Lavender picking is kind of an annual tradition here in New Zealand. Lavender blooms abundantly in the summer, and there are several farms around Wellington that you can visit to pick your own lavender flowers to take home. Our first time, we went picking in Carterton. I was still pregnant with Patty and we had just started to work on Katie’s eczema. Pro-tip: When your kid has eczema, maybe avoid farms and gardens for a bit, because that may make it worse. Katie was NOT happy with her lavender farm experience that time.
This year, we think that Katie’s skin condition is more in control, so we joined some friends out to the lavender farm. We visited the lovely Ranui Essentials farm in Martinborough, about an hour and a half drive away from the city.
Marlborough is actually wine country in New Zealand. You’ll pass quite a few vineyards on the way to the farm. When you get to Ranui, just pay $5 and you get a basket to fill with lavender. The farm is so pretty (perfect for your Instagram feed), you’ll spend more time taking photos than cutting flowers.
Wear a hat, put on sunscreen and watch out for bees, you’ll be all set to get a bunch of fragrant lavender for your house.
2 Comments
Mmmmm! Lavender fields! I love the smell and beauty of lavender. It is interesting to learn about the beautiful New Zealand!!
Thanks Neely! Yes, the smell in the fields was lovely. 🙂