02/03/09

Harvest Information

Taking just what we need, and returning the rest to the land, we are now making lavender products that capture the tranquil energy of Tassajara in the lavender scent.

This Year's Bounty includes yummy dried flowers and buds, intoxicating essential oils, and soul soothing hydrosols. If you are interested in any of these products, visit our Carmel Lavender Shoppe.

Farm Operations

Given the natural harmony and energy of Tassajara, it would be foolish to use anything but natural, chemical-free farming practices. Thus we are committed not only to the pursuit of organic farming, but to go one step further and incorporate biodynamic principles into our cultivation practices. It is our goal that the land and the creatures on the land produce everything that is necessary for a sustainable lavender future.

Composting of the organic wastes both from farming activities, land maintanence, as well as our human food wastes is practiced. This year, all of the organic waste from our essential oil distillation has been returned to the compost pits, and will be re-applied to the soil before next year's growing seasons. The compost is also used in the potting of lavender cuttings for field regeneration and expansion.

Our domestic Italian bee colonies were introduced two years ago to tend our farm. We believe this is right for many reasons. First, increasing the numbers of these natural pollinators, they will, over time, increase the fertility of the plants that grow here. All plants, not just lavender. This will, again over time, increase the vitality of the land, and thus the life energy that radiates from it.

Today, bee cultivation is frought with difficulties, from varroa mites, to recent sudden hive death syndrome. We know that the application of organic cultivation practices to bees will be a challenge. Last year, we did loose a few hives. Never-the-less, these challenges need to be overcome, and the hard work will reward not just the farm, but the surrounding environment as well. Not to mention a yummy crop of sweet honey!