HORTICULTURE BY HUNT COUNTRY GARDENS

By: Connor Duszynski

Desiree Lee, the mastermind behind Hunt Country Gardens, has created a sanctuary of natural beauty that is a testament to her passion for gardening. Hunt Country Gardens, operated out of Armarc Farms in the heart of Virginia’s Horse & Hunt Country, is a horticultural haven. Desiree's artistic vision and deep understanding of the natural world are evident in every project she works on. Each project tells a story of meticulous care, dedication, and a profound love for native flora. Often sharing gardening tips, plant information, and simple appreciations for the beauty of nature, Desiree has amassed thousands of plant and garden enthusiasts who follow along with her journey on the HCG social profiles.

However, her work at Hunt Country Gardens is not just about creating beautiful landscapes. It's about fostering a connection with nature and encouraging others to do the same. She serves as an inspiration for both novice and experienced gardeners, offering a wealth of knowledge and a glimpse into the possibilities of what a garden can be. One of the standout features of Hunt Country Gardens is its diversity. From the vibrant colors of spring blooms to the rustic charm of autumn foliage, Desiree showcases a stunning display of nature's beauty throughout the year.

In addition to the visual appeal, Desiree's work also focuses on sustainability. She promotes organic gardening practices and emphasizes the importance of creating a healthy ecosystem both on her family’s farm and in her clients’. This commitment to sustainability is not only beneficial for the environment but also contributes to the overall health and vitality of the plants in the garden. Sitting down with Desiree, we discuss her love of flora, common misconceptions clients often have about gardening, and two of her seasonal gardening tips for our readers to consider.

Hi, Desiree! Please introduce yourself to our readers.

I’m Desiree Lee, horticultural aficionado at Hunt Country Gardens (HCG). I’m a native Loudoun County resident (not many can say that anymore). My family is deeply rooted in the Loudoun community. Most of family members are traditional farmers and/or general contractors who have been serving our region for well over sixty years. I recently relocated back to the family farm that I grew up on to keep my family legacy going and to incorporate the gardening services and elements with HCG. Currently, HGC is based out of Armarc Farms in Lovettsville, VA.

Have you always had a passion for horticulture? How and when did this develop for you?

I grew up surrounded by self-made folks, farmers, and entrepreneurs who grew everything from plants to animals. They shared a belief that God-given talent should be used to serve yourself and others. Green thumbs and a love for the land runs deep in my genetics.

When did you return to your family farm to assist in the growth of HCG? Tell us about your work.

Growing up working on the farm, the work ethic I was instilled with came free-of-charge. I attended West Virginia University, where I studied forestry for a short stint. I first worked at a few local nurseries before taking my first position as a gardener working on estate gardens with Andrea Watson and her garden crews. Then I took an employment opportunity at Little Oak Spring for Mrs. Rachel Mellon in her gardens for a few years, After that, my fate was sealed. A few years following that, I started my own business to continue offering estate gardens and landscapes that require yearround cultivation and a variety of horticultural practices.

HCG provides year-round cultivation and care for high maintenance formal style gardens. We design, plant, maintain, and restore everything from Boxwood hedges, custom seasonal window box designs and installations, perennial gardens, kitchen gardens for estate chefs, orchards, and last but not least centerpiece design and event florals.

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I GREW UP SURROUNDED BY SELF-MADE FOLKS, FARMERS, AND ENTREPRENEURS WHO GREW EVERYTHING FROM PLANTS TO ANIMALS. THEY SHARED A BELIEF THAT GOD-GIVEN TALENT SHOULD BE USED TO SERVE YOURSELF AND OTHERS. GREEN THUMBS AND A LOVE FOR THE LAND RUNS DEEP IN MY GENETICS. "

What are your favorite kinds of projects to take on? What excites you the most to work on?

That’s a hard question. I’ve always found a variety of things to keep the creativity flowing. If I had to choose, the pruning and shaping of trees and shrubs would probably surpass the others. I absolutely love working on espalier and topiary of all kinds.

What area does HCG serve?

HCG serves the countryside of Northern Virginia, including Loudoun, Fauquier, Clarke, Frederick and Rappahannock counties. Just don’t ask me to drive east unless it’s a project I can’t refuse — the city traffic just isn’t my thing! There’s occasional projects here and there I can’t turn down. However, we generally stick to projects in and around Virginia’s Hunt Country.

What is most fulfilling to you about your work at HCG?

There’s two: watching our crew members evolve in their own horticultural styles as they continue working with us and the creative license our clients give us while working in their open spaces and beautiful gardens.

What is the biggest misconception that clients have when bringing you on to assist in their gardens?

It’d probably have to be the time that it takes for a garden to grow in from the time of installation to the final product. Four years is generally the golden number. Typically, it take decades when it comes to trees! I recommend planting those first. Instant gratification in landscape really only exists on Instagram.

Is there any advice you would give to someone following in your footsteps, including aspiring gardeners and entrepreneurs?

Don’t be afraid to get your hands dirty. Try, fail, learn, repeat, and succeed. I’m self-taught. I’m not knocking higher education, but what you will remember and learn from most in the real world will come by your own hands and experiences, successes and failures.

Are there any upcoming developments from HCG or projects that you’re especially excited for in the near future?

We’re currently in the planning stages, but we’re hoping to merge the farm and garden now that I’ve relocated and have more space to do so at Armarc Farms. The possibilities are endless, but you’ll never catch me doing what everyone else is!

Thanks again for joining me, Desiree! Where can our readers follow along with you, HCG, and learn more about connecting with you on projects?

You can catch us on Instagram and Facebook at Hunt Country Gardens to keep up with future event information or just to follow along with whatever project we’re cultivating on a weekly basis. You can also email us at huntcountrygardens@gmail.com for additional inquiries.