As I’m sure you guys know by now, I’m all about learning the process behind the things that I love. Whether it be fashion, an interior idea or a beauty product – I’m always on a mission to understand more about how and why something is done the way it is. And possibly learn to do it myself!
You won’t be surprised then to know that I was very excited to be invited to travel to the Adelaide Hills by Jurlique, to tour and shoot on their amazing biodynamic farm and learn more about how one of my favourite skincare brands makes their products. It also only seemed right to share this gorgeous flower filled trip on Valentine’s!
The Jurlique Farm
I admit I wasn’t that knowledgeable about the background of the Jurlique farm, but quickly learnt the history. The farm was founded by Jürgen and Ulrike Klein, a biochemist and a botanist who had always been passionate believers in the healing power of nature. They searched the world for the purest place on earth to establish the Jurlique farm and grow the ingredients for their skin care range, and finally chose this stunning location in the South Australian Hills. Wandering the farm in the early morning, with crystal clear air, the grasses swaying in the breeze and birds warbling in the trees, it’s no surprise they decided on this spot. I myself am busy working out how I can stay longer.
These fields grow all the botanical ingredients that go into Jurlique’s products.
The farm itself is 155 acres of hills and fields, which the Jurlique farming team have been been caring for and transforming into a bustling ecosystem since they arrived. Amongst the fields of flowers like roses and lavender and the medicinal herbs including calendula and marshmallow root, there is a pretty dam, around which native riparian bushland has been revitalised (the team have planted more than 10,000 native trees on the farm) to encourage local fauna.
In the production areas, the farm grows more than 30 different types of flowers and herbs which are used for the products that Jurlique is known for, and speaking to the farmers on site, there’s an obvious interest in experimenting with new plants and herbs. Their passion is evident, not only in how lovingly the farm is looked after, but in their eagerness to share everything they know with us.
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We got a glimpse of a few new products. Stay tuned. - We got a glimpse of a few new products. Stay tuned.
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Avenues of flowers are so much better than actual avenues. Right? - Avenues of flowers are so much better than actual avenues. Right?
The Seed to Skin Journey
During the tour I learnt so much about the process behind the biodynamic practices on the farm. I was a complete novice so it was great to get such a hands on explanation. For those of you who aren’t familiar, biodynamic farming is similar to organic farming, the main difference being that in addition to pesticide and GMO free, biodynamic farming uses principles that add nutrients to the soil over time, rather than depleting it.
It was originally developed by Rudolf Steiner and aims to create a balanced and and healthy ecosystem from within the farm itself. This approach underlines every element of the farming practice, starting from the ground up. It was so interesting to see in action the making of ‘500’, a rich fertiliser that not only feeds the crops but restores nutrients to the land.
After learning about the soil preparation, we visited the hothouses which is where the team propagate the cuttings and seeds and grow them until they’re ready to be planted into the soil. We then explored the fields of flowers and visited the herb gardens – my idea of heaven.
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We got to tour the grow houses. - We got to tour the grow houses.
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This is where the magic happens! - This is where the magic happens!
Finally, we visited the drying sheds. This is where the flowers are brought after they are hand harvested at their peak. The scent of roses and chamomile was intoxicating! Once they’re dry, the ingredients are sent to be extracted and made into products like my favourite Rosewater Balancing mist.
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Even the drying shed was pretty. - Even the drying shed was pretty.
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Wish this was scratch and sniff! - Wish this was scratch and sniff!
Not only was it eye opening to see the biodynamic process first hand, I was also happy to learn how committed Jurlique is to sustainability in other ways. The farm utilises clean energy (via solar panels), zero waste landfill, and recycled water for irrigating crops, for a commitment to the planet that speaks volumes about the company and its products.
I’m so happy to share some photos of the farm with you, although it’s a shame you can’t smell it through the screen, it was honestly sensory overload – if only this blog was scratch and sniff!
Roses as big as your fist.
It goes without saying that my first day ever in South Australia was a good one.
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*Faceplant* - *Faceplant*
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So many amazing herbs on the farm. - So many amazing herbs on the farm.
Heaven.
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Another amazing product - the Activating Water Essence. - Another amazing product – the Activating Water Essence.
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Flower farm life. - Flower farm life.
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Biodynamic beauties. - Biodynamic beauties.
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It was amazing to see how this product is made. - It was amazing to see how this product is made.
Hoping that if I blend in they’ll let me stay.
More is more, right?
I had such a lovely time on the farm, and I can’t wait to go back some day. In the meantime, spritzing myself with Rose Water Mist is the perfect alternative. Big thanks to Will & Co for such a fun day of shooting!
You can learn more about the farm and organise a visit for yourself here. This post is in collaboration with Jurlique. My dress is from Hazel and Folk!
