Spring is Here !

Ahhhhh…..Spring is finally here! Winter has seemed particularly long this year however that hasn’t stopped the progress at Damali. We’ve been busy making lavender products from last summer’s harvest and working on our newest project, the greenhouse which now has over 1000 lavender plants propagating as well as greens planted and we’re eagerly anticipating farm fresh veggies on the table soon.

Other farm development plans for the coming season include the conversion of our big barn into a winery/vinegary and tasting room. We’re excited about this addition to the farm and to making wine from our own Castell grapes this fall, some of which will be converted to artisan vinegars. We will be planting a white grape in the vineyard and also some blackberries. Blackberry vinegar is delish! We can also see the light at the end of the tunnel with our lavender planting as the final bed in front of the B&B will be planted within the next few weeks enhancing the view from the rooms even more. We also have plans to expand the food production bed in the lower field and then fence the remaining area for sheep pasture, completing the vista.

We have four wwoofers with us this Spring helping to get everything trimmed, tidied and planted and have also decided that the time has come to have another of the partners working regularly at the farm so I (Alison) have given up my day job and am really looking forward to working at the farm full time. We will be offering self guided and guided farm tours, U-pick lavender, lavender snacks and of course browsing and sampling our handmade, all natural lavender products. During our lavender harvests in July and August you may experience harvesting in action with the ‘still’ wafting its wonderful aroma for miles around. We will be having a grand opening and plant sale in May to kick off the season formally but we are open weekends now and any day of the week by chance or appointment. We will be open 7 days a week from June to September.

We’re looking forward to a great season and are excited about plans for an even bigger & better Damali Lavenderfest this summer on August 8 that will include The MS Grape Escape Bike Tour participants stopping in on their route. We will also be participating on some Saturdays at the Duncan Farmers Markets so keep an eye on our website for updates on all of the events happening both at the farm and at other venues throughout the summer.. We hope you’ll come by for a visit, we're always happy to chat!

Alison, Marsha & Dave @ Damali
www.damali.ca
alison@damali.ca