02/03/09

Our Philosophy

Our Lavender plants are nestled in virgin fields, never previously cultivated. They are situated between the majestic oaks that give Tassajara its energy. Planting in close proximity to the oaks allows them to absorb this energy. To build a biological relationship with the land, as the lavender thrives on the calcium that emanates form these trees. The south facing slopes give the plants good exposure to the life giving Tassajara sun, its energy they so heartily drink. In turn, the lavender rewards the land (and us!) with it's gifts.

Come Spring, the hillside turns purple. See it, and you instantly understand the passion. The air is filled with wafting fragrance, ebbing and flowing with the waves of warm summer air. The field is filled with literally thousands of bees. The domestic Italians, diligently collecting the lavender pollen to make honey for us. And side by side with our bees, thousands of native bumbles make their way from plant to plant. So intoxicated are the bumbles that they fall asleep right on the lavender bud, and remain there until the Sun again rises in the east. Then they slowly wake up, as th dawn's shadow leaves, and continues their business right where they left off the previous day. Adding more enchantment, we get a visit by migrating swarms of butterflies coming to drink the fragrant scent. In the air, they are like golden spots of the sun. On the ground, they look like dried leaves standing upright, having fallen exactly on their edge. All of these creatures too partake of the life the vital flowers give, and in turn, impart their energy on the lavender which it in turn returns to the them and us.

A Bio-Dynamic Cycle of life is essential to perpetuate and enhance the natural energy of the land. This includes not only the plants and the soil, but a cycle that includes the animals, and yes, THE HUMANS that live here as well! Organic waste from the lavender fields and our human and animal biological consumption is composted into fertile dressings that are re-applied back to the fields. Taking from the wisdom of Rudolf Steiner and his bio-dynamic farming principles, we are attempting to develop as close to a closed cycle as possible, from soil to plant to animal and then back to soil. As with anything worthwhile, this takes time to develop. But we believe if we can get better year by year, the rewards will be worth the effort, and when we pass, we will leave a land better than when we came.