>If they had any thought for their 'environmental credentials' they would

> cease growing almonds as if hydroponically in raked and weed-free gravel,
> and
> ,  through improved 'husbandry', allow/encourage natural flora (and maybe a
>  secondary crop such as lavender) to flourish.
>

Chris, almonds are harvested by shaking from the trees onto the ground, and
then swept up.  Any vegetation gets in the way.

Also, vegetation on the orchard floor allows temperatures to drop on frosty
nights, which can make the difference between keeping and losing a crop.

Although companion planting sounds great in theory, its not likely to happen
in practice.

Randy Oliver

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