There's something magical about standing in a lavender field - the gentle sway of purple stems, the calming scent carried on the breeze, the peaceful hum of busy bees.
It's this sense of tranquility that we wanted to capture in our November Candle Club box.
Our journey led us to CCT Lavender Farm in Karaka, where we spent a beautiful morning photographing for this month's subscriber postcard and finding inspiration for our latest collection.
WHEN TO VISIT
While we visited slightly early for our November postcard shoot, New Zealand's lavender typically blooms in its full glory from early December through to late February.
The best viewing times are:
Early December: First blooms appear
Mid-December to January: Peak flowering season
February: Last chance to catch the purple haze
WHAT TO EXPECT
For a modest entrance fee, visitors can wander through the fields, camera in hand. The farm has created perfect photo opportunities throughout, with charming seating areas and walkways woven between the purple rows.
MAKE A DAY OF IT
We recommend timing your visit to include a stop at their charming outdoor café area. Whether you prefer a fresh coffee or a glass of prosecco, there's something special about sipping your beverage of choice while surrounded by waves of lavender and the gentle hum of bees.
PHOTOGRAPHY TIPS
Early morning or late afternoon offers the best light
Overcast days can help capture the true purple hues
Look for bees and butterflies for added interest
Don't forget to get some close-up shots of the blooms
A special thank you to CCT Lavender Farm for allowing us early access to capture images for our November Candle Club postcard. While we caught the early stages of flowering, it was still a magical experience that reminded us why we're so inspired by this beautiful bloom.
VISITOR INFORMATION:
Location:242 Urquhart Road, Karaka 2580
Opening Hours: Wednesday to Sunday, 8:30am - 4pm (kitchen closes at 2:30pm)
Entrance Fee: $15.00 to walk through the fields, otherwise entry is free
Parking: Free onsite parking available
📸: All images by Nectar Photography
Lavender Cordial: A Spring Sipper 🌿
As the days grow longer and warmer, we're always looking for refreshing ways to celebrate the season. This month, we're sharing a simple lavender cordial recipe that's as versatile as it is delicious.
Made with fresh lavender buds, it's perfect for everything from afternoon refreshments to elegant summer gatherings. Plus, it makes a lovely homemade gift - just pour into a beautiful bottle and add a handwritten tag with serving suggestions.
Ingredients:
2 cups fresh lavender buds, or 1 cup dried (ours were from CCT Lavender Farm)
4 cups water
4 cups sugar
2 tablespoons citric acid or white vinegar
1 lemon, zested and juiced
Method:
Gently rinse lavender buds to remove any debris
Bring water to a boil in a large pot
Add lavender buds, reduce heat, and simmer for 20 minutes
Strain the liquid through a fine-mesh sieve
Return liquid to pot and add sugar, citric acid (or 000white vinegar), lemon zest, and juice
Stir over low heat until sugar dissolves completely
Let cool completely
Pour into sterilized bottles and store in the fridge
Three Ways to Enjoy:
Lavender Spritz
Mix 2-3 tablespoons of cordial with sparkling water and ice
Add a sprig of fresh mint and a slice of lemon for the perfect spring refresher
Spring Cocktail
Add a splash to your prosecco or mix with gin, soda water, and a squeeze of lime for a floral twist on a classic.
Sweet Treat
Drizzle over vanilla ice cream or add to plain yogurt. You can also brush it over warm scones for a lovely afternoon tea treat.
*Storage Tip: Your cordial will keep in the fridge for up to one month. Tag us in your cordial creations - we'd love to see how you're using this spring-inspired syrup!
Comments