inspirational, cozy nooks for moments of reflection ensure a calm mood that reverberates throughout the garden.
An eco-garden functions like a miniature wildlife preserve, mimicking nature’s multilayered approach to growth. It offers an abundance of food, shelter and nesting opportunities – simply put, a nurtured habitat that supports and sustains healthy life cycle processes.
The Lavender-Blu garden design features living fencerows, wildflower islands, native meadows, a ‘messy’ compost pile, bird feeders, bird houses and water stations. It also embraces pesticide-free and fertilizer-free cultivation, benefiting not only humans and wildlife but also the local Nonquon River and Lake Scugog.
Visitors can explore multiple interactive and educational stations that showcase these natural interactions up close. One highlight is the large insect hotel, positioned at eye-level where guests can witness the mason bees hard at work. These tiny pollinators fly in and out of the wood cavities, laying their eggs before sealing the holes using mud or leaf litter.
In addition, cultivating plant species that need little or no water beyond what the natural climate provides significantly reduces water consumption. This includes the main lavender crop, along with a diverse selection of fruits, berries, currants, nuts, flowers and herbs that grow harmoniously in designated zones on the property adding to the charm of the farm.
A small but impactful reforestation project towards the north of the property not only provides a natural windbreak for the lavender plants but also offers a wildlife overwintering oasis.
Visitors to Lavender-Blu are invited to not only stop and smell the lavender, but to slow down and quiet their mind by gently hugging the lavender plants. The fragrant, sticky residue left on their hands comes from the essential oils released from microscopic pouches in the plant’s stems, leaves, and flowers.
There are many spots in the garden where visitors can practice quiet moments of mindfulness while enjoying the delicate sweet scent of lavender and listening to the hum of the bees on the flowers. The mindfulness spiral, carved into the organic meadow, offers yet another interactive element where visitors can escape for a few moments of contemplation. Walking the spiral at a leisurely pace takes about seven to ten minutes. Spirals, commonly found in nature, symbolize reflection and renewal, making this a meaningful experience for those who wander its path.
Visitors interested in harvesting a bundle of lavender are invited to take part in a short instructional demonstration. Harvesting bundles of lavender at Lavender-Blu is always a highlight, creating memorable moments for all who take part.
Bouquets from the large field of Lavandula angustifolia ‘Folgate’ variety make lovely decorative and culinary bundles that will hold their beauty, fragrance and flavour for an entire year or longer. Interestingly, lavender is both an herb and an edible flower belonging to the mint family of aromatic plants which include rosemary, oregano, thyme, sage and basil. It can be used in both sweet and savoury dishes, for infusions and as culinary decorative touches.
When freshly harvested, lavender is highly pliable, making it perfect for weaving wands, baskets, and wreaths.
From June to August, Lavender-Blu offers a wide-variety of evening outdoor workshops amidst the lavender fields. Participants can explore the many uses of lavender, including its history, varieties, growing techniques, propagation, crafting, culinary applications, floral arrangements, and more.
Over its long standing history, lavender has inspired many artistic avenues including ceramics, jewellery-making, weaving, painting, photography, the art of distillation, horticulture, landscape design, textile artistry, culinary arts, aromatherapy, cosmetics and perfume innovation, floristry, home décor, beekeeping, and literature.
In floriography, the language of flowers, lavender represents loyalty, love and devotion. It is often used symbolically in wedding celebrations as ‘something blue’.
At the Lavender-Blu studio, visitors will find a selection of over 80 hand-crafted artisan lavender products. Many are made right on the farm, while others are co-operative projects with local artisans who express their love of lavender using various media.
The artistic collaborations don’t stop there—Lavender-Blu products are also offered in various regional shops, galleries, restaurants and cafes that showcase local makers and growers.
"Insect hotels" attract native bees
Harvested Lavender in sachets
Lavender Fields at Lavender-Blu
The life of a lavender farmer is guided by Mother Nature, with the rhythms of the seasons setting the tone.
As the garden awakens in spring, Lavender-Blu participates in the annual Lake Scugog Studio Tour, held on the first weekend in May. This event is a fun way to mark the beginning of the season filled with product showcases, farm demonstrations and insightful talks about the role of a lavender farmer and artisan—perfect for curious visitors.
In June, Summer Solstice celebrations mark the beginning of Lavender Blossom Days, which run until mid-August. During this time, the farm is open to the public daily by appointment only. As a small farm, visitor numbers are carefully regulated to ensure a peaceful experience—allowing for uninterrupted time in the garden, space to take photos, one-on-one interaction with the farmer, and moments of mindfulness.
Most visitors stay for one to two hours, taking time to explore both the garden and the studio space at a relaxed pace.
During the summer season, outdoor yoga amidst the lavender is offered with both morning and sunset sessions. The farm also hosts educational interactive group tours, tailored for a variety of audiences, including horticultural clubs, nature photography groups, and artists looking for plein air painting opportunities.
Local professional photographers often rent the garden during golden hour, using the lavender fields as a stunning natural background for memorable photo shoots.
The summer season wraps up with Culture Days in September – this is a time to celebrate the bounty of the lavender harvest and enjoy the beauty of the eco garden in late summer as it transitions into autumn.
In the fall, the little Studio Blu transforms into a charming winter cottage as it welcomes visitors from near and far for its Hygge themed annual Christmas Open House in November.
After more than 2,500 years lavender continues to offer an undeniable calming, soothing and comforting energy for both body and mind. This quality in particular is a welcome natural antidote to our fast-paced society.
Like the lavender plant itself, I hope Lavender-Blu provides that same sense of tranquility in an increasingly busy world—not only through visits to the farm but also through our workshops and handcrafted products.
From a business perspective, it takes great effort to continually prioritize the calm, soothing energy as we face a global pull towards making things bigger, faster, and more automated—where rising profit margins, social media gimmicks, and virtual interactions often pull us further from our connection to nature. In my experience, the faster and bigger things become, the more disconnected, lonely, and anxious the world feels.
My hope is that by slowing down at Lavender-Blu, visitors feel a deeper connection to nature and to their community, that they feel seen and included and understand that they make a difference. And, most of all, I hope they leave with a lighter heart and a happier vibe.
