Damali Lavender Farm News – July 2010

The warm weather has finally arrived and it’s ‘lavender time’, yahoo! With over 12000 plants in 25 different varieties coming into bloom over the coming weeks this is truly the best time to visit the farm and take a self guided walk around garden pathways and lawns, pick your own bundle of lavender or just sit and take it all in. Guided tours for groups can also be arranged.

We have lots of plants available in various different varieties and if you mention that you saw this newsletter you will get two for the price of one on the 4” plants.

Luckily the cool spring and early summer have not deterred the lavender bloom and it is right on schedule. This week in the sunshine we are harvesting the Angustifolias for dried flowers and the drying shed will be filled to the doorways with the dark purple flowers, always an incredible sight. About a week later we will start distilling essential oil in the 100 gallon still and filling the surrounding region with the heady aroma of essential oil. Then a couple of weeks later we start on the Lavandins (French lavenders).

LAVENDERFEST is coming up on July 31 and if you haven’t been before it is not to be missed… activities include lavender distilling demonstrations, guided tours, U pick lavender, labyrinth activities, artisans, & craft table, lavender foods & live music. Try your hand at wand making & watch as Dave, our resident distiller puts through a couple of loads. I will be giving some guided tours and Marsha will teach Lavender 101. Try some of Michelle of ‘Art to Eat’s delectable lavender treats, watch as another set of Pipi’s beautiful murals are unveiled and visit Patti at the labyrinth for a walk on the spiritual path. For the kids there’s a scavenger hunt, games & crafts. There’s no better picture opportunity than of you and your loved one waist or neck deep in lavender. Lavenderfest is an annual fundraiser for the Canadian Cancer Society and in 2009 raised over $3000 for the cause. All parking will be in the lower field but we do provide shuttle transport from the lower field to the upper gravel festival area for people who require it. For more information about the festival please visit www.damali.ca/pages/events  

We’ve hosted two weddings in the past week and the parties as well as the service providers have all been very impressed with our farm as a wedding venue. Both parties had their ceremony down at the labyrinth which provides a really unique setting and the B&B and back yard lend themselves perfectly for receptions up to 80 people so if you know anyone who’s thinking of getting married in 2011 or 2012…we’re already getting inquiries.

Work is underway to prepare the picnic area and arbour in front of the winery and vinegary and it should be ready in time for the festival so come out and see our newest addition.

We look forward to seeing you out to the farm

Alison, Marsha & Dave
‘The Damali Partners’