By Diana M.

This small, enchanting farm boasts an impressive collection of 1,000 lavender plants, representing nearly 100 different varieties, all lovingly and passionately tended. Owned by Cyndie and Peter Rinek, the property spans four acres, or about 1.6 hectares. It is not just a business; it is their home.

The farm is devotedly guarded by two Welsh Corgi “girls,” adorable dogs who, after carefully “inspecting” you, accept you as a friend and accompany you in their playful runs through the lavender fields. These dogs, from the breed favored by the late Queen Elizabeth, add a special charm to the place, making you feel as if you’ve stepped into a fairy tale.

The farm’s owners are a delightful couple: he, middle-aged with an impressive beard reminiscent of the members of ZZ Top, and she, with short hair and a refined, European elegance. Together, they have transformed this place into a magical refuge of peace and beauty.

Upon arrival, you can park your car on the grass, and from there, a gentle sloping path leads you to a quaint two-room cottage that houses the farm’s shop. Everything, from decorative items to swings, windmills, napkins, small lavender sachets, and chocolates, is dressed in delicate shades of purple, creating an atmosphere akin to the lavender fields of the Loire Valley, one of the most romantic regions in the world.

The path to the lavender beds and relaxation area passes by the shop brimming with delights: lavender honey, cakes, ice cream, coffee, tea, and chocolate, all waiting to be savored. Pots with various lavender varieties, perfect for planting, offer you the chance to take home a piece of this magic.

The pathways are paved with stone steps that herald the presence of fairies. Children are greeted by angels and friendly sprites sculpted in stone, fountains, arbors, and benches strategically placed at the top of the lavender rows. Although the peak season has passed, the characteristic scent and aroma of lavender linger, emanating a delicate fragrance from the freshly cut and carefully tended stems. Next to the family home, a gently murmuring fountain adds an extra touch of serenity, accompanied by opera music playing softly in the background, creating a sophisticated and cultured atmosphere.

The owner, who works during the week in the bustling Tysons Corner, a busy commercial area in the heart of Virginia, dedicates his weekends to tending the farm. He carefully trims, waters, and harvests the fragrant bushes, assisting his wife in all the necessary activities to maintain the storybook charm of the place. The colonial house, English-inspired mini-greenhouse, and garden-style shop, all built by Peter, reflect their modern country lifestyle and are an open invitation to all who wish to share in the beauty and knowledge of gardening, especially when it comes to lavender.

Cyndie, with her extensive experience in writing and managing their small business, has discovered her love for gardening over the past twenty-five years, particularly for the beautiful and delicate lilac flowers. In a world where the rush and relentless pace of big cities overwhelm us, Cyndie and Peter Rinek have created at Blooming Hill a true refuge, a complete sensory experience, a slice of paradise where visitors can forget their troubles and the passage of time. Here, amidst nature, the soul fills with peace and joy, and each season offers a new chance to reconnect with the essence of human experience. The enchanting atmosphere and dreamlike landscapes invite you to pause, breathe deeply, and savor the simple, pure beauty of life. In this corner of heaven, each visit becomes a journey to oneself, a return to nature and the authentic joys of existence…