It’s Wilkinsons, Your Independent Grocer’s Seeds of Success, fueled by Townsend Butchers.
This week we are looking at crop farmers, brought to you by _____.
What started as a retirement dream has grown into one of Norfolk County’s most fragrant success stories. Apple Hill Lavender, owned by the Schooley family, has been cultivating lavender for over 13 years and welcoming visitors from across Ontario to experience its unique blend of farming and agritourism.
Owner Jennifer Schooley said her mother’s work with the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture inspired the family venture. “She fell in love with the lavender farms she visited across the country, especially in B.C. and Washington,” Schooley explained. “When she retired, my dad took out five acres of apple trees and replaced them with lavender.”
Through trial and error, they discovered which varieties could survive Ontario’s winters. Today, Apple Hill Lavender produces lavender for use in everything from aromatherapy sprays and sachets to culinary products used in chocolates, jams, and even goat’s milk ice cream.
Schooley said Norfolk’s rich soil and microclimate make it a prime region for diverse crops. “We’re so fortunate here — our sandy loam soil and aquifer make this land ideal for growing almost anything,” she said. “It’s an incredible opportunity to educate visitors about agriculture and where their food comes from.”
Apple Hill Lavender continues to bloom as a beloved destination for scent, scenery, and sustainability.
You can listen to the full interview below:
