Journal—
Our story, Black Teal Bay news and developments… as well as what inspires us.
Book review: The Ghost in the Garden
The Ghost in the Garden is a fresh perspective of Charles Darwin told through the lens of “The Mount”, the seven acre estate where Darwin was born and spent his childhood up to the age of 16.
Book review: Rooted
Rooted explores connections between humans and the wild, natural world and focuses us back on how we can learn to live with the natural world at the crossroads of science, nature, and spirit.
Book Review: Orwell’s Roses
George Orwell is best known for novels such as “Animal Farm” and “1984,” that focused on the decline of empire, the rise of fascism and the tyranny of communism. What is less well known is that in 1936 he planted roses in the garden his small rented country cottage and remained a keen gardener throughout his life.
Lavender Reduces Anxiety Naturally
While lavender has been known to be a natural remedy for centuries, recent studies are now confirming that lavender can relieve anxiety symptoms and assist you be naturally calmer and more grounded.
Book review: The Sakura Obsession
The Incredible Story of the Plant Hunter who Saved Japan’s Cherry Blossoms by Naoko Abe
Book Review: A Sting in the Tale
A Sting in the Tale is one man's quest to save the bumblebee and is an entertaining read that combines humor with real research and is no dry “science book”.
Book Review: The Secret History of Here
The Secret History of Here is an interesting and very personal book. It is a diary of daily life with a twist that draws you in, centred on a small farm in Scotland, progressively revealing its history together with the seasons.
Book Review: The Well Gardened Mind
The Well Gardened Mind is about more than the therapeutic uses of gardens and helps us understand why gardens and nature are beneficial for our wellbeing.
Our Black Teal Ducks
Our Black Teal Bay brand is in recognition of the friendly and relaxed Black Teal ducks we regularly encounter as they swim and diving out on the lake.
Traditional Copper Alembic Distilling
Black Teal Bay distils its essential oils on-site using its two traditional copper Alembic stills. While newer materials have been introduced copper remains the preferred material for quality artisanal essential oil producers.
Book review: Tokachi Millennium Forest
The Tokachi Millennium Forest is a 400-hectare ecological restoration project on what was formally degraded farming and land in Hokkaido Japan. Owner Japanese magnate Mitsushige Hayashi’s vision was to create a new public park that would bring people closer to nature and to be a sustainable garden for 1,000 years. He hired landscape designer Dan Pearson who together with head gardener Midori Shintani have made this vision a reality...
Book Review: The Thoughtful Gardener
The Thoughtful Gardener is a beautiful autobiographical book by award winning garden designer Jinny Blom. It is the story of her quest to become a ‘master craftsman’ of garden design and the evolution of her style over 20+ years across more than 250 gardens around the world.
Pure Lavender Hydrosol
Lavender hydrosol is the aromatic essence that is obtained through the gentle steam distillation process from cut lavender flowers. Lavender hydrosol offers numerous therapeutic properties and benefits to mind, body, and spirit.