Baby steps

After a slow start (missing permits and rain) we’ve been to two farmers markets, one in Bishop and one in Mammoth, and have done pretty well. We especially like the Bishop market -- it takes place in the park amongst trees.  I actually really enjoyed both markets. I love talking with people and watching people's faces light up as they come over to smell our sachets and bunches. (I think I may have given away as many sachets as I sold.) And I really liked being there with Lauren -- she has a very good natural marketing sense.  So far the biggest sellers have been the sachets, with everything else selling about the same.   I’m really excited to see how the soap does!

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In between markets, back at home Mark and I worked on the second lavender field.  We have 6 rows irrigated, 3 rows planted and a new batch of lavender just arrived.  I decided on Hidcote Giant for our 3rd variety because it looks like it will do well in our area, has long strong stems, and maintains the blue color.  I have to admit that I’m a little worried about the Grosso -- it’s not blooming the way it did last year.  And the new Grossos are tiny compared to the new shipment of Hidcote Giant.  I just love the smell of the Grosso though...so I’m not ready to give up on that variety just yet.

And as for soap...Lauren has settled on the 100% coconut oil soap.  It is really nice, not drying and good lather.  So hopefully we will get a few batches made soon.  I tried the hot process soap in the crock pot and really enjoyed making it, smelly as it was. I think it turned out OK, though not as good as Lauren's soaps.

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