Photo by Iain Robertson

Lavender, with its captivating aroma and striking purple blossoms, offers more than meets the eye—or nose. Delve into the art of lavender picking as we guide you through the process, making your experience as enchanting as the results.

The Lavender Backyard Garden is renowned for its Pick-Your-Own (PYO) lavender activities, attracting visitors from across New Zealand who come to our lavender farm to immerse themselves in the fragrance and beauty of lavender.

Step 1: Perfect Timing

Choosing the right time is paramount. In New Zealand, lavender season unfolds between December and January. Timing matters:

• For dried, colorful blooms, visit our farm before December ends, when buds are 25% open.
• To capture lavender's fragrance, opt for early to mid-January, with plants at 70% to 80% bloom. Don't forget to consider a seasonal pass for varied experiences, but remember, it doesn't include activities.

Step 2: What You'll Need

Ensure a smooth trip:

• Buy an admission ticket from our farm shop and pay for the number of lavender jar rings you intend to pick.
• We'll provide a jar and scissors for each activity you've paid for. You can also consider bringing your scissors. However, please note that the jar is for measurement purposes only, and you will need to return both the jar and scissors to us once you have finished picking.

Step 3: Choosing the Right Lavender

With various species and scents, choose wisely. At our farm, we focus on Lavandula Angustifolia (English Lavender) and Lavandula x Intermedia (French Lavender).

• English lavender offers sweet, light scents and bright blue-purple hues, perfect for baking and tea. It blooms from early to late December.
• French lavender boasts strong, sharp scents, primarily used in aromatherapy products. It blooms from mid-December to late January.

Step 4: Begin Picking

The time has come to pick your lavender:

• Grip the stem below the blossoms.
• Use scissors for a clean, swift cut.
• Avoid cutting into the woody part of the stem.
• As your jar can't hold more stems, your perfect bundle is complete.

Step 5: Wrap it Up

After finishing, return your jar and scissors to our shop. We'll prepare your lavender bundle for you to take home.

Step 6: Keeping it Fresh

To keep your lavender fresh:

• Use minimal water in your vase (about 1cm).
• Keep the water fresh and trim stem bottoms when changing water.
• Place lavender loosely in your vase to prevent mold.

Step 7: Hanging and Drying

Bundle lavender in small bouquets (10-15 stems). Secure with a rubber band or twine.

• Hang bundles upside down in a cool, dark, and dry space.
• Allow 1-2 weeks for the drying process, typically during dry summers.

What to Do with Lavender

After thorough drying, explore various uses for your lavender:

• Create aromatic sachets and potpourri.
• Craft lavender-infused oil or vinegar.
• Design wreaths or home decor.
• Incorporate dried buds into candles, soaps, or bath salts.
• Share your lavender bouquets as thoughtful gifts with loved ones.

FAQs: Pick Your Own Lavender

1. When is the best time to pick lavender?
Our "Pick Your Own" lavender season runs from December to January, with peak bloom typically from mid-December to mid-January. For culinary lavender, we recommend visiting earlier in the season to pick Lavandula angustifolia, although availability may vary.

2. Do I need to make a reservation to pick lavender?
No reservation is needed unless you’re visiting with a large group. For groups, we appreciate advance notice so we can ensure an enjoyable experience for everyone.

3. What do I need to bring for picking lavender?
We’ll lend you a jar and clippers for cutting lavender flowers. However, we sometimes run low on clippers during busy times, so we recommend bringing your own scissors just in case. Please return any borrowed jars and clippers to the shop when you’re finished.

4. How is the cost of picking lavender calculated?
We measure lavender by jar rings, with one jar ring priced at $12. You can cut stems as long as they fit within the jar. If you’d like additional jars, please ask at the shop.

5. Are there any rules or guidelines I should follow while picking?
Yes, we ask that visitors pick only from designated lavender areas. Other plants and flowers grow in the field, and to preserve the beauty of our farm, please avoid picking anything but lavender.

6. What types of lavender are available?
During peak season, our main variety is Lavandula x intermedia (French lavender), perfect for dried flowers and aromatherapy. For culinary lavender, we suggest coming earlier in the season for Lavandula angustifolia (English lavender).

7. Can I take photos while visiting?
Of course! Our lavender fields are picturesque, and we encourage visitors to take photos, even on rainy days, as they often add a unique atmosphere. Just be mindful of other guests and avoid blocking pathways.

8. Can I bring pets?
For the comfort and safety of all our visitors, we ask that pets remain at home. Lavender plants can be sensitive to animals, and some guests may have allergies or be uncomfortable around pets. We appreciate your understanding.

9. What are your open dates and hours?
Our "Pick Your Own" season is brief, spanning only December and January, when the lavender is at its best. We’re open every day except December 25th. We remain open rain or shine, as many visitors find rainy days offer a lovely, serene experience.

10. Do you offer guided tours or picnic areas?
At this time, we don’t offer guided tours or picnic areas. We strive to maintain a peaceful environment in the fields, so everyone can enjoy the natural beauty at their own pace.

11. Can I purchase lavender plants?
Currently, we don’t sell lavender plants. We hope to offer this option in the future and thank you for your interest!

12. How can I contact you if I have more questions?
For any additional inquiries, please visit our Contact page and complete the contact form. We’re always happy to help make your visit as enjoyable as possible!

In conclusion, the allure of lavender picking awaits you at our farm in NZ. With a perfect timing strategy, essential tools, and knowledge of lavender varieties, you can experience a truly enchanting adventure. After picking, the possibilities are endless, from crafting aromatic sachets to creating lavender-infused delights. Explore this article on 7 Fantastic Ways to Utilize Dried Lavender After Your PYO Lavender Day. Join us for an unforgettable journey and bring home the beauty and serenity of lavender – a truly unique experience you won't want to miss. Come and pick your own lavender, and let nature's charm embrace your senses!