On Long Island, farmland is disappearing faster than most people realize. Housing developments replace hedgerows. Blacktop replaces soil. And once land is sold, it rarely comes back.
That reality nearly changed everything for Hoshyla Farms in Manorville.
When the family’s longtime tenant farmer passed away and the fields sat dormant, selling the land became a real possibility. As Nicole and Susan shared during our conversation in Episode 88 of the Agri-Tourist Podcast:
“Once you sell something, you cannot get it back.”
Instead of letting the land go, three women and an 84-year-old grandfather made a decision that would redefine their family’s future.
They chose lavender.
A Family Farm Rooted in History
The story begins in 1922 when Susan and Nicole’s family immigrated from Ukraine and started farming in East Meadow, growing potatoes and cauliflower — staple crops that sustained both family and community.
By 1954, the farm moved to Manorville, continuing Long Island’s rich agricultural tradition. But when the older generation retired and sold the equipment, restarting a vegetable operation would have required major capital investment.
“We had to come up with something that was going to be cost-effective,” they explained. Lavender, unlike vegetables, requires less irrigation and heavy equipment — a strategic choice for a farm rebuilding from scratch.
Why Lavender? A Strategic Agritourism Pivot
Before settling on lavender, the family explored other ideas — even researching cannabis production when New York State began legalization discussions. But the high costs, regulatory uncertainty, and technical requirements made it clear:
“That’s not for us.”
Instead, they researched specialty crops that would:
- Require less equipment
- Thrive in Long Island’s climate zone
- Offer agritourism appeal
- Provide product diversification opportunities
Lavender checked every box.
They consulted with a lavender grower in Virginia to learn about zone-appropriate varieties, propagation, harvesting techniques, and product development.
They began with Munstead (a sweet English variety ideal for teas and baking) and Provence (tall, dramatic plants perfect for visual impact and events). Today, they grow five varieties, including Royal Velvet and Hidcote for richer color and stronger stems.
“Not all of them will thrive here,” they explained. “You have to get the varieties that are good for our zone.”
Building a Lavender Agritourism Experience on Long Island
From the beginning, their goal wasn’t just farming — it was inviting the public onto preserved farmland.
“Our main focus was to have people come to the farm.”
After allowing three years for the plants to mature, they launched their annual Lavender Festival. The response from the Manorville community was overwhelmingly positive.
They even offer free admission for local residents — strengthening neighborhood relationships and reinforcing their commitment to community-based agritourism.
Unlike some highly commercialized farm destinations, Hoshyla Farms intentionally maintains a small, European-inspired aesthetic.
“We wanted more of a European feel… very homey, small.”
No bounce houses. No carnival rides.
Instead, you’ll find:
- U-pick lavender fields
- Artisan vendors and crafters
- Lavender wreath workshops
- Plein air painting classes
- Shell and rock painting for children
- Wine, cheese, and oyster collaborations
It’s experiential agriculture rooted in authenticity.
From Field to Finished Product: A Family-Powered Business
With no outside funding, every product was born out of necessity.
“We needed an income to buy the plants,” Susan shared.
Today, Hoshyla Farms produces:
- Lavender soaps
- Linen sprays
- Creams and bug sprays
- Culinary lavender
- Handcrafted artisan goods
Susan, an accomplished quilter and hand-painted glass artist, never imagined she would be manufacturing skincare products.
“I never dreamed I would be making soap and cream… but you do what you have to do for your family.”
Their expansion includes greenhouses to begin propagating their own plants — another step toward long-term sustainability and cost control.
Farming with Grit: Watering by Generator and Tractor
Like many small farms in transition, infrastructure is still evolving.
Currently, irrigation runs from a well powered by a generator. For areas beyond reach, they devised a creative system: filling a large water container mounted to a tractor or truck and watering manually across the fields.
“It’s a lot of problem-solving and trying to figure it out.”
This is what early-stage agritourism truly looks like — not glossy, but gritty.
Three Women, One Grandfather, and 11 Acres
Nicole is a high school art teacher who manages the LLC and financial operations. Susan leads product creation and design. Aunt Paula works directly in the fields. And Nicole’s grandfather, Peter Hoshyla — who once considered selling — now mows rows and drives tractors at 84 years old.
“He secretly loves it.”
Perhaps the most powerful moment in our conversation came when Nicole shared what she’s most proud of:
“I’m most proud that we’re keeping the land in our family — and that my grandfather is happy.”
On Long Island, that alone is a victory.
Lessons in Leadership and Flexibility
Building a lavender farm and agritourism business in just five years has required hard conversations and disciplined growth.
“We can only grow slow, because that’s what’s going to make it work.”
Nicole admitted learning flexibility — especially as a self-described Type A personality balancing family dynamics and business realities.
And through agritourism, they’ve discovered something important:
“There’s still not a huge understanding of all the time and work that goes into agriculture.”
Inviting the public onto the farm helps bridge that gap.
Preserving Long Island Agriculture — One Purple Row at a Time
Hoshyla Farms represents something larger than lavender.
It represents:
- Generational land preservation
- Women-led farm leadership
- Creative agritourism development
- Art and agriculture integration
- Community-based agricultural revival
In a region where farmland often disappears permanently, this story matters.
They didn’t just plant lavender.
They planted continuity.
And in June, when the fields bloom violet across three acres, that decision becomes visible — row after row.
Click here to listen to the full podcast Episode 88 with Susan and Nicole of Hoshyla Farms.