The beginning ... early May 2021 May 2021 - Land preparation begins. From above; LocalMotive fields to the west. It was a given that these aged rocks would be the centre of the 'Lavyrinth'. Steve is an experienced skid steer operator.(Good thing, 'cause Toni is pretty particular!) The first of hundreds of small plants have arrived! Irrigation laid out awaiting the plants. First plants in the ground. And hundreds more ... June 2021. Bark chips to retain some moisture, help as a weed barrier near the plants, and--most importantly--help to moderate the soil temps. Happy, happy lavender! First time I experienced a full moon rising at Garnet Valley Ranch. It was breathtaking! The Garnet Valley Ranch pond with a block of wine grapes in the background. Deer friends... We only saw the cattle very early in the morning grazing on Crown land. Pre-cocoon. Post this caterpillar is a black swallowtail. An old bridle Steve unearthed. Native prickly pear cactus in bloom. A bucket of Hidcote (an English lavender). Spied this black widow in the rock pile. We picked the rocks we wanted to outline the French Chartres Labyrinth. The native grass seed is just starting to germinate. Mid-November 2021. Garnet Valley Ranch where we lease farmland, is certified organic. We are restoring the native grass by reseeding and weeding out invasives. It's a win-win. Mid-January 2022. So very grateful. (That is "Not-so-lonesome Doug" in the background.