66 Acres · Lawrenceville, Virginia

Return to the Land.
ReThink the Leaf.

Reconnect as community. Heal through nature. Build generational wealth through stewardship, education, and love of the land.

Explore the Vision Meet Our Community
Scroll
Our Mission

Increasing Ownership,
Building Generational Wealth

Land loss in the Black community has been massive. Our work is a strategic step toward increasing Black land ownership and educating our community about the true value of stewardship.

This estate is more than a farm — it's a sanctuary for healing, a classroom for entrepreneurs, and a destination for families to reconnect with their roots.

The ReThinking The Leaf team and community partners at a hemp industry gathering
66

Acres of potential · healing · learning · legacy

Agrotherapy

Restorative land-based experiences — lavender fields, nature immersion, and sensory healing through floralpy.

Community First

Inviting our community of color back to the farm — together. Building connection, culture, and shared prosperity.

Education Hub

Teaching the next generation about land stewardship, conservation, and the power of ownership.

Generational Wealth

Sustainable business models that turn land into lasting legacy for families and communities.

The People Behind the Vision

Meet the Team

Farmers, doctors, designers, and dreamers — united by a shared belief in the healing power of land.

Shardell Gerald
Shardell Gerald
Barbara Gerald
Barbara Gerald
Belinda Gerald
Belinda Gerald
Ponce Gerald
Ponce Gerald
Dr. Kenya Belcher
Dr. Kenya Belcher
Dr. Angela Kessler
Dr. Angela Kessler
Dr. Tonya Goins
Dr. Tonya Goins
Lamont Burgess
Lamont Burgess
Kim Dowdy
Kim Dowdy
Michael Moore
Michael Moore
Sigrid Moore
Sigrid Moore
Tracy Overton
Tracy Overton
The Estate

A Purpose-Built Sanctuary

Every zone of the 66-acre estate is designed to balance ecological stewardship with an unforgettable guest experience.

Rolling lavender fields with pergola swings at golden hour

Lavender Fields & Floralpy

Sensory therapy gardens, pick-and-pay blooms, essential oil production, and VSU Floralpy®-inspired healing walks.

Modern A-frame cabins in pine forest with fire pit

Agrotherapy Cabin Resort

A-frame cabins for immersive nature retreats, complete with fire pits and forest views.

Fenced dog park in rural setting with families

Agro-Hound Dog Park

Bring your companion — fenced areas for socializing, exercise, and vacation fun with your support animal.

Wooden boardwalk through wetland with outdoor classroom

Wetland Education Zone

Elevated boardwalks and outdoor classrooms for hands-on science and nature education.

Walking trail through pine forest

Trail Network

ATV and walking trails weaving through 30 acres of shortleaf pine plantation.

Rustic farm store with produce and local goods

Farm Store & Community Market

Local produce, value-added products, lavender goods, and community-sourced artisan items.

Dense industrial hemp fields stretching across rolling Virginia hills

Hemp Fields & Phytoremediation

Industrial hemp cultivation for soil remediation, CBD production, and fiber harvest. Hemp's deep root system extracts heavy metals and restores degraded soils — healing the land while building a crop economy.

Modern hydroponic greenhouse with vertical growing towers and LED lights

Hydroponic Innovation Lab

Year-round growing in controlled-environment vertical towers. Microgreens, herbs, and specialty greens — demonstrating next-gen farming with 90% less water and zero soil disturbance.

Geodesic dome butterfly pavilion surrounded by lavender fields with tropical plants and hundreds of butterflies visible inside

Butterfly Pavilion

A geodesic dome sanctuary housing tropical and native butterfly species amid flowering vines, palms, and orchids. Walk through a living wonderland where monarchs, swallowtails, and blue morphos fly freely — education, beauty, and conservation in one breathtaking experience.

Lush permaculture food forest with fruit trees, berry bushes, herb spirals, and walking paths

Food Forest & Permaculture Garden

A seven-layer permaculture food forest featuring fruit trees, berry bushes, herbs, edible groundcovers, and mushroom logs. Guided tours teach visitors about forest gardening, companion planting, and how to grow food that grows itself — education and abundance in every season.

A wisteria-draped pergola archway leading to lush pollinator gardens with wildflowers and butterflies

Strolling Gardens & Pergola Walk

Wander through wisteria-clad pergolas and vibrant pollinator meadows teeming with echinacea, black-eyed Susans, butterfly bush, and native wildflowers. A sensory journey designed for reflection, photography, and intimate celebrations.

Your Visit

Experiences for Every Soul

Join us for a day of discovery or a weekend of rest. See yourself here — activities for every background and age.

Multigenerational family walking through pine forest trail at golden hour

Nature Walks

Guided walks through 30 acres of shortleaf pine plantation and wetlands. Slow down, breathe deep, and reconnect with your roots. Perfect for families, couples, and solo seekers.

Farm workshop instructor teaching planting techniques to group under rustic pergola

Workshops & Education

From soil science to grant-writing, EQIP readiness to entrepreneurship — practical, empowering education for aspiring farmers, landowners, and dreamers ready to build something real.

Couple relaxing with hot drinks on A-frame cabin deck at twilight with string lights

Cabin Retreats

Unplug and rest in A-frame cabins tucked into the pines. Fire pits, blankets, forest sounds, and sky full of stars. Weekend getaways that heal and restore.

Young visitors joyfully picking lavender bundles in blooming lavender fields

Day Visits & Pick-Your-Own

Walk the lavender fields, pick your own bouquet, browse the farm store, and taste the harvest. A day trip that feels like a vacation — no overnight required.

Community farm-to-table dinner under string lights with live music and families

Community Events

Farm-to-table suppers under string lights. Seasonal festivals. Live music in the meadow. The kind of gatherings that remind you what community actually feels like.

Black children doing hands-on wetland science with instructor examining water samples

Youth Programs

Hands-on science in the wetlands, soil and seed labs, farming basics, and mentorship for the next generation of stewards. Planting the seed of ownership early.

Guided food forest tour with families learning about permaculture layers and picking berries

Food Forest Tours & Foraging

Walk through our seven-layer permaculture food forest with a guide who knows every tree, bush, and herb. Learn forest gardening principles, identify edible plants, and taste the harvest — from pawpaws and persimmons to herbs and berries. Seasonal tours available monthly.

Outdoor wedding ceremony under a wisteria-draped pergola with lavender-lined aisle at golden hour

Weddings & Celebrations

Say "I do" beneath a wisteria pergola surrounded by lavender fields at golden hour. Intimate elopements, family reunions, milestone celebrations — the estate provides a breathtaking, one-of-a-kind setting with farm-to-table catering, floral arrangements, and overnight cabin packages.

Voices from the Community

What People Are Saying

Partners, visitors, and dreamers — the people who believe in what we're building.

"

Shardell's vision for this land is unlike anything I've seen in rural Virginia. Combining equine therapy with lavender fields and youth programs — this is the future of Black land stewardship. We're honored to ride alongside her.

Anointed Acres representative
Anointed Acres Stables
Community Partner · Lawrenceville, VA
"

Our family has been farming this soil since 1908. When Shardell told us her plan for 240 Halifax Road, we knew she understood something most people don't — that the land is the legacy. We're proud to be part of this hub.

Browntown Farms representative
Browntown Farms
Virginia Century Farm · Est. 1908
"

As a landscape architect, I've worked with USDA conservation plans across the Southeast. This property has the soil, the water, the vision, and the leadership to become something truly transformative for Brunswick County and beyond.

Think! Design representative
Think! Design & Planning
USDA Technical Service Provider
"

We drove two hours just to see the lavender. When we arrived, Shardell was picking bundles in the field and invited us to join her. My daughter still talks about it. We'll be back for every bloom season.

The Williams Family
The Williams Family
Visitor · Richmond, VA
What's Happening

Seasons at the Farm

From lavender bloom festivals to winter wellness retreats — there's always something growing, something gathering, something healing at ReThinking The Leaf.

🌸
May · Annual

Lavender Bloom Festival & Pick Day

Celebrate the first harvest. Walk the blooming fields, pick your own lavender bundles, enjoy live music, food trucks, and artisan vendors. The estate's signature event.

Get Notified →
☀️
June – August · Monthly

Farm-to-Table Supper Series

Long tables under string lights. Locally sourced menus from partner farms. Live acoustic sets in the meadow. The kind of dinner that feeds more than your body.

Get Notified →
🍂
October · Annual

Harvest Festival & Trunk-or-Treat

Hayrides through the pines, pumpkin decorating, trunk-or-treat for the kids, and a farm market packed with fall harvest goods. The whole community comes out.

Get Notified →
❄️
December – February

Wellness & Warmth Cabin Retreat

Cozy A-frame weekends with guided meditation, lavender aromatherapy sessions, fireside journaling, and stargazing. Rest, reset, and return to yourself.

Get Notified →
🌳
Monthly · Year-Round

Food Forest Tours & Workshops

Guided permaculture walks, seasonal foraging experiences, and hands-on workshops on food forest design. Learn to grow food that grows itself — every month, rain or shine.

Get Notified →
🦋
Weekends · Year-Round

Butterfly Pavilion Open Days

Step inside the geodesic dome and walk among hundreds of free-flying butterflies. Guided talks on pollinator conservation, monarch migration, and native species at 11am and 2pm.

Get Notified →
Our Community

Stronger Together

We're building a community where everyone eats. Local farms, entrepreneurs, and builders — all connected through a shared mission.

Anointed Acres
Equine Therapy · Trail Rides
Browntown Farms
Century Farm · Produce & Jams
Brothers Function Group
Events · Minority Business Hub
Think! Design & Planning
Conservation • Culture • Memorial
Explore The Hub — Search Services & Goods
The Science

Why Hemp & Lavender?
The Science of Healing Land

Our crop selection isn't just beautiful — it's ecological engineering. Every plant on this estate serves a scientific purpose in restoring soil, cleaning water, and rebuilding biodiversity.

Phytoremediation

Phytoremediation is the use of living plants to clean contaminated soil, water, and air. It's nature's own cleanup crew — and hemp is one of its most powerful agents.

Industrial hemp (Cannabis sativa) sends roots 8–12 inches deep, absorbing heavy metals like lead, cadmium, and zinc from degraded soils. After the Chernobyl disaster, hemp was planted to extract radioactive isotopes from contaminated ground. On Virginia's former tobacco lands — many suffering from decades of chemical inputs — hemp does the same restorative work.

Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) complements hemp by stabilizing topsoil, attracting native pollinators, and producing essential oils with proven therapeutic benefits. Together, they form a regenerative crop rotation that heals the land while generating revenue.

Phytoremediation diagram showing hemp and lavender roots cleaning soil
🌿

Hemp — The Hyperaccumulator

  • ✦ Absorbs heavy metals (Pb, Cd, Zn, Ni) from soil
  • ✦ Grows to maturity in 90–120 days
  • ✦ Deep taproot breaks compacted clay subsoil
  • ✦ Produces CBD oil, fiber, hempcrete, biofuel
  • ✦ Sequesters 1.63 tons CO₂ per ton grown
  • ✦ No pesticides required — naturally pest-resistant
💜

Lavender — The Pollinator Sanctuary

  • ✦ Attracts 100+ native pollinator species
  • ✦ Drought-tolerant once established
  • ✦ Essential oils used in aromatherapy & wellness
  • ✦ Anti-erosion ground stabilization
  • ✦ Thrives in Virginia's Zone 7a/7b climate
  • ✦ Revenue: $12,000–$30,000/acre potential
🔬

Hydroponics — The Future Farm

  • ✦ 90% less water than traditional farming
  • ✦ Year-round production regardless of season
  • ✦ Zero soil disturbance — no tilling, no erosion
  • ✦ 3–10x faster growth than field agriculture
  • ✦ Microgreens, herbs, specialty crops
  • ✦ Perfect STEM education demonstration tool
0
Tons CO₂ sequestered per ton of hemp
0
Pollinator species attracted by lavender
0
Less water used in hydroponic systems
0
Acres under regenerative management
Wealth & Education

Education is the Seed
of Generational Wealth

Land Stewardship

Teaching sustainable land management, conservation practices, and ecological awareness to young people and adults alike. From soil health to wildlife habitats — understanding the land beneath your feet is the first step to owning it.

Economic Empowerment

Workshops on land value, ownership pathways, and turning acreage into a community asset. We demystify USDA grants like EQIP, AFID, and the Value-Added Producer Grant so you can fund your dream — not just dream it.

Phytoremediation Science

Hands-on demonstrations of how hemp cleans contaminated soil, how lavender supports pollinator ecosystems, and how hydroponic systems grow food without soil. Real science, real application, real impact.

Permaculture & Food Forest Design

Learn the art and science of permaculture — designing food systems that mimic natural ecosystems. Our food forest workshops cover seven-layer planting, companion planting guilds, soil biology, and how to create landscapes that feed families for generations without tilling or fertilizer.

Inventory & Analysis

Reading the Land

Before a single trail is cleared or cabin staked, we study what the land already knows. These maps tell the story of 66 acres — its slopes, soils, water, and ecological memory — so every design decision honors what's already here.

Topographic Contour Analysis — 240 Halifax Road
Topographic Contour Analysis

Understanding Elevation & Relief

The property ranges from 250' to 321' elevation with 71 feet of relief. Two-foot contour intervals reveal the ridge-and-valley character of the site — steep draws where water concentrates follow naturally toward the southeast. These landforms guided every zone placement: cabins perched on high ground, wetland classrooms tucked into the natural drainage.

Hydrological & Slope Analysis
Hydrological & Slope Analysis

Where Water Flows, Life Follows

DEM-derived slope mapping overlaid with NHD streamlines and flow direction arrows reveal the property's hydrological fingerprint. Steep slopes (shown in red/pink) define the limits of development; gentle grades (green) identify buildable zones. The blue stream corridor threading south through the parcel is the spine of the entire wetland education zone.

SSURGO Soil Survey Analysis
Soil Survey Analysis (SSURGO)

The Foundation Beneath

The USDA SSURGO survey reveals a mosaic of sandy loam soils across the parcel: Helena (16B), Rion (23B), Santuc (26B), and Appling-Mattaponi (2B) — all on 2–8% slopes. This is A-1 Agricultural land. The soil types directly informed where lavender can thrive (well-drained Helena loam) versus where wetlands naturally persist (Santuc loam in low areas).

Composite Ecological Analysis
Composite Ecological Analysis

The Complete Picture

Every layer combined — satellite imagery, topography, soils, hydrology, and flow direction — into a single composite view. This is how a landscape architect reads the land. The overlay reveals where mature pine stands anchor the soil, where cleared tobacco fields are ready for lavender, and where the natural stream corridor creates the perfect setting for boardwalks and outdoor classrooms. Design with the land, not against it.

Maps by Think! Design & Planning · USGS LIDAR + NRCS SSURGO + NHD Hydrography · Brunswick County GIS

The Master Plan

Building the Vision — Phase by Phase

Rome wasn't built in a day. This 66-acre sanctuary is being developed purposefully over time — each phase unlocking new experiences and revenue streams.

ReThinking The Leaf Agrotherapy Estate — Master Plan by AVA Virtual Architect

DRAFT — Agrotherapy Estate Master Plan · 240 Halifax Road · 66.26 Acres · Prepared by AVA Virtual Architect for Think! Design & Planning

Zone 1 — Floralpy Entrance
Zone 2 — Cabin Resort
Zone 3 — Central Amenities
Zone 4 — Agro-Hound Park
Zone 5 — Pine Recreation
Zone 6 — Private Enclave
Zone 7 — Circulation Loop
Phase 1 · Year 1–2

Foundation & First Harvest

  • Lavender field planting over leach field zone
  • Trail clearing through 30-acre pine plantation
  • Dog park fencing and amenities
  • Website launch and digital presence
  • Community partner network activation
  • USDA operating loan for lavender operations
Phase 2 · Year 2–4

First Cabins & Education Campus

  • First 2–3 A-frame cabins constructed
  • Wetland boardwalk and outdoor classrooms
  • Farm store build-out with local goods
  • Essential oil processing from lavender
  • Youth science and farming workshops launch
  • ATV trail network completion
Phase 3 · Year 4–7

Full Resort & Digital Twin

  • Full cabin resort expansion (up to 10 A-frames)
  • Pool and community gathering spaces
  • Lit Tree Walk through mature pine canopy
  • 3D digital twin for virtual tours and VR
  • Event hosting and wedding venue capability
  • Education center with full workshop facility
Digital Twin

Explore the Farm in 3D

Walk the land from anywhere. This 3D scan was captured by drone, stitching together 2,108 images of the actual 66-acre estate. Rotate, zoom, and explore every acre.

Created with RealityScan by Epic Games · 2,108 drone images · by ncatlandarch

The Lavender Collection

From Our Fields to Your Home

Handcrafted from the lavender and hemp grown right here on the 66-acre estate. Every purchase supports regenerative agriculture and community programs.

Pure Lavender Essential Oil

Pure Lavender Essential Oil

Steam-distilled from estate-grown Lavandula angustifolia. 15ml dropper bottle.

$24
Lavender Body Butter

Lavender Body Butter

Rich shea butter infused with our lavender oil. Deeply moisturizing, 4oz jar.

$18
Lavender-Infused Raw Honey

Lavender-Infused Honey

Raw Virginia wildflower honey infused with our lavender blooms. 12oz jar.

$16
Hemp Relief Balm

Hemp Relief Balm

Topical CBD balm from estate-grown hemp blended with lavender and arnica. 2oz tin.

$32
Lavender Soy Candle

Lavender Soy Candle

Hand-poured 100% soy wax with dried lavender buds. 45-hour burn time. 8oz.

$22
Lavender Gift Bundle

The Lavender Gift Set

Soap, sachet, balm, and dried bouquet — beautifully wrapped. The perfect gift from the farm.

$45
Browse the Farm Store →
Support the Movement

Invest in the Vision

Every dollar circulated within our community grows the movement. Here's how you can support ReThinking The Leaf — from the comfort of your couch or the soil of our fields.

💚

Donate

Support the farm's mission directly. Every contribution helps build trails, plant lavender, and expand our education programs.

Donate via PayPal
🌿

Become a Member

Join the RTTLC family. Members get early access to events, cabin discounts, and a voice in how we grow.

Join Now — Free
👕

Shop RTTLC Apparel

Rep the leaf. Premium tees, hoodies, and hats designed to tell our story — every purchase funds the farm.

Shop the Collection
📬

Stay Connected

Get farm updates, event invites, and stories from the soil delivered straight to your inbox. No spam — just roots.

Join the RTTLC Family

Membership is free. Community is priceless.

Membership records are managed by Shardell & the RTTLC team.

Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the estate open for visitors right now? +
We're currently in Phase 1 development. While the full resort experience isn't open yet, we do host seasonal events, guided tours, and partner farm experiences. Sign up for membership to get first access when we open for bookings.
How do I book a cabin stay? +
A-frame cabin retreats will be available starting in Phase 2 of our development plan. Use the contact form below to express interest, and we'll add you to our priority booking list.
Can I host a wedding or private event at the estate? +
Yes! We offer the wisteria pergola and lavender field as a stunning ceremony backdrop. Select "Wedding or Celebration" in the contact form and we'll reach out to discuss packages including farm-to-table catering, floral arrangements, and cabin accommodations.
Is the farm pet-friendly? +
Absolutely! We're building the Agro-Hound Dog Park specifically for your four-legged family members. Leashed dogs are welcome on trails and in common areas. The dog park will have separate small and large dog sections with water stations.
How do I become a community partner? +
We welcome local farms, artisans, educators, and organizations. Visit our Partner Application page to apply, or reach out through the contact form. We're especially interested in Brunswick County-based partners.
Where exactly is the estate located? +
240 Halifax Road, Lawrenceville, VA 23868 — in the heart of Brunswick County. We're about 1.5 hours south of Richmond and 30 minutes from the NC border. GPS coordinates: 36.7578° N, 77.8389° W.
Do you offer group tours or field trips? +
Yes — we offer guided group tours for schools, churches, community organizations, and corporate retreats. Groups of 10+ receive customized itineraries including food forest walks, wetland science, and farm-to-table experiences. Contact us to plan your visit.
Is membership really free? +
Yes! RTTLC membership is completely free. Members get early access to seasonal events, cabin booking priority, the monthly farm newsletter, and a voice in how we develop the estate. Join here.
Farm Updates

Latest from the Farm

Stories, milestones, and what's growing next.

Lavender fields in spring bloom
March 2026

Spring Lavender Planting Begins

The first 2,000 lavender starts are in the ground on the Helena loam hillside. Three varieties selected for Virginia Zone 7b climate: Grosso, Provence, and Hidcote.

RTTLC team group photo
February 2026

New Partnership with VSU Extension

Virginia State University's Small Farm Outreach program joins the RTTLC community hub, bringing agricultural training and technical assistance to Brunswick County farmers.

A-frame cabin design
January 2026

A-Frame Cabin Design Reveal

First look at the Phase 2 cabin designs — modern A-frames nestled into the pine canopy with wrap-around decks, fire pits, and panoramic forest views. Applications opening fall 2026.

Plan Your Visit

Ready to Experience the Estate?

Whether you're a partner, an aspiring farmer, or a visitor looking for peace — we'd love to connect.

📍 Location

240 Halifax Road
Lawrenceville, VA 23868
Brunswick County

🕐 Status

Currently in development — Phase 1
Follow our progress and be the first to visit.

🤝 Partnerships

Interested in joining our community network? Local farms, vendors, and artisans — let's build together.

🌐 Our Partners

Anointed Acres · Browntown Farms · BFG Hub · Think! Design & Planning

Your Voice

What Would You Love to See?

This land belongs to the community. Tell us what you'd love to experience here — and see what others are dreaming about too.