Saturday 20 May 2017

Lavender Planting

First we had a lot of ground preparation to do. We'd previously had the soil tested and the results came back as prefect for growing lavender. (such a relief) However, the earth had quite a lot of clay in it so we added extra sand and grit.
After the sand was rotovated into the ground, we laid and pinned a weed barrier along the trenches and then burned holes in it at eighteen inch intervals with the help of a long-armed blow torch. We then dug out the earth ready for planting - they always say that preparation is the hardest task of any job!
So, with the rabbit fence secure and hopefully impenetrable and the trenches ready, we set about planting. We laid out the plants along each line and although it was hot, exhausting work, we enjoyed every minute of it.
Paul and I chose Hidcote and Grosso lavenders for their colour, scent and hardiness. They like well-drained, alkaline soil and hate soggy bottoms. (Don't we all?) It took a week to finish, but with the help of our daughter, Rosanna, my mother and our lovely new neighbours, Andy and Sal, we planted the whole field. Sal sent a text to say it had rained for two days after we'd returned to England, which was great news for the plants.
When our lavender field is established, we hope to open a small tea garden (only about 6 tables) under our mature trees during the summer months. Our little shop will sell our homemade lavender sugar for adding to biscuits, sorbets and jams. Lavender's purple flowers are well known for their relaxing properties and we're looking forward to making soaps, candles and bath oils that will help visitors to unwind for a good night’s sleep. (They'll also be perfect gifts to take back home, wherever that may be.) Lavender flowers can also be added to stock to create a tasty sauce for duck, chicken or lamb dishes and I'll definitely be adding it to cake recipes for the tea garden. The fruit on our trees are growing nicely in the spring rain and warm sunshine. I wandered around taking a few photographs of the cherries, apples and fig trees.
Paul fancies becoming a bee keeper and making lavender honey - I'll happily let him do that by himself.
Our nearest village is Aubeterre-sur-Dronne. We have been visiting for ten year looking for somewhere to buy, but it is only now that our children are settled and happy that we've decided to make the move. After all, we're only a one hour twenty minute flight away and using good old Ryan Air, it costs £14.99 for a ticket! We're also hoping that family will come and spend longs holidays with us throughout the year. This is Aubeterre, which is very special to both of us. It's our nearest village, about 7 kilometres away.
There's also a river beach in Aubeterre where we can relax or go kayaking. Our granddaughters, Hollie and Sophie, had a wonderful time splashing about, playing on the park and eating ice-cream. They were as good as gold on the aeroplane and playing in the field while we were planting. Having four generations enjoying the week together is what it is all about - family.
The twins playing in Aubeterre's river beach We have a lot of cutting back and pruning to do and Paul has made a start. He removed lower branches from trees with a chainsaw - a machine that frightens me. I hate them but there was no way he could tidy boughs and branches without it. We have a lot more to do on further visits.
And of course, there's always time for a little shopping!

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