Farm Update!
Resiliency and Perseverance at Ol’Factory Farm
The word resilience keeps popping up in random conversations. It is the one word I have come to know and appreciate this year. As I read about the effects this past winter has had on farmers all across the United States, it is more and more apparent to me that passion, determination, drive and resilience are, and always have been, stereotypical of farmers. As I am still somewhat new to farming, thirteen years a lavender grower, I have come to realize that Mother Nature doesn’t play favorites. In fact She makes us all rise to the challenge, use our ingenuity and creativeness and she never lets us take the easy way out. Being a farmer is not for the faint of heart, nor is it for those who consider it a past time. It is a full time job that requires odd hours, including weekends, not always so nice working conditions, physical labor, and a deep understanding of the environment we live in.
The past winter has been extremely harsh on the lavender plants, many of the older plants had to be removed, some plants are showing signs of life but are struggling, we are leaving them in the field in hopes that next year should prove to be a better year for them.
On a more positive note, the English lavenders seemed to have done well, and so have some of our younger plants in the field. We have been busy, busy, busy, planting new rows of lavender and many new lavender plants are on order for continual summer and fall plantings. We are planting more of the hardier varities and some we've never tried before. We are excited to say that even with all of the extra work taking place on the farm, Phase I of the new Medicinal Herb Garden is also underway. The garden will consist of various herbs beneficial to our well being and of course MORE LAVENDER!!
Even though some of the lavender is still recuperating from this past winter you can be certain that a celebration of lavender is still very much alive on the farm!
I would like to thank everyone for their continued support as community involvement grows each year. We are proud to sponsor the NY Lavender Festival scheduled for July 12th & 13th this year and the Lavender 5k Fun Run/Walk taking place July 13th. (Proceeds benefit the Make A Wish Foundation)
We couldn’t be happier than to announce that our first wedding ceremony and reception is planned to take place on the farm as well.
Each time I read a blog or an article about a lavender farmer or any farmer for that matter; that has suffered loss this year, my heart goes out to them. I so can feel their pain, but most of all I respect and admire the resilience of each and every one of them.
Sincerely,
Sue Chmieleski
