The field gradually filling with autumn bounty to plunder…
Hello everyone
When the Rose Geranium in the Field begins to burgeon with new, deeply ruffled leaves; alongside emerging and erupting buds…I know that very particular moment I await, for harvest and distillation (when the plants are filled with ‘viriditas’) is not far off!
Thanks to the on-again/off-again sun, showers and steamy early autumn weather, that surge is gathering pace, which prompts me to invite you join me for a ROSE GERANIUM HARVEST & DISTILLATION WORKSHOP.
As Easter approaches, I can’t think of a more delightful way to while away an idyllic day at this special time of year. Is there a friend (or two!) with whom you’d like to share the experience? These days make for such a lovely low-key way of spending time in good company (or even in celebration) and I’m happy to put them together for a minimum of two peeps (generally maximum of four). While I’m happy for more, it just means you have less ‘aromatic botanical water’ to share between you at the end of the day…the fewer participants, the more botanical water each gets to take home…though even with four it’s still a good amount!
All that said, the water itself is hardly even the reason for such a day (though it might be the end result and certainly it’s a valuable memento of dreamy hours spent). It gives purpose to an immersive, experiential, calming, relaxing though inspiring experience…from leisurely picking in the Field to preparation in the Dairy, all the time surrounded by the invigorating aroma that comes with brushing past, touching, pressing, snipping…
Once the morning session is complete, there will be a wholesome, nourishing, seasonal, garden-inspired lunch to punctuate morning from afternoon…when we fill Hildegard* to the brim and distill: an intoxicating experience that will literally have you on the edge of your seat, as her temperature gauge rises and a flood of aroma is held on the brink…
Hmmm….have I left anything out?
I’m suggesting you bring a friend (what a way to spoil someone you’d like to spend time with in an unhurried manner) but if you are a ‘one’ please let me know…as two or three ‘ones’ easily make an idyllic day out when I connect you via a date that suits everyone – and so many of you know by now, that joining in here as a ‘one’ can bring friendships anew. I’ll do my best to find a day to fit in with your plans in this instance, rather than suggesting a specific date. The lead-up to Easter, as well as post Easter too, should offer good timing. All we need is a fine day, following a fine day! And that kind of weather usually settles in April, along with the golden light.
Gosh, I feel all autumnal after writing that!
You can find the full details and booking form here (just please don’t actually book ’til we’ve been in communication and settled on a date). I’m so excited at the prospect of seeing you here. If you have any questions, please drop me a line.
Don’t forget I’ll be at Axel Mano this Saturday 29 March, 10am – 5pm. I’ve already delivered a swathe of Essential Work Dresses to 46 Queen Street, Woollahra. The Axels are giving away one of my hats! Check their instagram page here to enter. I’ll be drawing the winning entry at 4pm (no doubt out of a hat!). I’d love to see you there.
With warmest wishes,
Mickey
*I named my Still after Hildegard of Bingen…it’s a long story you can read on the Botanical Water page on the website or the Substack post I wrote last year! It was Hildegard of Bingen who coined the term ‘viriditas’ sometimes explained as ‘green-ness’. It’s a moment I liken to a plant seemingly being so full of energy, it almost shimmers with an aura. How delighted I was to discover a word to capture that sense of potency…and dating back to the C12th no less! Perhaps I’m not so mad (or at least alone in observation!) afterall.
