Alpha Theta Chapter visits Orrville's own Lavender Trails

The Alpha Theta Chapter of Delta Kappa Gamma met for its Day Out field trip at Lavender Trails, 356 Collins Blvd., Orrville, followed by lunch at Dravenstott's Restaurant. Seventeen active and retired teachers of Wayne County were present.

Lavender Trails is the creation of Jim and Amy Duxbury, who are teachers at Orrville High School. Jim teaches environmental science and Amy is an English teacher. Lavender Trails is the first lavender farm in Wayne County. The 2 1/2-acre farm was created on a Brownfield that had been a dumping site for concrete and metal waste, but it is now leased from the Wilburt Co. and the land has been reclaimed by the Duxburys. They have about a dozen varieties of lavender in shades of purple, pink and white planted in diamond-shaped gardens.

There are species of French and English lavender on the farm. The Duxburys said French lavender is primarily used for its oils in soaps, lotions, and perfumes while English lavender is used in culinary creations due to its milder scent and taste.

After a lecture on the creations of the garden and uses of lavender, the group was encouraged to visit, smell, and cut the different varieties growing there. The theme for lavender project is Education, Environment, and Community.

Lunch was held at Dravenstott's Restaurant followed by a brief business meeting conducted by Linda McHenry, president. The group is looking forward to a Drum Circle led by Jenny Reusser in October and visiting Rogue's Hollow in Doylestown for a presentation. In July, Debbie Patonai will host a field trip to her Alpaca farm followed by a cookout. Any Wayne County teachers who are interested in joining the group should contact Linda McHenry at lsmchenry5@aol.com.

This article originally appeared on The Daily Record: Delta Kappa Gamma meeting report