830-833-4494

www.blancoriverlavenderco.com

The Blanco River Lavender Company has been growing its 3,000 lavender plants since April 2005, but the family's farming and ranching roots are more than 100 years deep in the Central Texas soil. Designated as a "Texas Century Ranch" by the Texas Agriculture Commissioner and registered in the "Texas Family Land Heritage Program," owners Stephen and Kennie Smith are proud to welcome visitors to the Blanco River Lavender farm that has been in continuous operation for more than a century by the same family.

After retiring in 2003 from Texas Utilities in Dallas, Stephen returned to his family home southwest of Blanco. He and Kennie attended a local lavender seminar and decided to plant the first 1,000 lavender sprigs on their land. The property has been in agricultural production since 1872, when Stephen's great-grandparents arrived by covered wagon from the Midwest. As Stephen describes it, the farm has been used to raise cotton, oats, alfalfa, sheep and cattle, and now lavender. In addition to being a Texas Century Ranch, Blanco River Lavender features historical dinosaur tracks on the property.

During each festival, volunteers play a distinctive role at Blanco River Lavender Company, helping to welcome guests, answer questions, and give tours.

Stephen and Kennie both agree, "We look forward to opening our farm to visitors again this year. Everyone is welcome to bring a picnic lunch and enjoy the beauty of our farm under the shade of the old, Live Oak trees. We'll have lavender products for sale as well as refreshing iced lavender tea available for purchase."

Blanco River Lavender products include lotions, bubble bath, oil, soaps, sachets, neck rolls, eye pillows, and tins of lavender tea. For more information on volunteer opportunities, products, and activities, check the website at www.blancoriverlavenderco.com or call 830.833.4494.