The Lavender Fields
With fields in bloom from April to October, a sea of purple will sweep over the hills of the Pelindaba Lavender Farm in heavenly waves as the wind blows through. The organic fields of the Pelindaba Lavender Farm are home to over 25,000 plants of three different species, while the demonstration garden has 50 different varieties. From these plants come essential oils, which are extracted at the on-site distillery and used for a range of botanical, culinary, personal care, therapeutic, household, and pet care products. While you can appreciate the products that come from the Pelindaba Lavender Farm, you must also soak in breathtaking views of the extensive, rolling lavender fields.
Pelindaba Lavender Farm Events
If you come in the fall, you can watch the distilling process! If you visit during the annual lavender festival, which will be hosted from July 15-17, 2016, you will enjoy tours of the farm, culinary lavender demonstrations, local artists, food vendors, lavender crafts, and local music! There are further lavender craft workshops in July and August. In the warm months, you can bike to the Pelindaba Lavender Farm from town, bringing a picnic from Tucker House Inn to enjoy before you sample lavender lemonade, iced tea, ice cream, or cookies at the farm! If you visit during the season, harvest a lavender bouquet from their cutting field. Anytime of year take home some lavender buds for your home or garden.
History of Lavender
A tour of the Pelindaba Lavender Farm will fill you in on the many uses and rich history of lavender. For example, did you know that lavender protected those working in the front lines during the plague? Those who worked to dispose of dead bodies wore sachets around their neck to combat the stench. The plague, which was spread by mosquitoes, was also combatted with lavender, which acts as a bug repellent. Lavender oils were used during wars as anesthetics as well as to treat burns. It also was (and still is) used in cleaning products!
The Pelindaba Lavender Farm Gift Shop
The Pelindaba Lavender Farm’s gift shop is a reason to visit in itself, featuring over 200 products specifically handcrafted at the farm. The oils are distilled on-site from flowers grown at the farm, retaining an intimate knowledge and control with every product. Lavender products cover a variety of special uses. Personal care products range from lotions and personal fragrances to shampoos and soaps. Therapeutic products include lavender essential oil, skin therapies, massage oils, and aromatherapy-based stress reliefs. Candles, floral decor, jewelry, and more are all available at the gatehouse gift shop!
Lavender in the Kitchen
Using lavender in the kitchen is our specialty here at Tucker House Inn. The Pelindaba Lavender Farm gift shop includes savory products, such as organic culinary lavender, lavender sticks, and lavender gourmet salt and pepper. Sweet products for sale include gourmet honey, chutney, and bittersweet chocolate sauce. Lavender pre-packaged sweet treats include lavender chocolate chip cookies, lavender shortbread, and lavender gourmet chocolates. Also available are lavender teas, coffees, and lemonades.
Lavender Recipe
Here at the Tucker House Inn, we’ve worked to create some lavender recipes that will taste delicious this spring! Here is one of our favorites for Lavender Peach Punch.
Lavender Peach Punch: Serves 4
Lavender simple syrup
Peach or Mango Fruit Puree
Wild Lime Dry Soda or Pelligrino
Shot of Vodka or Tequila for a great summer adult beverage
- Make a simple syrup infused with fresh lemon verbena, star anise, and ginger root.
- Add 2 Tbsp peach or mango puree or muddle fresh peaches.
- Top off with pelligrino sparkling water, wild lime dry soda, or another flavored bubbly such as champagne.
- Garnish the glass with sprig of fresh lavender, lemon verbena, and peach wedge.
- Enjoy!
Photo Credit: Pelindaba Lavender
