This Month in the Garden: Lavender by the Bay: A Blooming Legacy in East Marion, Long Island

Lavender by the Bay, Long Island

Welcome to This Month in the Garden! Nestled in the scenic landscapes of East Marion, Long Island, Lavender on the Bay has become a cherished landmark, drawing visitors from near and far to experience the tranquility and beauty of its purple fields. The history of Lavender on the Bay is a story of vision, passion, and a commitment to sustainable farming practices.

Entrance to the Lavender Farm

Lavender by the Bay, established in 2002, is now the home of over 800,000 lavender plants on the original 17 acre property in East Marion, with an additional 30 acres purchased in Calverton in 2018. Serge Rozenbaum, who was born in France spent his childhood on a farm, then moved to Israel as a young adult where he met his wife Susan. In 1979, Serge, Susan and their two sons moved to Susan's hometown of New York City, and purchased land for a summer getaway in Southhold, New York. It was where Serge designed a lavender dominant landscape to remind him of his childhood days in France, while bringing the charm of  French lavender farms to the shores of Long Island.

A welcoming place for a Photo Shoot!

Over the years the lavender grew profusely with just the perfect conditions of the North Fork's salty air and the lavender fields continue to grow with several hardy species, including Lavandula angustifolia and Lavandula x intermedia, known for their resilience and aromatic qualities. As an elementary school art teacher, Susan started crafting sachets and bouquets from leftover flowers, while Serge took on bee keeping as a side hobby. The demand for lavender and eventually lavender honey grew to the point that the couple needed more land. They found the perfect location in East Marion, Long Island and established Lavender by the Bay.

Sit and Enjoy the View

Word of the farm’s enchanting fields quickly spread, and Lavender on the Bay became a popular destination for locals and tourists alike. The Rozenbaum's expanded their operations, planting additional acres of lavender and incorporating other complementary plants such as rosemary and sage. The farm also began producing a variety of lavender-based products, from essential oils and soaps to culinary delights and decorative items.

Live Life in Full Bloom!

Beyond its commercial success, Lavender on the Bay has played a significant role in the community. The Rozenbaum family has been dedicated to educating the public about the benefits and uses of lavender. They host workshops and tours, teaching visitors about lavender cultivation, harvesting techniques, and the plant’s many uses. The farm also collaborates with local schools and organizations, providing hands-on learning experiences for students and promoting environmental stewardship.

Lavender Fields Forever

Sustainability has been a cornerstone of Lavender on the Bay’s operations. The Rozenbaums have implemented eco-friendly practices, including organic farming methods and water conservation techniques. They have also explored innovative uses of lavender, such as natural pest control solutions and soil enhancement methods. These efforts have earned the farm recognition for its commitment to preserving the local ecosystem while maintaining high-quality production standards.

Welcome to the Store!

Lavender on the Bay has had a profound impact on the cultural and economic landscape of East Marion and the greater Long Island area. The farm has become a symbol of local pride, attracting visitors and boosting tourism. It has also created job opportunities and supported local businesses through partnerships and collaborations. Each year a portion of the field entry fee is donated to various groups, spreading the love of lavender throughout the community.

For a Love of Lavender

As Lavender on the Bay continues to flourish, the Rozenbaum family remains dedicated to their original vision of creating a serene, beautiful space for people to connect with nature. They are exploring new varieties of lavender and expanding their product line, always with an eye toward sustainability and quality. With each passing year, the farm’s legacy grows, rooted in a deep love for lavender and a commitment to enriching the lives of all who visit.

More Lavender! 

While exploring the farm, you will experience two types of lavender, English with a sweeter fragrance and vibrant purple flower and French with a stronger fragrance, slightly duller coloration, and taller bloom. Typically, English Lavender will bloom from mid-late June, while some varieties of English Lavender will bloom at the end of the summer into early fall. French lavender blooms in the beginning of July, peaks for about two weeks then extends into the end of July. Both types have their fragrance and attributes.

Lavender and Yarrow Dried Flowers 

Lavender on the Bay is more than just a farm; it is a living testament to the power of passion and vision. From its humble beginnings to its status as a beloved local landmark, the farm embodies the spirit of Long Island—resilient, innovative, and deeply connected to the land. As it continues to bloom, Lavender on the Bay will undoubtedly remain a cherished part of East Marion’s history and a beacon of natural beauty for generations to come.

You are where you need to be...Just Breathe!

I hope you enjoyed This Month in the Garden. Be sure to stop by on the 1st. and 15th. of each month as I continue to share gardening tips, information and horticultural adventures! 

 Plan your Garden with my Books! 

A Guide to Northeastern Gardening 

Landscape Design Combinations

Dream, Garden, Grow!-Musings of a Lifetime Gardener 

Gardening by Month: A Monthly Guide to Planning the Northeastern & Mid-Atlantic Garden

Shade Gardening for the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic

"As Always...Happy Gardening!" 

Author: Lee @A Guide to Northeastern Gardening, © Copyright 2010-2024. All rights reserved. 

This Month in the Garden: Ten Perennials For Your Garden That Deer Will Avoid

Deer Resistant Perennials

Over the years as a garden designer, I frequently meet with clients who have an ongoing issue with deer foraging their gardens. The deer population has been escalating and I have heard stories of new homeowners landscaping their entire property with beautiful blooms only to find that all their hard work was destroyed, and sadly within the first week of planting. While no plant is completely deer resistant, there are species that are avoided by our four-legged friends due to their taste, texture or aroma. If you are looking for interest to add to your landscape that will supply years of enjoyment, and not be foraged by deer, here are a few suggestions.

Coreopsis ‘Zagreb’(Tickseed)

The first is Coreopsis or 'Tickseed', which is known for its delicate yellow or pink daisy-like flowers on lacy foliage, that bloom from early summer into fall. Coreopsis is hardy in USDA zones 4-8, prefers to be grown in full sun in a well-drained soil, and is drought tolerant once established. Coreopsis is available in several varieties ranging in flower size and colors ranging from yellow to pink, and reddish-orange to the newly hybridized yellow-orange bloom. I have found the ‘Zagreb’ variety (photo above) to be an excellent “deer resistant” bloom that produces a full array of repeat blooms for many years in the garden.

Nepeta ‘Walkers Low’ (Catmint)

Nepeta is a member of the mint family and is known for its distinctive gray-green aromatic foliage that is an attraction to cats when crushed. Nepeta displays soft lavender-blue blooms which are produced in early summer and continue through fall, giving a long-lasting display of color. The perennial is available in a variety of heights ranging from the smaller 18-24-inch tall 'Little Titch' to the taller 2-3-foot tall 'Mussinii'. Nepeta is hardy in USDA zones 4-9 and prefers to be grown in full sun to partial shade in a well-drained soil. Little care is required once this plant is established.

Salvia ‘May Night’ (Perennial Sage)

Salvia or sage thrives best in USDA zones 4-8, is "deer resistant" and blooms throughout the summer with regular dead-heading. There are many varieties of sage to choose from, ranging in height from the 10-12- inch tall Salvia ‘Marcus’ to the 20-30-inch tall ‘Caradonna’ variety. Species vary in color from the white (Salvia nemerosa ‘Snow Hill”) to rose-pink (Salvia nemerosa ‘Sensation Rose’) to the more popular purple varieties (such as Salvia nermerosa ‘April Night’, ‘May Night’ or ‘Caradonna’). A very popular plant in the garden, Salvia is also an attraction to butterflies.

Peony ‘Karl Rosenfeld’

Peony displays large mildly fragrant blooms in late spring to mid-summer. Peony are hardy in USDA zones 2-8, prefer full sun to partial shade and like their roots protected. Peony are available in a wide range of colors including light pink, rose pink, white and yellow. Plants vary in stature depending on the variety, but generally range in height between 2-3 feet. These beautiful late spring/early summer-blooming beauties are an asset to any garden and blooms are followed by handsome foliage that lasts for the remainder of the gardening season.

Dwarf Fountain Grass ‘Hameln’

If you enjoy having ornamental grasses in your garden, they are also "deer resistant". There are many varieties of grasses in varying heights to choose from including the well-known Fountain Grasses Pennisetum Alopecuroides 'Hameln' (2-3 feet) or 'Little Bunny'(1-2 feet) as well as the Maiden Grasses Miscanthus Sinensis 'Gracillimus' (5-8‘) or 'Morning Light' (4-5’) among others. Ornamental grasses are generally hardy to USDA zones 5-9 and prefer full sun and a well-drained soil. They will add grace and movement to your landscape and are well suited to a variety of garden styles.

Ajuga reptans 'Burgundy Glow' (Bugleweed)

Ajuga (Bugleweed) is a groundcover perennial hardy in USDA zones 3-10 that displays bluish-purple blooms in early spring on 4-6-inch tall plants. Ajuga thrives in partial to full shade and serves well as a massed planting under trees or in perennial borders. Foliage remains evergreen in winter and takes on a rich bronze-burgundy tone to provide constant interest.

Hakonechloa macra ‘Aureola’ (Japanese Forest Grass)

Hakonechloa, or Japanese Forest Grass, is a grass-like perennial hardy in USDA hardiness zones 4-9 that prefers partial sun to shade and a moderately most soil. Wispy golden-green low arching stems cascade gracefully on an 18-inch tall and wide plant to add a dramatic look to the garden. This plant adds beautiful interest to the landscape when cascaded over a wall, as seen above.

Allium ‘Globemaster’

Allium (Ornamental onion) is an easy to grow bulb which has become increasingly popular in gardens over the past few years. Allium produces globe-shaped purple, white or pink blooms in late spring/early summer on tall stately stalks. Allium is hardy in USDA zones 4-9 and is best grown in full sun in a well-drained soil. Bulbs are best planted in fall (September-November) the season before you want them to flower. If you have an issue with deer or rodents, Alliums are an excellent addition, since they are looked upon as distasteful to the palate.

French Lavender

Lavender is a well-known aromatic herb used over the centuries as a perfume and herbal remedy. It is hardy in USDA zones 5-9 and requires full sun and a well-drained, moderately dry soil. Lavender displays bluish-purple blooms on 24-30-inch grey-green foliage in mid-summer to early fall and is deer resistant as well as drought tolerant once established. Lavender also is known to attract butterflies. Different species of lavender vary in cold hardiness,  so choose accordingly for your zone.

Stachys (Lamb’s Ear)

Stachys (Lamb’s Ear) is hardy in USDA zones 4-9 and displays silvery-white “wooly” leaves with a velvety feel. Tall stalks appear in summer with pinkish-pink blooms that last into fall. Lamb’s Ear prefers to be grown in full sun to partial shade in a moderately moist soil. The interesting foliage of Stachys remains throughout the winter and serves nicely as a border plant in a perennial garden.

This selection of perennials that can be utilized to create a colorful cottage garden or perennial border that is undesirable to deer. More structural elements to complement these plants could include, but are not limited to, Spirea, Butterfly Bush, Boxwood, Crape Myrtle and certain species of holly and cedar. Generally, the more aromatic and coarse the foliage, the more undesirable the plant will be to foragers. Remember, deer can be unpredictable creatures and your situation may vary, but these selections should get you started in the right direction for a successful and beautiful garden.

For more information on "deer resistant" plantings and use of these ornamental plants in landscape design, see my books,  A Guide to Northeastern Gardening and Landscape Design Combinations, or visit my Author Page.

~As Always...Happy Gardening!~

Author: Lee@A Guide to Northeastern Gardening, © Copyright 2018. All rights reserved