Lavender
The
Grown in the Sierra Foothills at a 2000’ elevation, harvested and bundled by hand, and crafted into fragrant, long-lasting products.
What I Grow
South River Lavender is home to more than 600 mature plants across four carefully selected varieties. I grow English lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) and Lavandin (Lavandula x intermedia), chosen for their fragrance, beauty, and resilience in our foothill climate.
English Lavender
Lavandula angustifolia
English lavender is typically the first to bloom in late spring. These plants are known for their compact form, softer fragrance, and shorter stems.
Munstead
A pale blue-lavender variety that blooms early and signals the beginning of harvest season.
Hidcote
A deep purple variety that follows shortly after Munstead, offering rich color and a classic lavender scent.
Lavandin
Lavandula x intermedia
Lavandin is a hybrid known for its long stems, strong fragrance, and striking presence in the field. These varieties bloom as the English lavender fades, carrying the harvest into midsummer.
Provence
Light-toned and graceful, with a sweet fragrance and long, elegant stems.
Grosso
A deep purple-blue variety with a robust aroma. This is our favorite cultivar to harvest for market bundles, sachets and essential oil.
Each variety has its own season, structure, and purpose. Together, they form the backbone of what I bring to market, from fresh-cut lavender bundles in summer to dried bundles, wreaths, herbs, and essential oils available throughout the year.
How I Grow
I use low-impact, organic methods of growing that support the health of the plants and the diverse wildlife that lives here. The perennial lavender and herb plants are drought tolerant by nature. New lavender plants are propagated from cuttings.
All annual herbs and flowers are started by seed in the greenhouse. Each plant receives careful attention needed to thrive, from thoughtful placement, frost protection, proper pruning, controlled watering and harvesting and drying at optimum times. Paying attention to seasonal needs of plants, supporting pollinators and working in rhythm with my small plot of land along the South Fork of the Consumnes is not an afterthought, it is part of how I farm.
South River Lavender is a California Certified Wildlife Habitat. I am a proud member of Farms of Amador board of directors, President of the Amador Farmers Market Association, longstanding member of the Amador County Master Gardeners and founder of the Foothill Flower Co-op.
Harvest & Craft
Lavender harvest begins in late May with early English varieties and continues through late-summer as Lavandin varieties come into bloom. I harvest each bundle by hand, mid-morning, once dew has lifted and just before the bees are most active.
Bundles intended for drying are cut at just the right time, when the buds have full color but haven’t yet opened. This helps retain fragrance, color, and shape. The lavender bundles are hung in the “flower barn” to dry slowly in the dark, with ample airflow to preserve quality.
In addition to selling fresh-cut and dried lavender bundles, I use dried lavender buds for sachets, “hand-tied” wreaths made with lavender, bay and seasonal herbs, offer hand- made lavender soap and small-batch essential oils sold in 10ml bottles, distilled on the farm using traditional copper alembic equipment.
Where to
Find Me
You’ll find fresh lavender, dried bundles, and handmade products at Amador County Farmers Markets in Plymouth, Sutter Creek, Ione and Volcano from May through December.
For market dates and details, visit: www.amadorfarmersmarkets.com
