YOUR HOSTS
Michael Basile
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Judith Basile
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Michael is a Registered Land & Engineering Surveyor with a passion for Japanese horticulture including bonsai and shaped trees. He distils much of the farm's lavender in a still he built himself and regularly gives distillation demonstrations. |
Judith has recently retired from full time teaching (nursing). She now spends her time in the garden and yes...she does everything with help from her husband on the weekend
She is a passionate cook and gardener. No project is too large or too daunting. |
Judith and Michael have travelled throughout Asia and France to develop their expertise in Japanese horticulture, lavender cultivation and perfumery.
THE FARM STORY
The property was purchased in 1997 to grow established, styled trees for oriental gardens. When this was completed we sought another "reason" to be here. With only 18 trees on the property, and both working full time in Sydney, our weekends were filled by planting more (and more) trees and getting rid of the thistles. With Judith in the travel industry, a trip to France enabled us to see the lavender industry at first hand and with some good advice from friends, lavender became the next venture...then "ädventure" set in!
The display gardens and function centre became a reality. Judith's plans are free and easy, and there is always some new ideas. Michael spends his time fixing what she has broken or finding something new where there was nothing.
Her answer to his befuddled inquiry? - "I told you about that, it was always going to be there".
The display gardens and function centre became a reality. Judith's plans are free and easy, and there is always some new ideas. Michael spends his time fixing what she has broken or finding something new where there was nothing.
Her answer to his befuddled inquiry? - "I told you about that, it was always going to be there".
THE LAVENDER STORY
Lavandula species, hybrids and cultivars. There are 36 species in six sections, but most commonly grown for commercial purposes are from within the Lavandula angustifolia, Lavandula x intermedia, Lavandula Dentata & Lavandula Stoechas . Flower colours vary from white, mauve, purple, blue, green and pink and the foliage colour varies from bright to blue green and grey. The bloom season varies depending on season, altitude, longitude, latitude, species and cultivar, but you could find lavender blooming somewhere all year. I have named but a few plants in each section.
Lavandula angustifolia; (Commonly called "True" or "English" lavender; formerly Spica) is a hardy, smallish plant. The oil is a fine oil, low in volatile chemicals. The yield is relatively low and used in cosmetics and the perfume industry. Cultivars in Australia include L angustifolia 'Bee', 'Swampy', 'Avice Hill', 'Folgate', Oil from our own famous Bridestowe Lavender Farm (Tasmania) is amongst the highest priced oil in the world.
Lavandula x intermedia; has many cultivars ranging in size & yield. It is a "sterile" plant. Cultivars in Australia include 'Grosso', 'Super', 'Miss Donnington', 'Impress Purple', 'Jurat Giant' & 'Margaret Rocky Hall' and the new and famous 'Riverine james & Thomas'. L x intermedia 'Grosso' is the world's largest oil producing plant and Crystal Brook Lavender have achieved world recognised standards in production of this oil.
Lavandula Dentata (easily detected because of its (dentated/serrated edged leaves). Commonly known as "French Lavender", it is an attractive bush and flowers over many months. It is not generally harvested for oil or pot pourri.
Lavandula Stoechas. Generally a smallish, very showy shrub with colourful flowers with bracts (like bunny ears). They flower (and seed) profusely and flower for long periods of time. Amongst my favourites are ', Butterfly' & 'Wine', Similar in look are the Lavandula 'Hazel', 'Merle', 'Pippa White', & 'Plum'.
Lavender is a xerophyte and member of the Laminaceae family (mints, thymes etc). It is a fairly hardy plant although some varieties do not like frost. It likes to be watered when small and in drought seasons, but for the most part it HATES wet feet, likes a slightly alkaline (ph7), free draining soil. There is no need for masses of fertilisers or other dangerous chemicals. It LOVES to be pruned after flowering and kept in a tidy shape.
Whether you grow lavender as a commercial enterprise or just for fun, members of The Australian Lavender Growers' Association are happy to welcome you and give you information. We have members throughout Australia.
Clive Larkman at Larkman Nurseries at Lilydale(Vic.) gives assistance to commercial growers.
It is fun, will gives many hours of pleasure and the heady perfume is exhilarating.
Lavandula angustifolia; (Commonly called "True" or "English" lavender; formerly Spica) is a hardy, smallish plant. The oil is a fine oil, low in volatile chemicals. The yield is relatively low and used in cosmetics and the perfume industry. Cultivars in Australia include L angustifolia 'Bee', 'Swampy', 'Avice Hill', 'Folgate', Oil from our own famous Bridestowe Lavender Farm (Tasmania) is amongst the highest priced oil in the world.
Lavandula x intermedia; has many cultivars ranging in size & yield. It is a "sterile" plant. Cultivars in Australia include 'Grosso', 'Super', 'Miss Donnington', 'Impress Purple', 'Jurat Giant' & 'Margaret Rocky Hall' and the new and famous 'Riverine james & Thomas'. L x intermedia 'Grosso' is the world's largest oil producing plant and Crystal Brook Lavender have achieved world recognised standards in production of this oil.
Lavandula Dentata (easily detected because of its (dentated/serrated edged leaves). Commonly known as "French Lavender", it is an attractive bush and flowers over many months. It is not generally harvested for oil or pot pourri.
Lavandula Stoechas. Generally a smallish, very showy shrub with colourful flowers with bracts (like bunny ears). They flower (and seed) profusely and flower for long periods of time. Amongst my favourites are ', Butterfly' & 'Wine', Similar in look are the Lavandula 'Hazel', 'Merle', 'Pippa White', & 'Plum'.
Lavender is a xerophyte and member of the Laminaceae family (mints, thymes etc). It is a fairly hardy plant although some varieties do not like frost. It likes to be watered when small and in drought seasons, but for the most part it HATES wet feet, likes a slightly alkaline (ph7), free draining soil. There is no need for masses of fertilisers or other dangerous chemicals. It LOVES to be pruned after flowering and kept in a tidy shape.
Whether you grow lavender as a commercial enterprise or just for fun, members of The Australian Lavender Growers' Association are happy to welcome you and give you information. We have members throughout Australia.
Clive Larkman at Larkman Nurseries at Lilydale(Vic.) gives assistance to commercial growers.
It is fun, will gives many hours of pleasure and the heady perfume is exhilarating.