Olive-centered farm Hernando couple’s dream

Deirdre Davis, left, co-owner and operator of The Olive Grove with colleagues Lisa Cruz, center and Wanda Bare right, inspect an olive tree for new growth. PHOTO SUE QUIGLEY

Early in 2011, a young couple had a dream. Just back from a vacation in Italy, Cambren and Deirdre Davis decided they wanted to recreate something that reminded them of their Mediterranean experience.

In Italy, they saw beautiful olive orchards. They savored fresh pressed olive oil and tasted plump, delectable olives at every meal.

“Florida has a similar climate to Italy, so we did some research and decided that we wanted to create an olive grove,” said Deirdre Davis.

The couple bought about 4 acres on Rester Drive in Brooksville. They called their venture “The Olive Grove.” It is at 15016 Rester Drive.

“Olive trees can thrive on small acreage,” Deirdre Davis said, “and we have room to grow herbs and vegetables organically as well.”

Now, three years later, the couple has planted about 200 trees that are thriving and producing good crops every year — enough olives that they expanded the operation to include food tastings and educational workshops to promote the health benefits and full potential of olives.

“We planted three varieties of trees. Arbquina, arbosana and koroneiki because they enjoy the direct sun, are drought-tolerant and can withstand cold temperatures,” she said.

The trees now stand about 8 feet tall and have thin blue-gray leaves. They can begin producing fruit within two years of planting so they quickly become a great addition to a culinary garden, she said.

“Olive trees make great indoor plants and grow well in containers. They are also popular as landscape plants as well because of the color of the leaves,” Deirdre Davis said.

When the Davises bought their property, there was an A-frame house in poor repair on the land. The house now is refurbished and used to hold workshops and as a shop to display produce.

All around the house grow patches of mint, rosemary, sage and lavender, basil and aromatic lemongrass that Deirdre Davis harvests, dries and makes into extracts.

“We use the extracts to infuse into our herbal olive-leaf teas or to blend in our soap and shampoo products,” she said. “And on weekends we make fresh olive bread, olive-oil dip, garlic knots and herbal teas for visitors to sample.”

“Our olives are cured in a saltwater brine then packed with our own farm-grown fresh-picked herbs and spices. We never use chemicals so we are proud to say we are totally organic,” Deirdre Davis added.

An aromatic bouquet of lavender, sage, rosemary and thyme welcomes visitors to the shop that is packed full of produce, all handmade by the Davises and colleagues including Lisa Cruz and Wanda Bare.

Produce includes extra virgin, cold-pressed and unfiltered olive oil; infused olive oil; infused vinegar; cured olives; raw olives; olive oil soap (Castile); olive leaf tea; and other olive products, organic spices and mixes, natural extracts, dried herbs, fruit mixes, jams and jellies, sauces, natural pastas and homemade and handmade items.

In one corner, a sign announces a selection of Rem-E-Teas — freshly-made premixed teas for ailments, or to mix your own. Their website has a chart of herbal remedies for aches and pains.

“We especially recommend our Olive Leaf Tea and we have many different blends,” said Deirdre Davis. “This tea has been used for centuries and studies have proven its health benefits.”

“Anything that contains olive oil is good for your skin, your hair and can help lower the levels of cholesterol and blood pressure,” she said.

Along with helping care for the trees and making products, colleagues Cruz and Bare coordinate some of the many workshops offered.

Workshops include making clay, potpourri, oil-burning lamps, mosaic pots, knitting, living wreaths and sand art, caring for bonsai olive trees and more. Workshops are held either on weekends or by appointment.

“A favorite is the Greek Mythology workshop specially for children,” said Cruz. “The kids learn through stories, enjoy a healthy snack and get to join a workshop.”

Also, olive trees are sold at the business’ nursery or shipped. Prices start at $20 for a sapling. Quantities as large as 100 trees are available.

The Olive Grove is on the Suncoast Bicycle Trail, two miles north of State Road 50. It is open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on weekends and on weekdays by appointment.

Visit their website at floridaconcerts.org/ olive-grove.htm.

Email Hernando Today correspondent Sue Quigley at [email protected].