Lavender tourism is in full bloom for this Essex County farm

When Suzanne Dajczak and her husband started a vineyard in Essex County about 17 years ago, they were looking for a way to stand out among the fierce competition southern Ontario's wine country. 

As they started growing grapes, the couple also started planting lavender, something they were noticing at other wineries across North America. 

Nearly two decades later, Dajczak said their plan has worked: Lavender tourism is blooming. 

"It has increased in this area dramatically and we are really grateful for that," said Suzanne Dajczak, owner of Serenity Lavender Farm

It is the only lavender farm in Windsor-Essex County and grows more varieties of lavender than any other farm in Canada, she says. 

There's more than 40 different varieties on the property because of her growing curiosity and a passion for sharing that knowledge with others. 

"There's an added sensory experience here. You can come in and have a piece of lavender cheesecake or shortbread … so you're tasting it," Dajczak said.

"Then as you pull into the driveway you see the colour, smell an aroma and you can hear it. The bees at work are busy all the time."

Dajczak said increased traffic — from people looking for views of the beautiful, buzzing gardens — has impacted the county as a whole. 

"There's a lot to see in our own backyard and people don't realize how diverse we are."