The Art of Slowing Down
Winter Sanctuary Workshop | Sat, 11 July 2026 | 1–4pm | $95
Location: The Hearth Room, Blue Petal Botanicals, Taranaki
Are you feeling completely exhausted, yet your mind keeps racing the second your head hits the pillow? As the deep winter chill settles in, nature gives us a clear seasonal cue to pull our energy down into our roots and rest. Join Martina Murray of Blue Petal Botanicals and special guest Ronelba Blanco for a deeply restorative afternoon dedicated to the biological science and traditional ritual of true relaxation.
What we will explore together:
- The Anatomy of Rest: Practical tools to manually flip the switch on a chronically stressed vagus nerve using a simple ear-massage ritual while your evening tea steeps.
- Nervous System Sanctuary: Gentle, restorative meditations and targeted breathing techniques guided by Ronelba to dissolve physical tension.
- Winter Plant Allies: The science of slow-simmering root remedies and a clever garden-loop trick to recycle a warming rosemary foot soak for your citrus trees.
Step off the modern treadmill and match the peaceful, necessary rhythm of the season.
What is included: Ticket price includes all workshop materials, organic herbal tastings, and a seasonal take-home wellness gift. Spaces are strictly limited to ensure a quiet, intimate environment.
Bookings and cancelations:
We offer a full refund for cancellations made at least 5 days prior to the event. For cancellations within the 5-day window, your seat is non-refundable but is fully transferable—feel free to send a friend in your place! If Blue Petal must cancel for any reason, a 100% refund will be issued.
All ingredients provided.
Herbal Cocktails, Mocktails and Shrubs
A Blue Petal Masterclass | Sat, 25July 2026 | 4.30-6.30pm | $95
Location: The Collaboration, New Plymouth
Discover the “missing link” in your beverage cabinet. Join Martina Murray from Blue Petal Botanicals for a hands-on, flavor-filled evening at The Collaboration and discover the art of making herbal and fruit Shrubs - tangy, naturally preserved drinking vinegars that were the original “coolers” of the 18th century.
This session is a celebration of seasonal abundance and sophisticated sipping. We will explore how to combine the “zing” of vinegar with the sweetness of fruit and the aromatic depth of herbs to craft versatile syrups that make the perfect base for cocktails, mocktails or refreshing tonics.
In this interactive masterclass, you will:
- Master the Cold-Press Method: Learn the secrets to extracting vibrant fruit flavors without losing their fresh, botanical essence.
- Botanical Pairing: Discover which herbs - from rosemary to kawakawa - complement different fruits to create a complex, “grown-up” flavor profile.
- The Mixologist’s Secret: Learn how to balance acid, sugar, and botanical notes to replace sugary sodas with a probiotic-rich, refreshing alternative.
- Craft Your Signature Blend: You will chop, macerate, and mix your own custom shrub to take home and age to perfection.
The Collaboration Experience: Once your jars are prepped, enjoy an exclusive after-hours shopping spree at the gallery! It’s the perfect time to explore unique giftware or pick up a Blue Petal Oxymel to continue your flavor experiments at home.
What is included: Ticket price includes full interactive masterclass tuition, all seasonal ingredients and jars, a comprehensive recipe card packet, a tasting flight of botanical drinks and exclusive after-hours gallery access.
Cancelation Policy: We offer a full refund for cancellations made at least 5 days prior to the event. For cancellations within the 5-day window, your seat is non-refundable but is fully transferable - feel free to send a friend in your place! If Blue Petal must cancel for any reason, a 100% refund will be issued.
Sauerkraut & Simple Ferments
Practical Workshop with Brigitte | TBA, 1–4pm
Fermentation is one of the oldest and most accessible ways to preserve food — and it’s far simpler than many people think.
In this practical and approachable workshop, Brigitte will introduce you to the foundations of fermenting vegetables, focusing on sauerkraut and other simple, everyday ferments. You’ll learn how fermentation works, why it’s been valued across cultures for generations, and how to achieve safe, flavourful results at home.
Depending on group size, the session will include hands-on fermenting or a live demonstration with guided participation, ensuring everyone gains clear, transferable skills and confidence.
During the workshop, you’ll:
- Learn the fundamentals of vegetable fermentation
- Understand salt ratios, timing, and storage
- Watch (and possibly take part in) the fermenting process
- Taste finished ferments and explore flavour variations
- Ask questions and troubleshoot common challenges
This session is ideal for beginners and home cooks wanting to build practical fermenting skills in a relaxed, supportive environment.
All ingredients provided.
Cook Smarter with Brigitte: Air Fryer & Herb Hacks for Wholesome Meals
Practical Cooking Demonstration| TBA, 1–4pm
Almost every kitchen has an air fryer, but are you using yours to its full potential? Join Brigitte and Martina at The Hearth: The Home of Blue Petal Wisdom, for a fast-paced, delicious demonstration that will change the way you cook.
In just three hours, Brigitte will show you how to replace your traditional oven with hot-air technology—using 90% less oil and significantly less power. While Brigitte masters the heat, Martina will share "Blue Petal Herb Hacks" to elevate these quick meals into nutritional powerhouses.
What we will cover in this "Flash Demo":
- The Essentials: Perfectly roast beetroot (for salad), golden potatoes, and "pulp" roast garlic for DIY herb butters.
- Quick Proteins: Crispy bacon, meatballs and the secret to perfect sausage rolls.
- Brunch Classics: Corn fritters and air-fried quiche.
- The "Masterclass" Screen: Brigitte will share exclusive film footage and tips for the "Big Roasts"—including the ultimate crispy Pork Belly.
You’ll leave with: A full recipe booklet to transform your weeknight cooking and a belly full of samples!
💛 Cost: $90 per person
Spaces are limited — book early to secure your place.
Looking for a Private Event?
Time Together with Herbs
Gather, Create and Connect – A Private Group Workshop at Blue Petal
Enjoy a curated herbal experience with friends, family or colleagues - the perfect way to celebrate birthdays, festive gatherings or a meaningful team day out. Set in our relaxed rural sanctuary, your group will immerse themselves in the craft of seasonal medicine-making.
Under Martina’s guidance, you will create a bespoke herbal product to take home - perhaps a vibrant infused honey, a botanical vinegar or a signature seasoning mix - all rooted in traditional wellness and culinary practices. This is more than just a workshop; it is a sensory-rich time that celebrates nature, flavour and the joy of creating something by hand.
- Location: The Hearth Room at Blue Petal HQ, Taranaki.
- Customized: Sessions are tailored to suit your group’s specific interests and the season’s bounty.
- Pricing: Starting from $100 per person (2hrs).
Ready to host your own herbal gathering?
Click the "Enquire About a Private Booking" button below to discuss dates, pricing and themes. We look forward to welcoming your group to the table!