Aggie Zyskowska Ramos’s passion for lavender began with a simple bouquet from her daughter Juliette during the pandemic. This wildly fragrant herb, with its almost limitless healing benefits, inspired a new direction in the family’s life and became a gateway to creativity.

A fragrant journey

Zyra had the goal of establishing a space where she and her family could spread their wings, and indeed, Zyra Lavande Boutique Artisavert has taken flight. Nestled in a quiet valley in Huberdeau on the rolling Rockway Valley Road, Aggie and her family are blossoming…sowing seeds of happiness from their country homestead.

Now in its second year, the plantation has over twenty-two-hundred aromatic lavender plants covering approximately two and half acres; all the plants are grown without pesticides or herbicides.

Peak season is July and the gardens burst into bloom all month long. Aggie tells us: “The season is short, but magical. The sweet fragrance of the flowers is like a symphony for the senses.”

Locally grown and sourced

From the seeds to the boutique shelf, it is a self-contained operation. All of the ingredients for the boutique are grown on the site, or sourced from local vendors. Every drop of oil used in the products is extracted by hand in a copper distillery brought from Spain.

The clean, sweet scent of lavender has a sedative effect, known for its calming and soothing properties. It can treat anxiety, reduce arthritis and ease the discomfort of various aches and pains. It speeds healing of cuts, scrape and bruises. As summer rolls in, it is perfect to soothe a sunburn or a bug bite.

Aggie is exploiting each of those unique properties. Exquisitely designed products for the body and face, and for use in bath and shower, are all made on-site. A special “dude” line ensures that men can share in the experience. The children’s products are delightful. The Monster Mists allow parents to scare away childhood nightmares with a few soothing sprays of lavender. The boutique also features a variety of gift ideas, crafts, and decorations, all from local artisans.

“Like lavender, I want to make this world beautiful with the products I bring to life,” Aggie shares.

Indulging all the senses

The gardens have been thoughtfully planted with an experience in mind. Rather than being in traditional rows, the field has been lovingly planted in small gardens, perfect for wandering, meditating, or sipping a cup of lavender tea.

Created using a unique technology, soothing music is generated directly from the lavender. It’s different from anything you’ve ever heard before, never the same, and always magical.

A special “You Pick” garden is the perfect wild florist shop. Create your own bouquet from lavender, dahlias, gladiolus, zinnias, marigolds, cosmos, delphinium, ranunculus, lisianthus, sunflowers, echinacea, yarrow, lilium, lilies, and snapdragons. And if you wish to grow lavender at your own home, there are seedlings ready to plant.

As a special treat, during the months of July and August, a series of painting sessions will be held. Artisans (and blooming artisans) can paint amid the beauty of the lavender gardens.

Whether you come for a special event, or just stop by to wander the garden or browse the boutique, a visit to the only lavender fields in the Laurentian Mountains will be worth the trip this summer.

www.zyralavande.com

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