Newsletter:20061124/Ecology steward's report

From EcoReality

Ecology steward's report

Ecologically, we have learned much this year about the plants, animals, microbes, soil and water at EcoReality Lite (Sharp Rd). Here I will share briefly our experience with the lavender plantings which grace the central, arid, sloped portion of the property.

EcoReality is home to 420 lavender plants. Those of us who participated at workparties in July and August lovingly clipped, stacked, dried and rubbed lavender to release the tiny 2-3mm purple florets from their green foliage. Bags and bags of the tiny flowers were stored tightly away from air and sunlight as we sought to sell this lavender locally. We connected with Isaac (Trager Designs) in Vancouver and he agreed that this particular lavender was perfect for his eye pillows because it is local, and grown using organic methods. Isaac and I are investigating methods (such as freezing at -4 deg. C) to prevent any contaminants (insects, eggs, microbes) from doing damage to the stored lavender that remains from 2006 crop.

In 2007, one goal at EcoReality is to do some on-site secondary processing ourselves. Please share your expertise, or ideas with us about lavender! --Shannon Cowan