Lavish opportunities for local lavender lovers this weekend!
Several Wairarapa lavender growers open their farm gates this weekend so you can experience something beautiful right in your own neighbourhood.
Lavender picking is great in itself and there's also the added bonus of taking romantic picturesque photos among the purple-hued rows of blooms. Capture yourself and loved ones at one of our local growers this weekend - a neat outing if you have friends and family staying.
Our growers also have their special products available for sale on site. Picking fields are located at Masterton, Carterton and Martinborough (details below) - each has its own unique offering, including one with evening star gazing!
Make the most of these special crops this weekend while the flowers are in abundant full bloom.
Martinborough lavender picking and star gazing
Saturday 14 January 8.30pm, Ranui Essentials 284C Dry River Road, Martinborough
Bring your telescope, a torch and an evening picnic for a 'Under the Stars' session with astronomy guides to help you navigate the night sky. Watch the sun set and pick some lavender. $5 entry per person, and kids are free.
Pick Your Own Lavender in Carterton
Saturday 14 - Sunday 15 January, Lavender Abbey, 351 Dalefield Road Carterton
Bring your camera, a picnic, and enjoy an outing with family and friends visiting over summer. PYO bunch of lavender for $5. Check out 'The Big Box of Lavender' shop while you're there.
Lavender picking and open day at Jaydee's Lavender near Masterton
Sunday 15 January, 78b Te Ore Ore Road, Bideford, Masterton
Lavender picking and open day. Come along to this lavender field and explore the new shop full of treasures and award-winning Grosso lavender oil. Remember to bring your scissors for cutting the lavender. Entry is by gold coin donation per person, per bunch of lavender.
There is also Lavender Magic, located at 61 Blakes Road, Mt Holdsworth, Carterton.
Poll: When should the tree go up? 🎄
From what we've heard, some Christmas trees are already being assembled and decorated.
What are your thoughts on the best time to get your Christmas tree up?
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4.6% Second half of November
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43.4% 1st December
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17.6% A week before Christmas
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33.2% Whenever you wish
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1.1% Other - I'll share below
Poll: Should all neighbours have to contribute to improvements?
An Auckland court has ruled a woman doesn’t have to contribute towards the cost of fixing a driveway she shares with 10 neighbours.
When thinking about fences, driveways or tree felling, for example, do you think all neighbours should have to pay if the improvements directly benefit them?
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82.8% Yes
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14.6% No
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2.6% Other - I'll share below
What's your favourite tomato recipe?
Kia ora neighbours. We know your tomato plants are still growing, but we're looking ahead to the harvest already! If you've got a family recipe for tomatoes, we'd love to see it and maybe publish it in our magazine to share with our readers. Send your recipe to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz, and if we use it in the mag, you will receive a free copy of our February 2025 issue.