By GJ dePillis -- Environment for Lavender Propagation

-- Propagation at an Organic lavender farm was an enlightening experience. Heavy mist clung to the lavender bushes out in Beaumont creating a pleasant break from the Inland Empire 100F plus heat wave we've been having. Tina Kummerle, President at Highland Springs (10600 Highland Springs Ave. Cherry Valley, Ca 92223 Phone: 951-845-1151) welcomed the Master Gardeners in participating in the preparation for the Lavender Festival, set to take place next summer.

 

History

This property, called the 123Farm, used to be called the Highland Springs Resort and was established back in 1884. This was where the first cherry trees were planted and is home to a 1,100 year old Oak Tree. Back in the 1880's the property was also considered a key stage-coach stop since it was along the postal route from Southern California to the Eastern part of the nation. This was also Riverside County's very first historical landmark. Famous guests here include Lassie the dog and Albert Einstein, Elizabeth Taylor, Bob Hope, Roy Rodgers, Earnest Hemmingway and Wyatt Earp. The property was nicknamed “the last resort” because it focused on growing healthy chemical-free food as a way of obtain the optimum state of health.

Today, in the lobby, there is a map which looks as if it was printed in the 1950's. It shows where baseball could be played, where drive-in- movies could be viewed, where horse trails were in relation to the old 1800's covered wagon routes. Most of the same activities can be enjoyed at Highland Springs 123 Farm today.

 

Modern Day

Highland Springs resort (www.hsresort.com) is still a hidden get-away treasure where you can play volley ball, splash in the pool, and sing around a campfire while staying at one of the on-site cabins or rooms after you dine at the delicious “farm to table” steakhouse restaurant. Not only does this property host the lavender festival, but it also promotes a Farm Camp (www.123Farm.com/school) , Farm to Table workshops, Sausage and Beer Festivals, sheep shearing, and heirloom plant sales, as well as the Olive and Wine festival.

When you walk into the lobby, you will notice their gift shop is filled with edible products as well as bath gifts which the company manufactures in conjunction with other local farms and businesses

In the open fields, one sees more than the majestic rows of lavender. You become part of a different and more fragrant world. For example, some bushes were home to the friendly orb weaver spider. 

It is said that golden orb weavers build a new web every night and prefer tall grasses in open fields. They generally wait in the middle of their circular web, facing head down. They help lower the mosquito population and generally hunt at night .

Figure 1 This spider might be an orb weaver, a helpful garden spider.