Ribbon cutting, grand opening set for Purple Cactus Lavender Farm
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WEIMAR – Purple Cactus Lavender Farm, Colorado County’s only lavender farm, is set to open its doors to the public, and has set its grand opening as well as a Columbus Chamber of Commerce ribbon cutting to celebrate the occasion. The farm is owned by Wendy and Kevin Page, longtime Columbus High School teachers who retired after 30 years of teaching agriculture classes.
The grand opening event is set for Saturday, April 6. The Columbus Chamber of Commerce Ribbon Cutting Ceremony is set for Friday, March 29, at noon, at the farm. The public is invited to both events.
Lavender is a flowering herb of the mint family known for its sweet floral fragrance and its multiple uses. There are over 450 different varieties. The Pages have spent over a year preparing their fields, developing a retail store and researching product options. In October they planted four varieties of lavender, totaling over 250 plants.
Texas has unique climate and growing conditions unlike other areas in the US. While growing lavender is rewarding and can be very successful, it is not without challenges. “Our biggest concern is high humidity, which can cause fungal rot, and tropical storms that could prevent us from keeping them dry,” said Wendy Page. “Lavender likes full sun,” she added.
The fragrant pale purple flowers and flower buds are used in a wide variety of uses including essential oils, perfumes, cosmetics, aromatherapy, herbal medicines and in the kitchen as a culinary herb. It is also a common flower used in crafts, home decor and weddings, as well as being a popular choice for landscaping. Lavender oil is believed to have antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties, which can help to heal minor burns and bug bites. Research suggests that it may also be useful for treating anxiety, insomnia and restlessness.