South Wairarapa Rebus Club

REBUS SW guest speakers at our 25 January 2019 meeting were Jan & Stuart Abernethy, a couple of Carterton-based entrepreneurs working and trading as “Lavender Abbey”  – growers of Lavender and handmade Lavender products since 2008.

From the several hundred Lavender varieties available, the Abernethys chose the French “Grosso” Lavender – flowering in November and harvested in February.  One or two other varieties were used to blend for handmade products. Processing the crop requires steam distillation to extract the aromatic Lavender oil. 

A magnificent tabletop display at the meeting showed many Lavender Abbey products including Magnesium Sleep Lotion, Lip Balm, Face & Body Cream – and, unexpected by your scribe, culinary lavender buds used for shortbread biscuits (recipe provided); plus Lavender and Hops pillows.

Lavender Abbey is a member of the NZ Lavender Growers Association, and is the winner of the 2018 Memorial Trophy: two Gold/one Silver Supreme Oil Awards.

Visitors have been invited to picnic on the Abernethy’s meadow, savouring the scents of lavender… picking for themselves and taking it home to enjoy.

Lavender Abbey supplies retail outlets in Carterton and Wellington.  Lavender Pure Essential Oil and Handmade products are also available via the website www.lavenderabbey.co.nz.  

REBUS members were impressed with the advice on aromatic and medicinal qualities of Lavender “…relaxing, calming and soothing effects…”  Customers’ comments cited in the beautiful and informative information flier included, “…layers of scent.  Sweet-medicinal-caramel-floral-deep notes-sharp notes and they come together beautifully to a very well rounded scent.” (Rosie Riley).

Stuart and Jan were warmly thanked by South Wairarapa Rebus Club for their presentation and ongoing contribution to the quality of life.

Interested in learning about our Rebus Club? Feel welcome to attend a meeting.  Special interest groups abound: Life Stories; Collectables; Garden; Arts… Please contact Margaret Griffiths on 306 8102.