The joy of lavender at Hoshyla Farm

An unmistakable scent greeted a steady stream of visitors to Hoshyla Farm’s purple fields for the opening of its first lavender festival on July 6 and 7. The Manorville farm has been under cultivation by the family for over 100 years and has recently undergone a transformation, switching to lavender from potatoes.

“It’s got to be in your blood,” said Paul Hoshyla, explaining the draw farming has had on his family over five generations. Despite its many challenges—diseases, weather changes, risk and barely breaking even financially—he says the rewards are many and keep them going. “You’re your own boss. You make your own hours. And there’s always something to do, even in winter.”

Wearing his 82 years as lightly as he does his Long Island potato-decaled grey shirt, he is watching a transition to the next generation as his granddaughter, Monique, focuses on a new crop, and with it, a positive outlook for the future.

His great-grandparents arrived from Ukraine and began farming in East Meadow, in Nassau County.  A move to Manorville in 1953 saw new acreage under cultivation with potatoes, a mainstay of Long Island farming on the East End at that time.  Today, a copy of the label from the bags that held those potatoes is printed on T-shirts, an homage to their roots.

And, as Monique will proudly tell a visitor, the search for a new cash crop came easily. Starting three years ago with 11 acres under cultivation, she planted lavender, a plant that needs dry roots and perfectly suited to the sandy, well-drained Long Island soil.

The hand-tilled rows of Hidcote and munstead varieties, harvested in June, and the Provence plants ready in mid-July, prolong the availability of this fragrant, popular, and versatile plant.  According to Monique, waiting three years before opening the fields to the public allowed the plants time to mature enough to sustain visitor foot traffic and the family time to consider how best to use it.

In addition to live plants, bundles of dried lavender, toiletries, and hand-painted glassware, there are jars of award-winning honey available for purchase.  Newly designed plush pillows offer soothing comfort and a delightful aroma.

With its team of creative and dedicated family members, Hoshyla Farms is looking to the future as it celebrates its past.  And we can anticipate new delights to come from their continued work on the land.