Our lavender story
Lavender had attracted us for a long time. The turning point was a trip to the lavender mecca — Provence in France — around 2009. We were enchanted by endless rows of lavender, a scent permeating literally everything, centuries of cultivation tradition and the lifestyle of local farmers.
Déjà vu…
It was subconsciously decided then, even though the actual realisation of our vision in our beautiful Vltava valley countryside came only a decade later. In 2020 we began gradually reclaiming our own field on the edge of the gold-mining town of Nový Knín.
The magic of lavender
Lavender never ceases to fascinate us in any season.
- In spring we are surprised by how quickly new shoots appear.
- At flowering time comes an uplifting fragrance and the landscape turns purple.
- Simply being in this magical micro-world is wonderful therapy and almost a Zen-like spiritual experience.
Work in the lavender rows and their surroundings is also a joy that fulfils us.
How our farm came to be
Lavender is successfully grown in many parts of the world, so we were encouraged that growers in our mild Central European belt also cultivate it.
The local climate, sheltered on one side by the Brdy hills and on the other by the Vltava hills, is favourable for lavender. Winters here are not as harsh as in higher parts of the Czech basin.
When our plot was returned from a commercial tenant, the field was:
- overgrown with fodder alfalfa,
- surrounded by scrub,
- and crossed by a spontaneously formed field track.
In 2020 the demanding work began
- removing scrub,
- battling ubiquitous alfalfa,
- diverting the field track,
- and overall cultivation of the land.
All with respect for nature and the surrounding terrain, without chemicals or heavy machinery.
Planting lavender
In spring 2021 a third of the plot was planted:
- 5,500 plants in total,
- mostly the Grosso variety,
- and in smaller numbers true lavender (Lavandula angustifolia).
To highlight the ceremony space inside the field we also planted the white variant of Grosso.
A family project
From the very beginning, the whole family and our close friends have been involved in the life of the lavender farm.
Together we share in:
- caring for the lavender,
- developing the space,
- sales,
- economic activities,
- promotion and organising events.
What you will find with us today
Besides growing lavender, we now also offer on our land:
- wedding ceremonies,
- full weddings,
- short-term rentals for photographers,
- picnics,
- space hire for yoga teachers and guided meditation sessions, etc.,
- and other occasional events.
Our vision for the future
Our goal is to create:
A self-sufficient off-grid lavender farm
operating in a natural eco regime, with elements of permaculture philosophy.
We plan to:
- gradually expand with suitable plants,
- further cultivate the space aesthetically,
- broaden cultural and social use,
- develop cooperation with like-minded people and organisations in the region,
- and support our beloved town of Nový Knín.
All of this:
- freely,
- without subsidies,
- without chemicals,
- without heavy mechanisation,
- and always with RESPECT for the life-giving spirit of NATURE.