Wānaka Lavender Farm has had its doors open for a whole decade and we're still updating the landscape as we go and keeping activities fresh. After all, offering excellent guest experience to those travelling from near and far is our main objective and that hasn't changed since we started out.
So let's take a look at what's been happening behind the scenes over the last few months...
Outside
Creating curving paths. A sculpted pathway now heads in each direction as guests enter the gardens from our lavender shop, giving you the opportunity to choose your own path to discover our farm in different ways with every visit.
Lavender bushes in the tea garden: out with the old, in with the new! We've refreshed our lavender in the tea garden to keep the area tidy. Though the new plants are tiny, it will only take a few seasons for them to establish themselves.
Spruced up entrance. The main entry to the farm has had some re-decorating done and is now surrounded by more lavender than ever and organised flowering shrubbery.
A bigger space for Stocheas to shine. Stoechas are a fantastic type of lavender as they appear earlier than other varieties and last longer after summer has come to an end. We've planted more of them on the farm for visitors to enjoy when the rest of the fields aren't in bloom.
Tulips, tulips and more tulips! Last year we planted a block of colourful tulips and our guests were enamoured with them. This past autumn we put even more bulbs in the ground... only about 14,000 of them! When in bloom, the area reminds us of the lush fields spread across the Netherlands.
More washrooms incoming. Over the winter season we've been able to design and go over the details for a new toilet block. Though this won't be built until next year it feels good to have the particulars sorted and a plan in place.
Inside
Our farm shop is looking its finest! We re-painted our display boxes over winter and re-organised the space with the goal of achieving a sleek, chic presentation that accentuates our products.
Better method of cleaning lavender: a new sieving machine has arrived to help us clean our lavender flowers efficiently. The staff are particularly excited about this latest equipment as they can now save time on a niggly job!
Refined practices and an inside lavender net. In a collective effort, we've been working hard on our internal administrative systems (keeping an organised web of practises is key to a successful team environment!).
Experience
Picnics among the lavender! We are extremely excited about the arrival of picnics at the Wānaka Lavender Farm, and we know our guests will be elated too. Gathering local ingredients and putting a Picnic Experience together has been at the top of our list for a while so we are pleased to finally be able to offer you the opportunity to book a picnic ahead of your visit.
We are still working away through spring on our odds and ends. Our gardeners are busy keeping the farm looking lovely and we are all taking in the bold new blooms popping up around us.
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