Discover the Magic of Canterbury Lavender: A Local Treasure in Southbridge

Tucked away on a five-acre property in Southbridge, Canterbury Lavender is a haven where passion, nature and family come together to create something truly special.  

Owned and operated by Andy and Colleen Teague this boutique, family-run lavender garden creates high-quality, naturally formulated lavender products to locals and visitors to enjoy. 

A Family Dream in Bloom 

The journey of Canterbury Lavender began in 2013 when Andy and Colleen purchased their property, unsure of how best to use the land. After a few years of careful research, they agreed that lavender was the perfect choice and the first 300 plants went into the ground. Today, the garden has grown to just over 1,000 lavender plants. 

Joining the New Zealand Lavender Growers Association provided Andy and Colleen with valuable industry knowledge and access to a distillery, where their essential oils and hydrosols are expertly extracted. 

By 2019, Canterbury Lavender began selling their beautifully crafted products, starting with premium essential oils and soaps. Over time their range has expanded to include luxurious creams, the very popular relaxing sleep roll-ons, room sprays and more, offering customers a natural way to experience the calming benefits of lavender.

Lavender has been cherished for centuries, with ancient Romans and Egyptians valuing it for its aromatic, medicinal and cleansing properties. This rich tradition of harnessing lavender’s benefits continues today, inspiring Colleen to create her own range of natural skincare and wellness products. Each product is handmade in small batches ensuring exceptional quality and care. 

The Harvest: A Labour of Love 

Harvest time is the heart of Canterbury Lavender’s operation. The process begins in December when new flowers are hand harvested for dried flower production. The lavender stems are hung to dry for six weeks before being used in scented sachets and decorative bundles. The main harvest takes place at the end of January, when Andy and Colleen’s family including their grandchildren, come together to gather the fragrant blooms. Using a tea harvester, the lavender is cut and then steam-distilled to extract its precious essential oils, the foundation of their products. 

Pure, Chemical-Free Goodness 

Colleen and Andy are committed to natural and sustainable growing practices. No chemical sprays or fertilisers are used on these hardy plants, just the odd water and steady sunshine.  

Bringing Lavender to Your Home 

People can visit their onsite shop open by appointment, where they can experience the beauty and aroma of lavender firsthand. For those in the local area and parts of Christchurch, Andy even offers free after-work deliveries, making it easy to bring a little lavender luxury into your home. 

A Lasting Memory 

Canterbury Lavender is more than just a business for Colleen and Andy, it’s a family endeavour built on family traditions and a love for nature. They take pride in creating high-quality, handcrafted products that exceed customer expectations that keeps people coming back. Whether you’re looking for a soothing hand cream, a calming room mist, or a thoughtful gift box, Canterbury Lavender offers something special for everyone. 

Experience the beauty, breathe in the soothing aroma and take home a piece of Selwyn’s beautiful tradition of growing and nurturing lavender.