Tall fences make for good neighbors.

Embracing Nature's Green Dividers in Regenerative Agriculture

Hedgerows – they're like the guardians of our farms, protecting our crops, welcoming beneficial insects, and adding a touch of natural beauty to the landscape. So, let's dive deeper into the world of hedgerows, explore their importance in regenerative agriculture, and see how farmers are putting them to use.

First things first, what exactly are hedgerows? Think of them as living fences made up of various plant species like shrubs, trees, and even flowers. But they're more than just a pretty face; they play a vital role in the ecosystem. Originally used to mark boundaries and keep livestock in check, hedgerows have evolved into multifunctional green corridors that provide a host of benefits.

To add nuance to the conversation, hedgerows and hedges may seem similar at first glance, both providing a natural barrier and adding aesthetic appeal to landscapes, but they have distinct differences in structure, maintenance, and ecological impact. Hedgerows, serving as natural fences, privacy screens, and noise or wind reducers, consist of a mix of evergreen and deciduous species planted in complementary combinations. In contrast, hedges typically comprise a single species, often evergreen like arborvitae or laurel, and are maintained through consistent shearing to maintain uniformity. While hedgerows have an informal, relaxed appearance and require minimal maintenance, hedges necessitate ongoing attention and shearing to keep their formal shape. Moreover, hedgerows support a diverse array of plant and animal life, contributing to enhanced biodiversity and ecosystem resilience, whereas monoculture hedges limit diversity and habitat support. For these reasons, hedgerows rather than hedges will be planned for Lightwell.

One of the key roles hedgerows play is promoting biodiversity. They act as highways for wildlife, providing shelter, food, and nesting sites for birds, bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects. This diversity is crucial for maintaining a healthy ecosystem and supporting natural pest control and pollination – two essential services for regenerative agriculture.

Moreover, hedgerows act as natural buffers, protecting crops from wind erosion and overspray from neighboring pesticides. In an age where chemical drift and runoff are major concerns, hedgerows serve as a line of defense, helping to minimize the impact of agricultural chemicals on the environment and neighboring farms.

Now, let's talk about hedgerows in Northern Michigan, where the climate can be challenging but the benefits are abundant. Here are some species that work particularly well in this region:

- Red Osier Dogwood: Known for its vibrant red stems and dense foliage, red osier dogwood is a popular choice for hedgerows in Northern Michigan. It provides year-round interest and serves as valuable habitat for birds and other wildlife.

- Elderberry: With its fragrant flowers and tasty berries, elderberry is not only a favorite among humans but also a magnet for pollinators and birds. Planting elderberry in your hedgerow can help support a thriving ecosystem.

- Serviceberry: Also known as Juneberry, serviceberry produces delicate white flowers in spring and delicious berries in summer. It's a hardy shrub that can tolerate a wide range of conditions, making it well-suited for Northern Michigan hedgerows.

But how exactly do farmers go about establishing and maintaining hedgerows? That's where regenerative agriculture practices come into play. By working with nature rather than against it, farmers can create hedgerows that are not only effective but also sustainable in the long term.

So, whether you're a farmer in Northern Michigan or anywhere else in the world, hedgerows offer a win-win solution for enhancing your farm's sustainability and promoting biodiversity. By embracing nature's green dividers, farmers can create healthier, more resilient landscapes that benefit both people and the planet. Through careful selection of plant species, permaculturists create diverse hedgerows that support pollination, natural pest control, and nutrient cycling, while also providing food, fodder, and medicinal resources. In essence, hedgerows are integral components of permaculture designs, embodying the principles of diversity, integration, and regenerative land management. Take a moment to appreciate the beauty and importance of hedgerows – they truly do make for good neighbors.

More to come,

Erin

From Black Fabric to Black Gold

As I embarked on the journey of stewarding Lightwell Lavender Farm, I was met with the legacy of black landscape fabric covering significant portions of the land. While once intended to aid in weed suppression and erosion control, it has become apparent that this approach is no longer serving the farm's long-term health. Weeds defiantly emerge through the fabric's cracks, reminding me of the urgent need for change.

Transitioning away from landscape fabric won't happen overnight. It's a systematic process that will unfold over the course of several years, guided by a commitment to regenerative farming practices and collaboration with local partners. One such partnership is with Carter's Compost, where Lightwell Lavender Farm will continue to serve as a community compost drop site for Old Mission Peninsula. This collaboration not only diverts organic waste from landfills but also provides nutrient-rich compost to support our soil regeneration efforts. I’m proud to say that the composting relationship started even before a single new plant was added under my land stewardship.

The farm’s transition plan begins with a thorough assessment of the farm's current state, evaluating soil health and landscape fabric coverage. Soil testing in partnership with Michigan Agriculture Environmental Assurance Program will kick off once land thaws. From there, I'll develop a comprehensive strategy, outlining specific goals and actionable steps for each phase of the transition. Removing landscape fabric from high-priority areas will be a key focus in the initial stages, allowing an opportunity to integrate compost and mulch amendments into the soil to replenish nutrients and improve structure long-term.

Black Fabric

Removing black landscape fabric is crucial for maintaining soil health and promoting a thriving ecosystem in your garden. While landscape fabric may initially seem like a convenient solution for weed control, it can lead to long-term problems such as soil compaction, poor drainage, and hindered root growth. By removing the fabric, you allow the soil to breathe, enabling beneficial organisms like earthworms to aerate the soil and break down organic matter. This promotes nutrient cycling and fosters a healthier soil structure, ultimately supporting the growth of vibrant plants.

Black Gold

"Black gold" soil, also known as humus, is the dark, crumbly substance that results from the decomposition of organic matter in a compost pile. This nutrient-rich material is like magic for your garden. It's teeming with beneficial microorganisms and packed with essential nutrients that plants love. When you incorporate black gold into your garden beds, you're not just adding a simple fertilizer – you're nourishing the soil and creating the perfect environment for plants to thrive. With its ability to improve soil structure, increase fertility, and promote healthy root development, black gold is a gardener's best friend.

While the transition away from landscape fabric may present challenges, I'm filled with optimism for the future of the farm. By embracing regenerative practices and fostering collaboration with local partners, I’m not just cultivating lavender; I’m nurturing a thriving ecosystem that supports the health and well-being of the land and the community. Together, we're sowing the seeds of positive change and paving the way for a brighter, more sustainable future.

More to come,

Erin

Wildlife Habitat

As I stroll through the allotment gardens of Lightwell Lavender Farm, I can't help but marvel at the beauty of nature surrounding me. The gentle sway of plants in the breeze, the distant summer memory of chirping of birds, and the buzzing of bees—all signs of a thriving ecosystem. But recently, a discovery shook me from my reverie: all the sunflowers left to overwinter at the farm were picked clean. It was a stark reminder of the importance of our role in supporting local wildlife.

Farmland, I've come to realize, isn't just about growing crops; it's an integral part of the natural ecosystem. Even though Lightwell Lavender Farm doesn't have domesticated animals, there's still so much we can do to cultivate habitats for wildlife. From native pollinators to songbirds, every creature plays a vital role in maintaining the delicate balance of our ecosystem.

Native pollinators are the unsung heroes of agriculture. Bees, butterflies, and other insects tirelessly flit from flower to flower, ensuring the pollination of our crops. Without them, our fields would be barren, devoid of the fruits and flowers we rely on. That's why pollinator planting is so crucial. By providing a diverse array of native plants, we can attract and support these essential pollinators, ensuring the health and abundance of our crops.

But it's not just about the bees. Native birds also play a crucial role in pest control and seed dispersal. From robins to sparrows, each species contributes to the biodiversity of our farm. By creating habitats that mimic their natural environments, we can encourage nesting and foraging, providing a safe haven for our feathered friends.

Regenerative farming is at the heart of everything we do at Lightwell Lavender Farm. It's about more than just sustainable practices; it's about nurturing the land and fostering a deeper connection with nature. By prioritizing soil health, eliminating chemical inputs, and embracing biodiversity, we can create a farm that thrives in harmony with the surrounding ecosystem. Expect more “bird feeder” plants at Lightwell in 2024!

So, what else can farmers and home gardeners do to improve compatibility with the surrounding ecosystem? Here are a few strategies:

- Diversify plant selection: Introduce a variety of plants to support a wider range of wildlife.

- Create buffer zones: Establish native vegetation around fields to provide habitat and mitigate the impact of farming activities.

- Minimize chemical inputs: Reduce the use of pesticides and synthetic fertilizers to protect pollinators and other wildlife.

- Implement wildlife corridors: Connect fragmented habitats to allow for the free movement of species.

- Install nesting boxes and bird feeders: Provide artificial nesting sites and food sources for birds and other wildlife.

As I look ahead to the future of Lightwell Lavender Farm, I'm excited about the possibilities. By planting for wildlife and embracing regenerative farming practices, we can create a farm that not only sustains us but enriches the natural world around us. It's a journey that I'm honored to be a part of, and I can't wait to see what the future holds.

More to come,

Erin

The Art and Science of Polyculture

In the vast tapestry of agriculture, a practice transcends conventional methods—a practice that not only enhances biodiversity but also transforms farmland into a thriving ecosystem. This is the art and science of polyculture. In this exploration, we'll delve into the profound impact of polyculture, exploring its benefits, drawing inspiration from sustainable gardening principles, and envisioning its role as a beacon for the future. At the onset, I acknowledge the profound impact of indigenous gardening strategies on the discourse surrounding sustainable agriculture and polyculture practices.

Polyculture and its Benefits:

Polyculture, the cultivation of multiple crops in the same space, goes beyond the conventional boundaries of farming. It serves as a testament to ecological harmony, enhancing soil health and fostering a vibrant soil web. The diversity of plant species contributes to improved nutrient cycling and soil structure. Additionally, polyculture acts as a natural ally in pest management, strategically disrupting pest patterns and reducing the risk of large-scale infestations. This dynamic synergy between plants and soil results in resilient and productive harvests, making polyculture a cornerstone of modern regenerative agriculture.

Alys Fowler's Influence on Sustainable Gardening:

Enter Alys Fowler. Perhaps my favorite gardener of all time (Sorry, Monty Don!), and for sure my initial gateway gardener to take allotment gardening seriously. Fowler, a luminary in sustainable gardening, has long championed the principles that align with polyculture. Her commitment to embracing biodiversity and working harmoniously with nature provides a valuable compass for those seeking to create a diverse and thriving garden. Fowler's practical experiences and publications reflect a dedication to cultivating a rich tapestry of crops that benefit both the land and local communities. As a beacon for sustainable horticulture, Fowler's insights inspire the integration of polyculture into the fabric of kitchen gardens.

Polyculture as a Tenant of Regenerative Farming:

Beyond its immediate benefits, polyculture stands as a crucial tenant of regenerative farming. It promotes the restoration of ecosystems, enhances soil fertility, and contributes to carbon sequestration. By mimicking natural ecosystems, polyculture plays a vital role in building resilience against climate change and mitigating environmental impacts. This approach represents a shift towards sustainable and holistic agricultural practices, aligning with the principles of regenerative farming that seek to restore, rather than deplete, the land.

Scaling Up Polyculture Through Garden Allotment Programs:

While polyculture has often been associated with smaller-scale farming, its principles can be scaled up effectively through garden allotment programs. These programs provide an opportunity to introduce polyculture quickly while maintaining a sightly row crop aesthetic. Think strawberries as ground cover, sunflowers as a natural trellis for runner beans, and self-seeding, edible flowers forming naturalized guilds. Garden allotments become microcosms of polyculture, showcasing its adaptability and potential for widespread implementation.

The Importance of Perennial Plants in Polyculture:

An essential component of successful polyculture is the incorporation of perennial plants. Unlike annuals that complete their life cycle in a single growing season, perennials endure for multiple seasons. This longevity adds stability to the polyculture system, contributing to soil health, erosion control, and habitat preservation. Perennial food plants, with their deep root systems, enhance nutrient cycling and offer a sustained source of food and shelter for beneficial organisms. Integrating these enduring elements into polyculture landscapes adds resilience and longevity to the ecological harmony we strive to cultivate.

As we embrace the art and science of polyculture, we cultivate not only crops but a legacy of ecological resilience and abundance. It's a journey worth taking.

More to come,

Erin

A Diamond in the Rough

Before you say anything, I realize saying “in the rough” about bespoke farmland on Old Mission Peninsula is a stretch. But the 10.3-acre farm site is actually cut diamond in shape when you look at the survey (and tilt your head left) …and as I’m still in my first year it sure feels kind of rough to me!

Unveiling the potential of farmland is akin to discovering a hidden gem—a raw, uncut treasure waiting to be revealed. At the core of this transformative process lies a strategic blueprint, a thoughtful guide charts the course toward sustainable practices and environmental stewardship. Like a skilled artisan crafting each facet to enhance the brilliance of a gem, this plan shapes every aspect of the farm, turning the vision into a reality that resonates with both the land and the community it serves.

Regenerative agriculture, permaculture, and polyculture represent three distinct yet interconnected strategies for sustainable land management. I plan to incorporate aspects of each strategy as steward of the Lightwell land.

• Regenerative agriculture focuses on revitalizing ecosystems, emphasizing practices like cover cropping and rotational grazing to enhance soil health and biodiversity. Its core objective is to restore the health of degraded land, fostering resilient agricultural systems that contribute positively to the environment.

• Permaculture, in contrast, is a broader design philosophy that extends beyond agriculture, incorporating principles like stacking functions and maximizing diversity to create holistic, self-sustaining systems. While regenerative agriculture addresses the restoration of land specifically, permaculture seeks to harmonize various aspects of human life with nature, including architecture, energy, and community design.

• Polyculture, on the other hand, introduces a different dimension to sustainable farming by emphasizing the cultivation of multiple plant species in a single space. Unlike monoculture, where a single crop dominates, polyculture leverages the complementary relationships between different plants to enhance overall ecosystem health. Polycultural systems often incorporate elements of both regenerative agriculture and permaculture, as they promote diversity, reduce the risk of pests and diseases, and improve soil fertility through varied plant interactions. In essence, while regenerative agriculture focuses on restoring degraded land, permaculture extends its principles to holistic design, and polyculture specifically emphasizes diversification within agricultural systems. Despite their unique approaches, all three strategies share common ground in their commitment to sustainable practices that prioritize environmental health, biodiversity, and long-term resilience.

At Lightwell, I will borrow strategically from all 3 strategies to weave a sustainable design over time. It will not happen overnight, and I believe it’s better that it doesn’t. “Nature never hurries, yet everything is accomplished.” -Lao Tzu

In the realm of permaculture, the farm is integrating diverse plant species and community design through the garden allotment program, creating guilds that mutually benefit each other. The French Lavender field will continue to be rewilded as I propagate a new French field from legacy Lavandula x intermedia ‘Grosso’ plants.

Regenerative agriculture practices, such as implementing cover cropping and minimal tillage are adopted to enhance soil health, foster biodiversity, and contribute to the overall ecological regeneration of the farm. Additionally, embracing polyculture will involve cultivating a variety of companion plants leveraging synergies to improve pest management, enhance nutrient cycling, and maximize the efficient use of available resources. In 2024, Lightwell will partner with the GTA Children’s Garden to design and maintain a garden allotment in a polyculture style, to serve as an outpost for kiddos and grown-ups alike to take part in this important practice.

Lightwell is more than a lavender farm; I am openly charting a trajectory towards a harmonious, self-sustaining agricultural system that aligns with the principles of permaculture, regenerative agriculture, and polyculture.

More to come,

Erin

Soil: It’s What’s for Dinner

Soil, the unsung hero beneath our feet, serves more than just a foundation for growth – it's the true feast for plants, fostering life and nourishing our world. Understanding the soil beneath your land isn't just a matter of curiosity; it's the gateway to unlocking its potential. Enter the Web Soil Survey, a tool that unveils the secrets hidden within the earth, guiding you to comprehend and optimize soil health.

At Lightwell, our land predominantly boasts sandy loam, a soil type that offers both benefits and challenges. Sandy loam, common to Northern Michigan, is celebrated for its excellent drainage, allowing water to percolate through easily, avoiding waterlogging, and promoting aeration – a boon for many plants. However, its low organic matter content and reduced capacity to retain nutrients pose hurdles in maintaining soil fertility.

Improving soil health transcends mere agronomy; it's a commitment to the planet's well-being. One crucial aspect is leveraging the power of the soil's carbon sequestration potential. Healthy soil acts as a carbon sink, capturing and storing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, aiding in mitigating climate change. Enhancing soil health thus becomes a powerful tool in our fight against rising carbon levels.

So, what steps can you take to optimize your sandy loam and bolster carbon sequestration?

1. Soil Survey: The Soil Web Survey offers insights into your land's soil composition, allowing you to comprehend its texture, drainage, and nutrient-holding capacity. Undertaking initiatives such as MAEAP Certification (underway at Lightwell for 2024!) will arm you with soil testing protocols, improving data input. More information is better! Given this knowledge, you can tailor your soil management strategies, optimizing for your specific soil type and nutrient saturation.

2. Boost Organic Matter: Sandy loam craves organic matter. Integrate compost, cover crops, and mulching into your practices to increase organic material. At Lightwell, we’ve partnered with Carter’s Compost to provide non-stop compost action at the farm. This not only enhances soil structure but also enriches its fertility, fostering a thriving soil community. For the 2024 Garden Allotment year we will also be amending the land with locally produced Krulls compost to start things off on the right track year 1.

3. Diversify Plantings: Embrace diversity in your garden allotments or crop rotations. Different plants contribute distinct nutrients to the soil, preventing depletion and enhancing overall soil health.

4. Reduced Tillage: Limiting tilling practices helps maintain soil structure and minimizes the disturbance of soil organisms, preserving the delicate balance within sandy loam. Tilling will be minimized at the farm, opting for year 1 compost tilling to break up grasses and build a strong soil health foundation followed by mulching and layering allotment rows in years to come.

5. Perennial Plantings: Incorporate perennial plants into your landscape. Their deep-root systems aid in stabilizing soil, preventing erosion, and enhancing carbon storage. Any covered soil is better than bare soil to prevent wind and water erosion, and something will grow (hello, “weeds”), so might as well be something you can appreciate year-after-year. “Right Plant, Right Place” and all that.

Sandy loam's potential is immense, and with conscientious efforts, its soil health can be greatly improved. A healthy soil web teems with life, from microscopic bacteria to earthworms, all working harmoniously to sustain a vibrant ecosystem. By nurturing our soil, we foster a resilient environment, both below and above ground.

As stewards of the land, it's our responsibility to elevate soil health. As the fertility and structure of sandy loam is improved, we also contribute to a larger cause – aiding in carbon sequestration. Embrace the potential beneath your feet, for in nurturing the soil, we nourish the world.

So, let's raise our shovels and till not just the land, but a brighter, greener future.

More to come,
Erin

Fostering Biodiversity: Garden Allotments at Lightwell

At Lightwell, biodiversity started off as a concept. Monocrop lavender is lovely in bloom and provides a great opportunity to master a high-value crop, but the short harvest season leaves quality growing periods unproductive at the farm.  Adding biodiversity is a way to nurture a thriving ecosystem year-round, and a key pillar of the regenerative farming model at Lightwell.  2023 brought about herb cultivation, cut flower and native plant installations but it’s time for more! The newly announced garden allotment program is a bid to “biodiversify’ as the farm moves to a regenerative model.

Creating garden allotments where many individuals or local farm to table restaurants collaborate and cultivate together serves as an effective avenue to swiftly enhance biodiversity. The pooling together varied backgrounds, knowledge, practices, and plant selections fosters a rich and rapidly evolving ecosystem. Biodiversity plays a vital role in land stewardship by building healthy soil, improving water retention, and supporting beneficial insects and wildlife. Adding biodiversity is significant for improving carbon sequestration, enhancing ecosystem resilience, and promoting a thriving environment for all species (including human).

Why the excitement? Beyond the cultivation joy and a deeper connection to nature's cycles, Traverse City's climate, and our recently upgraded USDA zone to 6A/6B beckons. Embracing a farm-to-table lifestyle is more than growing your own food; it's savoring the fruits of your labor and contributing to a sustainable food culture. Your harvest will join our farm shop and local restaurants like Mission Proper, weaving a story of connection and nourishment within our community.

The Traverse City region has a history of success with community gardens, but nothing to date on Old Mission Peninsula!  Allotments first launched in the area by GTA Children’s Garden in the late 90’s and continued with Historic Barnes Park’s local allotment initiative in recent years. Both popular programs are regularly at full capacity – Lightwell is primed to meet community allotment demand with expanded regional allotment offerings.  Please join us in cultivating this movement! Consider growing local on Old Mission as part of our inaugural year, contributing to the vibrant biodiversity and sustainable practices at Lightwell.

Lavender Biodiversity at Lightwell

True to our lavender roots, expect also to see lavender biodiversity expand. Adding to the existing seven varieties of English lavender (Lavandula angustifola), in 2024, a Spanish Yellow lavender grow (Lavandula stoechas) will be on year two after being nursed from seed in 2023. As open pollinated seed, I’m hoping for an array of colors and unique characteristics. The plants are being overwintered now and will be a vanguard marker of biodiversity heading each garden allotment row when planted out in the spring.

In addition to adding Spanish lavender known for a woodier/spicier flavor profile, 2024 will also be a year to revive, propagate, and replant our French Grosso field (Lavandula x intermedia Grosso). I spent 2023 looking after the ‘free range French lavender’ field and witnessed the return of about 5-10% of the Grosso plants. Known as excellent long-season bloomer and quality essential oil producer, the long stem and lavender-forward aroma makes French lavender a timeless favorite variety. Grosso plants will be propagated for sale and to launch a new starter crop from our legacy French lavender fields.

More to come,

Erin

The Intrinsic Benefits of Lavender

Starting the year off with gratitude for benefits our lavender farm upheld from day 1.

Lavender's roots go deep, and they're tough. They work wonders underground, improving the soil structure and creating a better environment for other plants to thrive. This remarkable perennial isn't just a treat for the senses; it's a powerhouse in the fight against climate change and soil erosion. As the National Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) and the USDA recognize, lavender farms are carbon-capturing, erosion-fighting champions.

One of the automatic benefits of growing woody perennials like lavender is their role in carbon sequestration. (I’m excited to dive deeper into this subject as part of the Crosshatch Carbon Farming cohort! Stay tuned for more on that initiative!) As I’m learning, lavender plants excel at drawing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and storing it in their tissues and the soil. NRCS findings highlight that woody perennials like lavender can sequester substantial amounts of carbon, contributing to mitigating climate change. As they grow year after year, their carbon-capturing prowess continues, making them valuable assets in the fight against rising carbon levels.

Local Lavender.

The farmland community of Old Mission Peninsula is characterized by rolling hills, and scenic views.  Residents and farmers alike value the symbiotic relationship between land and water. Natural erosion control, upheld by practices like cultivating woody perennials (no tilling here!), not only safeguards the farms but also shields nearby streams and rivers from sediment runoff, preserving their pristine water quality (hello, Grand Traverse Bay!). This commitment to sustainable agriculture becomes a shared responsibility, ensuring the protection of these invaluable water resources for future generations.

Furthermore, the sustainability of lavender offers economic benefits. Once established, these plants require less intensive care compared to annual crops, reducing the need for frequent tilling and chemical inputs. Their longevity means reduced replanting and associated costs, contributing to a more economically viable and environmentally friendly farming system.  Don’t everybody rush into lavender!  As I’m learning, even with an existing crop there is a steep learning curve to learn the market.  There is such a thing as too much lavender to know what to do with…

Lavender farms however, with their serene beauty and aromatic allure, are more than picturesque landscapes. They truly encapsulate the essence of sustainable agriculture, reflecting core principles like soil conservation, erosion control, and biodiversity preservation—values at the heart of sustainable farming practices and I am glad to be in the business.

Until next time,

Erin

Unveiling Digital Lavender: The Journey from Monocrop to Regenerative

Hey there, fellow nature enthusiasts and farm aficionados! I'm Erin Hafeli, charting a new direction as a passionate lavender farmer on the stunning Old Mission Peninsula. March 2023 marked the beginning of an exhilarating chapter as I acquired a 10-acre lavender farm, now affectionately known as Lightwell. It wasn't just a shift in career; it was an embrace of a life deeply connected to the land. Lightwell welcomed me with eight lavender varieties and over 6,000 thriving plants. Yet, beneath this vibrant facade lay remnants of a monocrop legacy, urging me to address deferred plant care and lingering infrastructure needs. This blog, dubbed ‘Digital Lavender’ in alignment with Pantone’s 2023 color of the year and the start of Lightwell’s lavender adventure, will help to communicate the framework of a regenerative farming initiative.

Transitioning from Monocrop to Regenerative Farming

My journey since that pivotal moment has been a whirlwind of learning curves, where every day offers lessons in entrepreneurship, marketing strategies, and the intricate dance of farm production management. Through it all, my unwavering passion for nurturing the land and unlocking its potential has been my guiding star.

One of Lightwell's core missions is transitioning from a monocrop setup to a regenerative farming model. In 2023, our focus on nurturing soil health in partnership with Carter's Compost not only transformed our farm into a community compost drop site but also birthed diverse herb garden rows and the cultivation of enchanting cut flowers.

Furthermore, our commitment to biodiversity expanded with the introduction of native plant installations, transforming Lightwell into a haven for wildlife. Witnessing the diverse array of creatures and habitats, from soaring falcons to majestic snow owls, reaffirms our belief that the farm is an integral part of the natural ecosystem.

A Glimpse into Our Vision for 2024

Stepping into the new year, Lightwell is poised for further growth and community engagement. Our aspirations for 2024 are ambitious yet deeply rooted in sustainability. We're expanding our community garden allotments, inviting locals to cultivate their kitchen gardens at the farm, fostering a profound connection with the land.

Adding to the vibrancy, a diverse sunflower installation will grace the peak of our farm hill, painting a picturesque scene that's sure to captivate. And let's not forget the buzzing bees – the initiation of beekeeping anticipates the creation of exquisite lavender honey.

Stay tuned for updates and insights into our journey! Subscribe to the Digital Lavender blog for regular updates on our regenerative farming endeavors. Also, follow along with us on social media @lightwell_lavender on Facebook and Instagram.

Let's embark on this transformative journey together, nurturing the land and weaving a story of sustainability and growth. On this winter solstice as we embrace the return of increased hours of daylight, thank you for also embracing Lightwell.

——

Erin