Introduction: A life in purple
In the rolling hills of the Yarra Valley, a patchwork of purple blooms has become a life’s work for Annemarie Manders. Her journey—from hitchhiking across Europe to nursing patients, raising two sons, and weathering personal loss—has led her to one steadfast vocation: growing lavender. What began as a curiosity has blossomed into a decade-spanning livelihood that defines her days and shapes her community.
Finding a home for lavender
“I stumbled into growing lavender,” Annemarie says with a quiet smile. The Yarra Valley’s climate, soils, and daylight rhythms proved a forgiving home for the aromatic herb. Over 35 years, she has learned that lavender is not only a crop but a companion plant—one that thrives with careful soil preparation, mindful irrigation, and a respect for seasonal cycles. The rows of purple fragrance tell a story of patient cultivation and a willingness to adapt when weather or markets shift.
What 35 years has taught her
Lavender farming demands more than tending plants. It requires listening—to the land, to customers, and to family. Annemarie has balanced farm work with raising two sons, who grew up alongside the lavender fields, learning the rhythms of planting and harvest just as surely as any textbook could teach. She has faced personal grief, yet each season has offered a chance to heal and to refocus on what she loves about farming: a steady connection to soil, scent, and the seasons.
Challenges and resilience
The past decades have brought shifts in climate, market demand, and the broader rural economy. Droughts, late frosts, and evolving consumer tastes have tested the endurance of small lavender farms. Annemarie’s approach blends practical resilience with creative adaptation: selecting robust cultivars, experimenting with micro-irrigation, and diversifying products—from essential oils to dried bouquets and educational tours.
From field to community
Lavender isn’t just a crop for Annemarie; it’s a bridge to her community. The Yarra Valley attracts visitors seeking quiet beauty and local flavor, and her farm has become a subtle magnet for those who want to understand how a single herb can shape a region’s identity. Workshops, farm tours, and seasonal harvest events invite people to slow down, inhale the scent of lavender, and learn the practical art of small-scale farming.
Sustainability at the heart
As with many Australia-based farmers, sustainability informs every decision. Rainwater collection, mulching, and thoughtful pest management help protect the land for future generations. Annemarie emphasizes soil health, biodiversity, and responsible harvesting practices that preserve the plant’s essential oils and fragrance. Her approach reflects a broader movement in agriculture toward stewardship: profitable farming that also respects the ecology of the Yarra Valley.
Looking ahead: 35 more years and beyond
With 35 years behind her, Annemarie remains curious about what comes next. She is optimistic about new lavender varieties, value-added products, and partnerships that keep the farm resilient in changing times. Her reflections reveal a life of service—not only to patients and family but to the land that has given her purpose and a shared fragrance that lingers in the air long after harvest.
Closing thought
For Annemarie Manders, lavender is more than a crop; it is a legacy. It speaks to perseverance, community, and the quiet power of a small purple flower that has carried her through decades of laughter, loss, and love. In the Yarra Valley, the lavender fields continue to bloom as a testament to a life well tended.
