I have many things to be grateful and hugely lucky for in my 2018 year of lavender.
December 2017 – January 2018
Our pick your own lavender events started two weeks earlier than usual, so in Dec 2017, we opened the gates to over 700 people for that weekend. The next two weekends were even busier, so overall our 2018 events were more successful than ever before.
January 2018
The summer came early in October; the lavender enjoyed some welcome rain in December, then very hot temperatures, which sped up the flower production making the harvest three weeks early.
It may sound strange in saying that I was lucky getting a bee sting while we were distilling. When it was happening, it was such an awful experience and never considered I would have an allergic reaction to a sting, as I had been stung before. I was lucky that it wasn’t worse and I’ll take it as a warning. Now I know I am allergic, I will carry my epi-pen with me while I’m in the lavender or gardening. While seeming quite insignificant, it surely isn’t, so be careful out there as some people won’t be so lucky.
June – July 2018
One of my dreams came true when Stu and I went to Provence to see the lavender in July this year. This was such an amazing experience, to view the lavender as far as the eye could see. We visited huge lavender fields, distilling operations, lavender growers, soap making factories, lots of markets, perfumeries, ate wonderful food and enjoyed the Rose’ on ice on many occasions at lunch.
I have wanted to visit Provence for many years, even now, I still pinch myself to check if it was real or it is still a dream.
August 2018
In 2015 and 2016 we received Silver awards for our Lavandin ‘Grosso’ pure essential oil. I was so excited and proud to win our first award in 2015 and then I was rapt to receive another award in 2016. Then along came 2018 – wow what a year of awards. We received the Dennis Matthews Cup for the best angustifolia in NZ (this also had some overseas entries), Gold award for angustifolia ‘Violet Intrigue’ 2018, Gold award for angustifolia ‘Violet Intrigue’ 2017 and Silver award for Lavandin ‘Grosso’ 2018. I felt so overwhelmed, proud of us, and grateful to receive these awards from the NZ Lavender Growers Association.
August 2018
Everyone has fears – my biggest fear is public speaking. This year we had two speaking engagements. One was – shall we say, intimate, so that made the experience more casual. The second one was for about 50 people, I was very nervous and literally shaking in my shoes, but I stood up there, spoke and I didn’t die, so it can only go upwards from here. I am proud that people are interested in our lavender story and want to hear of our endeavours. As they say, feel the fear and do it anyway. Roll on 2019.
I am lucky to have the support of all of our lavender lovers and the customers who purchase our products. It has been lovely to meet some of our followers at the markets this year and put a face to the name.
2018 was a lucky year for me and I am so grateful of all that has been achieved this year. I am so grateful to have a wonderful husband who supports me, even my crazy ideas, he never holds me back.
I am excited to what 2019 will bring. Dream big and believe.
We wish you all the best for 2019 and hope all your dreams come true.
Jan & Stu