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Beautiful Visions for Lavender and Kiwi Farms
Article by Michael Fagin Meteorologist, Travel Writer and Wine Enthusiast
Damali Lavender Farm
A visit to Vancouver Island would not be complete without visiting the unique establishments of the Damali Lavender Farm ( http://damali.ca/ ) and Kiwi Cove Lodge (http://www.kiwicovelodge.com/). Both offer pastoral settings along with the warm personal touch of the proprietors.
Located in the Cowichan Valley, the Damali Lavender Farm is a labor of love for the three owners David and Marsha Stanley and Alison Philip. All three are Vancouver Island natives and Marsha and Alison had grown up as best friends in near-by Duncan. In the summer of 2004 the three formed a partnership and created a three year plan to purchase land and start a lavender farm. But as fate would have it – the plan came to fruition in a matter of months, rather than years. Before the year was out they found themselves owners of a thirteen acre farm in the heart of the Cowichan Valley. The universe seemed to have lined up for them – even to the extent of naming the farm. After brainstorming many possibilities – they decided to use the first letters of their names (Da for David, Ma for Marsha and Li for Alison) to form the name Damali. Some research on the word revealed that Damali is an Arabic word meaning “beautiful vision”. What could be more perfect?
Like grapes, lavender requires a dry growing season, minimal frost issues and good drainage. It is no accident that grapes and lavender share a common origin in the Mediterranean countries. Although far away from the Mediterranean, the summer climate of Cobble Hill BC is similar. Nearby Sequim Washington is known as the lavender capitol of the US. Cobble Hill could well become the lavender capitol of Canada and Damali Farm is doing their part starting with 600 lavender plants in 2005, they now have over 12,000 plants in 20 varieties. We should mention there are plans to expand, adding a winery/vinegary and tasting room. Reason enough for a return visit. To see Cobble Hill wineries click here
The farm based “Lavender Shoppe” offers a variety of products for purchase including soaps, bath salts, hand lotions, face creams, culinary lavender and recipe cards. While browsing the delightful shop, we sipped Lavender Lemonade and luxuriated in the calming aroma.
In 2007 the partners built a beautiful Bed and Breakfast – a French inspired farmhouse which offers charming rooms with sweeping views of the lavender fields, Salt Spring Island, Mount Baker and the ferries making their way across the bay.
Before driving north to Ladysmith my wife and I stopped in the city of Duncan. Duncan is a sleepy little town of about 5000 people. Duncan is home to the largest farmers market on Vancouver Island and the world's largest hockey stick (Guinness World Records, July 14, 2008) which is a perfect record for a Canadian city. Duncan also has a large First Nations community and is the traditional home of the Cowichan Tribe – the largest band among the coastal Salish people. There are a number of fine wineries in and around Duncan
 View of Kiwi vines from our balcony at Kiwi Cove Lodge |
 Estuary next to Kiwi Cove Lodge |
Our last stop for the day was at Kiwi Cove Lodge. This lodge and the beautiful grounds offer another unique stop for the agritourist – or anyone looking for an inviting respite. After our long day we sat outside and had some wine and snacks and chatted with the owners. Their story begins in 1994 when owners Peggy and Doug Kolosoff were looking for a change from commercial fishing. They purchased 10.2 waterfront acres on the east coast of Vancouver Island with the intention of building an RV park. However, local zoning required that the property remain as secondary agricultural land. Wanting to create something unique on the island, the Kolosoffs realized that the climate and conditions were perfectly suited for the arguta kiwi. In 1997, after three years of hard work clearing the land and experimenting with a Christmas tree farm, they planted 132 arguta kiwi vines. This variety of kiwi is a native of Japan, Korea and Manchuria. The fruit is tasty, smooth skinned and small (about the size of large grapes). The arguta kiwi is hardy enough to survive the harsh winter's temperatures. The vines often produce for up to 40 years. The Kolosoffs harvested their first crop in 2001.
Where to Stay and Dine when vsiting Vancouver Island Click Here
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