In the heart of Chandler, the Chateau de Vie estate stands as more than just a majestic 15,000-square-foot home. This "house of life," built in 1984 with its ornate décor and craftsmanship, has now become a destination for both relaxation and education. The Goodman family, the current owners, are inviting the public to partake in its beauty and serenity, now home to a flourishing lavender farm. Visitors are welcome to explore the property Thursdays through Saturdays and can also indulge in shopping for homemade products at the "Roadside Farm Stand", or sign up for workshops like soap-making classes, 12 News reported.
The challenge of cultivating lavender in Arizona's climate is no secret, requiring specific care to thrive. Planting times and watering are critical elements to success. To avoid the searing "hellish furnace heat," the best time to plant is in late fall or early spring, ensuring the plants establish before temperatures soar. Extra precautions such as providing shade during extreme heat are necessary, as wilted lavender could indicate excessive sunlight exposure or inadequate hydration. The ideal soil combines neutral or alkaline pH with good drainage, with sandy loam being the golden standard for these fragrant plants, according to a detailed guide from The Lavender Farm at Chateau de Vie. "Lavender should not be planted any deeper than the soil level in the pot or ground," the guide strictly advises, marking deep planting as a perilous mistake that could lead to a plant's demise.
For people eager to grow lavender at home, The Lavender Farm offers a variety of recommendations based on local success stories. Among the top choices are the Fern Leaf Lavender, known for its bee and hummingbird appeal, and the Provence Lavender, celebrated for its culinary uses and appealing aroma. The Grosso variety is particularly acclaimed for its potent fragrance and essential oil production. These tips dovetail with holistic on-site care to ensure lavender plants endure the shifting Arizona seasons. When watering established plants, the roots should be dry before the next water application. This careful maintenance is imperative, especially during the extreme heat when lavenders require more frequent watering than their Mediterranean counterparts to survive.
With fall, the attention to lavender transforms. It's time to reduce watering, prune, and protect the plants from frost. "Do not cut into the woody brown stems or those branches will not grow back," the farm's gardeners caution, outlining the trim techniques to maintain plant health and visual appeal. The nuanced choreography of care extends into winter, underscoring Chateau de Vie's commitment to their lavender fields and demonstrating the sustainability of such delicate farming in an often harsh climate.
