Vive Lavender Farm

09/16/2024

Beautiful gardens add to the atmosphere too

09/15/2024

We had a fabulous day with other members of on field and shop tours of both and

Amazing to get such different perspectives of their respective businesses and such wonderful informative presentations by both ladies plus a hubby!

Huge thanks to the organizers from who design these events and to the generosity of the hosts who allowed us other lavender farmers to ask questions and learn so much.

Great to meet new people too.

# lavenderfarmers

09/14/2024

This is my maternal grandmother’s family home in England. A beautiful property that I have been fortunate to visit.

Along with exquisite weddings and celebrations they also offer Afternoon Teas.

I’m hoping to get a table when I next visit. Stay tuned for that expedition!

09/12/2024

So many guests ask about the difference between jam first or cream. Here’s some info you might enjoy!

Can you spot the difference?

There is regional debate when it comes to the assembling of scones, Devonshire style is clotted cream first, then strawberry jam (left) Cornish style is strawberry jam first, then clotted cream (right).

A Cream Tea consists of tea served with scones, clotted cream and strawberry jam.

Afternoon tea consists of tea served with three courses, eaten in the order of sandwiches, scones (served with clotted cream and strawberry jam) and cakes/petit fours (also known as the sweet course). Small savoury items may be added to the sandwich course.

A Royal tea is afternoon tea served with champagne.

It is thought highly hospitable to provide at least two types of tea to guests.

Clotted Cream
Clotted cream is rich and sweet in taste, thick and spreadable like butter.

Clotted cream recipe https://www.allrecipes.com/recipe/257734/chef-johns-clotted-cream/

Eating Scones

At the the table, scones should be gently broken apart, not cut, this is done to acknowledge the skill of the baker. A perfect scone is light and fluffy.

Scones should not be eaten sandwiched together like a burger, scoffing food interrupts pleasant conversation.

However, please note that for large catered events, it is perfectly acceptable to cut scones and to pre-assemble for guests, as is done at The King & Queen’s Royal Garden Parties when up to 8,000 people are present.

Enjoy!

Sending hugs ❤ Claire

09/12/2024

Happening this weekend in our beautiful area.

If you haven’t tried this route or explored the businesses, why not give it a go!

Fabulous experiences, products and services all local and, with it being the 150th birthday of author L.M. Montgomery, take in their stop to soak up the local sights that inspired her writings.

A gorgeous drive awaits!

Posted •

This Saturday September 14th is the Leaskdale Loop! A self guided driving tour of local small businesses within a 10 minute drive!
Take the scenic drive down Leaskdale Sideroad from the Manse and Leaskdale Live Edge to Pefferlaw Creek farms to see some of L.M. Montgomery's inspiration for her novel Rainbow Valley!






farms

09/11/2024

So proud of these guys! On our last day of opening my partner and his sons plus my eldest took off on an adventure together. They succeeded in summiting Mount Kilimanjaro yesterday. So very proud of each of them.

We are a different kind of family, always busy with some project or other, but sometimes it’s a real blessing to be able to join together and make special memories.

09/03/2024

I’m closed for the season but if anyone is looking for an exceptional Afternoon Tea experience please contact Lady Kimberley and book your tea time! Lovely people doing lovely things!

Over the past 25 years, we've heard from so many of our customers following their visit to Tea Grannys & Friends with truly lovely reviews and messages! The experience is truly relaxing and many people very much enjoy that we take time for the sharing of Victorian Traditions from yesteryear.
Linger over your own pot of delicious loose leaf tea, chosen from our collection of over 70 varieties, while you dine on our 4 course luncheon of freshly baked scones with jam and butter, delicate tea sandwiches, seasonal fruits and vegetables, and scrumptious baked goods, all starting with a palette cleansing sorbet.
Call to make a reservation for your group of up to 14 in our Victorian themed tea salon in Newtonville, by appointment only, 905 983 5816.
For more information, visit our website at: www.teagrannysandfriends.com
'Tea' You Soon, Lady Kimberly

09/02/2024

We baked and served this delicacy last weekend to our guests.

Mini Battenberg Cake

Battenberg cake is a true classic for afternoon tea. The cake was purportedly named in honour of the marriage of Princess Victoria, a granddaughter of Queen Victoria, to Prince Louis of Battenberg in 1884. The name refers to the town of Battenberg, Hesse in central Germany and is the seat of the aristocratic family known in Britain as Mountbatten. The earliest recipes for Battenburg Cake called for nine squares and not the four that is found in modern versions.

Image: StockFood / Tim Pike

09/01/2024

We did it!

From a small scale, oh lets give this a try, to holy momma! How did this happen?

We have been overwhelmed by the support and growth that this little business has seen.

None of this happens with just one person and the incredible loyalty of amazing staff, vendors and guests who make this all so much better is staggering.

We began small and very personal, something that makes us proud to call our own work and it has evolved into a fabulously, still intimate but so elegant, experience.

This year’s staff of Carli, Krista, Georgia, Sarah, Aly, Val , Kalei and Hiley have been amazing. Hardworking, professional and kind. We are so grateful to each of them and look forward to continuing to maintain those ties.

Our gardener, Dwight who keeps the borders in check and our gardens looking great.

Our grass cutting guy, Casey Cameron who has diligently maintained the property throughout the season.

Vendors - .nurse.collective Jill Watson, yoga instructor

And without a doubt, the selfless support of my partner Juan and our children and family plus friends .begg and who show up and create beautiful things come to life, just when I need them - I thank you all.

We are blessed to have had this time together. Don’t waste a moment of life, keep growing through what you go through.

We will update later in the year about future plans but for the moment bask in the glow of an exquisite experience of spending time with you all.

09/01/2024

This little store still has some goodies to offer including our homemade jam, lip balms, room and pillow sprays plus other interesting items. Stay with us as we look to move, yes I said MOVE, to a larger space and host some pop up dates in near future.

08/31/2024

What are we serving on our final tea? Delicious, tasty and memorable food enjoyed in a beautiful location with your favourite people. Thank you to Val for the photos.

08/30/2024

Going out with a fanfare of desserts. Peach meringues, devils food cake with chocolate ganache and lavender frosting, lemon curd tarts, lime yogurt bars and mini battenburgs are loaded up for our final Afternoon Tea weekend. All homemade in-house. You can taste the freshness. You’re welcome!

08/28/2024

When can I drive?

08/27/2024

What a special day filled with special people and lovely gifts from visiting guests. Our last Lunch and Learn and such a wonderful presentation from Christa of . These events have been a terrific way to bring people and business owners together.

08/25/2024

VIP visitors today.

Not a tea party but a reason to celebrate family.

Noah sporting one of our children’s aprons whilst scrutinizing the quality of the crab apples.

08/25/2024

Orders are open for next week and filling up quickly! We’ve got limited spaces open so please message us if you’d like to order.

It is Vive Lavender Farm’s last weekend open for afternoon teas this season. If you’d like to order for this weekend- don’t miss out.

08/25/2024

Ever wondered what behind the scenes looks like of preparing for your Afternoon Tea?

Every table and every guest is listed with their special requests, before we start the day serving we select china for your table, coordinating each piece to enhance your tablescape. Then each of the bone china 3-tier is marked for the booking guest along with special instructions. When those decisions are made the clean linens and silverware are selected for the table we have appointed for your stay.

When you arrive, we greet you, show you to your table and provide a menu of teas to select your choice. When you have given your tea choice and our staff member served you we put together your tier of fresh, homemade and delicious food which is delivered to your table.

Today, I heard more than twice, women exclaim that this was a dream come true for them. To enjoy a wonderful afternoon with friends, seated in a gorgeous garden and eating delectable goodies.

And you wonder why our guests feel special and keep returning?

It’s the little things done well. That’s all.

08/24/2024

Our most visited and loveliest of guests came for tea today and brought a dear family member.

We chose the premium location on the dock with fountains behind as a perfect place to have tea.

It’s such an honour to be appreciated and supported by wonderful guests and we certainly don’t take that for granted.

Thank you for the pic Judy!

08/24/2024

As we are coming close to the end of our season we are hearing so many requests about what is happening next to Vive Lavender Farm.

The truth is, we are a work in progress, many new opportunities are ahead and exciting new chapters to begin.

However, we do want to remain faithful to the reason we opened this business and the many, many guests who have found this experience to be so beautiful.

We probably won't be posting too much on social media as we already have a huge following of loyal guests but the best way to keep in contact and stay up-to-date is to sign up for our newsletter.

We promise we will not overload your inbox with unnecessary emails, only keeping you informed of how the business is changing, what we will be offering and when those events will happen.

After three incredible seasons and the amazing loyalty that has been nothing short of humbling, we know that what has been created here cannot disappear, it has a life of its own and will over the next few months alter in appearance but never falter from the quality and kindness that has set us apart.

Stay well friends and sign up below:
http://eepurl.com/gsyMFD

08/22/2024

Only two weekends left to experience the most authentic of Afternoon Teas here in Durham Region. Prepared and baked in our kitchen using traditional British baking recipes by a Brit herself. Including real Devon Clotted Cream. We are unique and proud of the excellence we offer from ambience to location to staffing and service and quality of food. If you wish to do something do it to your best ability as anything less is missing your potential to shine.

08/22/2024

Deep in our forest lies magical spaces where time stands still and the air is filled with tranquility.

08/21/2024

And you wonder why I’m chill?

08/21/2024

What a great day we had today with Christa of presenting on enfleurage. Our guests from Port Perry Probus club loved their time here.

Christa is returning next week on Tuesday Aug 27th with a repeat Lunch and Learn.

We have some seats still available so call and book today. You will love it!

Thank you to all those who came and participated.

08/21/2024

The reality of starting a business, being your own boss, social media promoter, networking pro and advocate, on top of actually doing your business is a huge mountain to climb.

This particular article was actually a Case Study that Digital Main Street requested that illuminated the benefits of working with their organization and utilizing various tools to help new businesses increase their digital presence and educate owners to be more tech savvy.

I liked the interviewer and appreciated the spotlight, however, I’m sure there are talented writers locally who could be engaged by our northern townships to shed lights on the hardworking entrepreneurs and also have had the opportunity to visit.

Nothing like promoting our own, building up each other and creating a vibrant community in which we all win.

Anyone interested in doing this?

08/19/2024

The only spaces remaining are few. Don’t miss out, contact us today.

08/19/2024

Hands up if you’ve visited and experienced our outdoor Afternoon Teas? Only two weekends remain.

08/18/2024

The last few weeks have been incredibly exciting and overwhelming.

Despite the crazy weather reports and the last minute change of plans we have forged ahead and been able to fulfill our services to guests. And always done with a smile.

Our visitors have been courteous and appreciative of our hospitality and the feedback so wonderfully humbling.

So, with the final two weeks of the season remaining, I wanted to thank all the hearts and hands that go into making this enterprise into such a magical place to visit, work and live in. We know we are blessed. Everyday.

To those who have expressed regret at no more Afternoon Teas, stay with us. We will have updates in the next few months and some super exciting news for you.

We didn't open the property just as a business, it is a way of life, a peace of heaven on earth, and so many have delighted in their time here. We know that is the hard part to lose.

Thank you for the encouragement, the support, the purchase of services, events and products (we are almost completely sold out of inventory - new stock needed this week) and the friendship and comaderie that has developed. We are so grateful for each one of you.

08/18/2024

Here we go!

The final countdown to closing for the season is ahead.

Only two weekends for Afternoon Teas (Fri & Sat) and one Lunch and Learn remain open. Limited seating for the teas, so best to email for specific availability. Still some spaces remain for the fabulous Lunch and Learn with Christa of who is presenting on the process of enfleurage. A must hear event for any flower/plant/herbal lover!!! Lunch is included.

Call 905-868-0905 to inquire about availability or email [email protected].

08/16/2024

Couldn’t have said this any better. Get the easy stuff right. The rest follows.

08/15/2024

I don’t like having to point this out, but it seems the message is not being received by some .

Just a polite reminder that we are only open for pre-arranged tea bookings.

Our lavender bloom season is over. Our amazing Afternoon Tea guests have until the end of August to visit.

Absolutely no walk-ins as we already have guests who will be here.

We want to ensure the privacy of both our valued guests and our family home.

Stay tuned for updates later this Fall.