The Lavender Fields
The Carmel Lavender fields are cultivated as an artisan craft. The
purple rows follow the natural contour lines of the hills rather than a
rigid grid-like layout. The fields are surrounded by white oaks on all
sides, and even include the occasional fairy trees in their midst. All
of this to naturally integrate into the landscape and provide a diverse
ecosphere for the plants and bees to thrive. This is what I like to
call, following the lead of the land.
Carmel Lavender Fields at Sunset - Summer
2011
What makes Carmel Lavender so special?
It is really a unique combination of many factors. The
most notable are: the soil, the water, the plants, and the cultivation
practices.
The
Soil
Lavender is naturally suited for the location. The soil is sweet
albeit a bit heavy in spots.
The Water
The water too is sweet and pure. Brought up from 500 feet down to
give parched plants a drink on a hot summer's day. Because Carmel
Lavender is located high above granite bedrock, the water source deep below the surface
is protected from surface contaminants. There is no 'aquifer' but rather
the water finds its way through cracks and fissures in the rock before
it is brought to the surface. Further, there is no adjacent large scale chemical
farming out here. A few vineyards within a mile or two. That is all.
Here on the farm, we drink the same water our plants do.
The Plants
Many of the plants were originally brought out years ago from
nursery stock. Now, replacement planting is taken from the existing
plants, and rooted in our own Nursery. It is very difficult to obtain
organically grown lavender plants outside of custom orders, and many of
the commercial nurseries are not well set-up for this. Making our own
stock eliminates the introduction of artificial fertilizers and
pesticides through the stock. It also is better tuned with our
philosophy to produce with what we have within.
The Cultivation Practices
Absolutely no chemicals or artificial amendments or pesticides are
used on the farm. It is my purpose to keep the land as pure as it was
when I came here. Soil amending is done naturally. My first preference
is through growing healthier soils with selective cover crops. A proper
cover not only improves the soil, but reduces erosion, weeds, and looks
more beautiful. |
