Lavender and Grapes are Pairing Up

     Some of the Lavender Associaton members said they are still harvesting lavender -- this is pretty late in the year for it to still be growing. 
     On Saturday we went to Harold Fenster's beautiful home on 10 or so acres north of Grand Junction.  He has 2 acres in grapes, this is their 3rd year.  Last year he planted lavender underneath the grapevines and around the perimeter.  He planted several different kinds to see how they would grow -- Folgate, Provence, Grosso and another.  We walked through the vineyard and the lavenders were growing nicely and many still in bloom.  He is one of the people interested in combining the use of their land.  The primary interest is grapes and wine, but a secondary crop that will offset the cost of the vineyard is lavender which produces valuable oil. 
     The CSU Extension Agent is supporting and promoting the ideas to grape growers.   There are some obstacles to be overcome, but they can be handled.
     It's exciting to see the spreading interest in lavender production.  And our first annual lavender festival scheduled for July 15, 16 2011 will "put us on the map."  We hope to draw from the surrounding states and further.  Many people make lavender festivals their vacation destinations so we plan to offer the Grand Valley as a great place to visit. 
     You don't have to be a member or have a lot of land to attend the LAWC meetings.  Just look up the website and come to the events.  http://www.coloradolavender.org/.    10/24/10