FOR their June meeting the Dilton Marsh WI went out to the Lavender Farm at Faulkland.
WI member Sara Honor said “We were met by Janet, the owner, who talked to us about the different varieties of lavender, and what grows best for their climate and soil types.
“We were then taken to the herb garden where Janet talked about the various herbs there, all of which are ideal for relaxing you (as indeed is lavender). We then went to the barn, where Janet gave us a talk on how they got the lavender farm going – their main field is 5 acres and has 30,000 plants. Luckily, already being farmers, they had a tractor with a suitable attachment for planting en-masse, and another for harvesting en-masse. She then talked about harvesting and distilling – lavender oil is produced by steam distilling rather than pressing; she showed us the distiller they made themselves from recycled dairy farming equipment. She talked about the different amount and quality of oils from different varieties of plants, and had some samples for us to smell.
“We then moved to the shop and cafe, where we were provided with refreshments by Janet and her husband, and had the chance to peruse the shop and plant centre. We could then wander in the lavender fields, and large vegetable plots, where they grow vegetables for use in their cafe. An educational, enjoyable and interesting evening was had by all.”
