Lavender Farm Tour, Garrison

The evening of June 10 brought picture-perfect weather for Tama County Women, Land & Legacy’s Summer Tour 2019: On the Hill Learning Session. Hostess Sue Hart shared a program on her lavendar operation in northwestern Benton County. On the Hill is her on-farm store in rural Garrison which features many of the items she’s created herself, along with items from other area artisans.

Sue and her family began growing lavender about ten years ago, and while production has fluctuated with the weather, Sue makes many lavender-based products including sachets, soaps, lotions and bath salts.  She shared her insights into lavender production with the 29 attendees, several of whom have attempted small-scale lavender production themselves.

The Hart family also raises Suri alpacas.  Sue shared about this facet of their operation also and demonstrated how she processes and utilizes the alpaca hair.  Robin Buckallew and Rochelle Sweeting, two other local fiber artists, were on hand to demonstrate spinning and weaving.

You may find information about On the Hill here.  Find Tama County Women, Land & Legacy at their Facebook, here.

Greenhouse Tour, Red Oak

The SW WLL team (Fremont, Mills, Montgomery and Page counties) enjoyed an amazing Women, Land & Legacy event in Red Oak on May 15th. Mark of Red Oak Greenhouse gave participants a great tour of their greenhouse production and provided each participant a free potted plant.

The tour was followed by a delicious meal at a local eatery, the Firehouse. The evening was capped by a an informative and entertaining presentation about potted plants by Brian, HyVee Garden Center Manager. Thanks to everyone who came for a relaxing night out!