Built With Love, Blooming With Purpose

Lavender Meadows started with a simple idea.

Susie Kasterke wanted a pretty backdrop for her photography sessions. Instead of paying to rent space in someone else's lavender field, she went home with a suggestion for her husband, Stan.

"We've got 15 acres," she remembered telling him. "Let's plant some lavender."

In her mind, she was thinking maybe six plants.

Those six plants turned into more than 800.

Today, the couple owns Lavender Meadows LLC, located at 5324 E. Farm Road 174 near Rogersville, where visitors can stroll through rows of blooming lavender, shop for handmade products and enjoy a peaceful escape from everyday life.

The Kasterkes aren't newcomers to southwest Missouri. Both grew up in Fordland, attended Fordland schools from kindergarten through graduation, and have been together since high school. They celebrated 43 years of marriage and moved to the Rogersville area in 1987.

As retirement approached, Susie explored photography while Stan, her husband, embraced his longtime love of working outdoors.

"I love watching things grow," Stan said. "I love the honeybees, butterflies and bumblebees. Being the person who plants something and watches it mature into beauty is pretty awesome."

The farm sits on property surrounding the couple's home. What started as a photography backdrop has grown into a destination designed to help people slow down.

Rocking chairs sit on the porch of the barn. A patio overlooks the lavender fields. Visitors often spot deer crossing the property.

"We just want this to be a place where people can come and take a breath," Susie said. "Life is busy and crazy."

The farm welcomes families, photographers and anyone looking to spend time surrounded by nature. Susie also opens the fields to other photographers who need an affordable location for portrait sessions.

Inside the on-site store, visitors can browse about 20 lavender-inspired products made by Susie, including natural items crafted with lavender and essential oils.

The blooming season doesn't last long.

Lavender Meadows opened June 11, with peak bloom expected to continue through roughly the third or fourth week of June, depending on weather conditions.

Visitors can learn more through the farm's website at lavendermeadowsllc.com or follow Lavender Meadows LLC on Facebook for updates throughout the season.

For the Kasterkes, what began as a small photography idea has blossomed into something much bigger — a place to share beauty, nature and a little peace with their community.