This Issue

We have a look behind the scene at Lothlorien Lavender and Apiary Honey's



Whats coming and whats going, in produce

What Else is Happening

• Limrose has sold out and will be back with more limes and Christmas Lillie's come December
• Long Acre and Sweet Creations are having the day off
• We have a new stall selling eggs, called Cheep Ltd
• Koffee is introducing cold brew, ice coffee and chocolates
• DFC will have a Beet Ribs Bun, and Pork Yaki Udon Noodles

Our Busker This Week Is

Matt Werner, who will also be performing a kids show called Zeelows, click on the button for more info

 Meet the Makers of Lothlorien Honey

Journey Began in 1994  

Lynette and Les, the "L's" behind Lothlorien, purchased their charming farm in mid-1994. The name “Lothlorien” was inspired by *The Lord of the Rings*, a nod to the mystical elven woods nestled at the end of a valley, capturing the essence of their farm’s peaceful, wooded surroundings.

Lavender and Bees: A Serendipitous Start 

Originally, the couple focused on growing lavender for essential oils. But year after year, bees from neighboring farms would arrive uninvited, drawn by the lavender fields. This led to an “aha” moment—why not start a hive and harvest their own lavender honey? Soon, a single hive multiplied rapidly, proving that beekeeping can be addictive! From their humble beginnings as novice beekeepers, Lynette and Les now manage a small but thriving apiary.

Evolving Business: Seasonal Honey with a Unique Story  

Lothlorien’s honey production has grown alongside their lavender business, though their honey has taken on its own character. Rather than creating a single flavor profile, the couple lets the season and surrounding flora guide their honey’s unique qualities. Their bees gather nectar from various sources throughout the Wairau Plains, resulting in “vintage” honeys that reflect the year’s seasonal blooms.

Each batch is distinct. In 2020, for example, their “Covid Special” honey featured 96.8% kanuka/manuka pollen, creating an almost medicinal profile, while the following season produced the light, surprising “Sauvignon Surprise,” where bees feasted on grapes left after harvest. Their current 2024 Lavender Honey has revealed an unusual 78% kanuka pollen content while maintaining a texture like creamed clover honey—a testament to the powerful role that nectars play in honey flavor.

Organic and Raw Honey

Dedicated to organic practices, Lynette and Les manage their bees with great care. All of their honey is raw, meaning it’s unheated and minimally filtered, retaining its natural enzymes and nutritional qualities. This approach allows smaller pollen grains to stay in the honey, bringing you a taste as close to the hive as possible. For a truly rustic experience, they even offer comb honey.

Balancing Work and Passion 

Although officially retired from outside work, Lynette and Les continue to pour their energy into Lothlorien. They chuckle at the notion of “days off”—life on a farm is a daily commitment. But they wouldn’t trade it for anything, as each harvest tells its own story, enriching both their lives and the palates of their customers.

With each season, Lothlorien honey brings a one-of-a-kind experience to the farmers market, a taste shaped by the land, the blossoms, and a bit of luck in nature’s planning.

If you haven’t already, we invite you to follow us on FaceBook and Instagram, or check out our website

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