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
