Lavish opportunities for 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, 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: Do you think NZ should ban social media for youth?
The Australian Prime Minister has expressed plans to ban social media use for children.
This would make it illegal for under 16-year-olds to have accounts on platforms including TikTok, Instagram, Facebook and X.
Social media platforms would be tasked with ensuring children have no access (under-age children and their parents wouldn’t be penalised for breaching the age limit)
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Do you think NZ should follow suit? Vote in our poll and share your thoughts below.
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84.5% Yes
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14.1% No
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1.5% Other - I'll share below
What's your favourite recipe for courgettes?
Kia ora neighbours. If you've got a family recipe for courgettes, we'd love to see it and maybe publish it in our magazine. Send your recipe to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz, and if we use it in the mag, you will receive a free copy of our January 2025 issue.
Railing planters
To gain extra growing space, make and hang these easy-to-build planters on almost any wooden fence or deck railing. Use Resene FX Blackboard Paint so you can easily identify what plants are in each. Find out how to create your own with these easy step by step instructions.