These are great questions that we're still wondering about! 😅
We've been working on this for a while.
It started with ~6 years of hunting for a farm around Iowa City, and it's a competitive place to find a farm, so multiple offers later, we finally found a farm!
At about 9:30 PM in February of 2022, all the kids are finally asleep; Stephanie and I were brainstorming about what we could do with the farm. We knew we wanted to start some farm experience for you all to experience one of the best parts of Iowa: agriculture. I (Taylor) had an idea pop into my head, so I asked Stephanie: can we start a lavender farm in Iowa? Does it even grow here? The answer: kind of (more on that in a future post).
After 16 months of research, phone calls, lavender farm visits, plant ordering, zoning meetings, permitting, and so much help from family and friends, we have lavender:
Sweet pics, so when can we show up?!
We are really hoping for mid-August; we just have a few more requirements to meet. Once it's complete, the main facility (event space, Lavender Suite VRBO, shop, lavender processing) and, for sure, treehouse #1 will be built.
Soft opening...
As soon as we're able, we'll post a soft opening date for you to see everything. Though it will likely be messy from the construction, and the lavender will be past full bloom (though there will likely be flowers), we'll have delicious lavender lemonade, homegrown teas, tours, amazing products, VRBO rentals, event rentals, private trail through the woods, and more.
AirBnb/VRBO: our goal is to have 2-3 units available to rent by September 1 before the first Hawkeye Football Game - see more here.
Event Rentals: again, as soon as we're able, we'll open event rentals for October through December - to be notified when this is available, fill out the contact form on the bottom of the main page.
Classes: we're going to have a class or two this year, fill out the contact form on the bottom of the main page to get notified when that happens.
More to come: school field trips (learn about pollination, plant types, animals, and conservation); shepherd huts (google them), and some more surprises.
Bottom line...
Over the next 3+ years, we're going to be building something that when you experience it, you escape everyday life. Through the beauty of the landscape, the calming scent of lavender fields, and unique lodging that helps you refresh, we hope Calyx Creek is a slice of heaven, right here in Iowa.
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