A Day at Cherry Valley Lilac Farm
My friend Nini Ordoubadi of Tay Tea in Delhi, NY, arranged a small gathering of women for a visit to the beautiful fields of Cherry Valley Lilacs. The farm is home to more than 150 varieties of lilacs, a remarkable collection that fills the landscape with color and fragrance each spring.
What made the day even more special was that we were guided by the farm’s owner, Charle-Pan, whose work with lilacs has become something of an obsession and a craft. She has spent years experimenting with ways to capture the elusive scent of lilac — something that is famously difficult to do.
Lilacs are beautiful, but they are also fleeting. Their bloom lasts only a short time each spring, and their fragrance resists traditional methods of extraction. Unlike roses or jasmine, lilacs do not produce an essential oil when distilled, which is why most lilac perfumes on the market are synthetic interpretations rather than the real flower.
Charle-Pan has dedicated herself to working with the real blossoms and developing methods to preserve their true aroma. The result is extraordinarily rare: a pure lilac essence created from the flowers themselves.
Walking through the fields with her was like being inside a living library of lilacs. Each variety had its own character — some soft and powdery, others green and bright, others deep and almost spicy. The air itself felt layered with scent.
Responsible for bringing together this lovely group of women was Nini, founder of Tay Tea in Delhi, NY. Nini is known for her thoughtful, handcrafted tea blends and her deep curiosity about plants, flavor, and the rituals that connect us to the natural world. Her teas are designed with the same sense of care and craft that Charle brings to her lilacs. Both women approach their work with a similar philosophy: honoring plants and the quiet knowledge they carry.
The day unfolded slowly — wandering the rows of blooming shrubs, learning about the history of lilacs, smelling blossoms directly from the branches, and simply enjoying being outdoors together.
It reminded me how powerful it can be to step away from the rush of daily life and spend time in nature with people who share a sense of curiosity and appreciation for beauty.
Lilacs are a perfect symbol of that idea. They bloom for only a short window each year, and perhaps that is exactly why they feel so special. They ask us to slow down, pay attention, and enjoy the moment while it lasts.
I brought my camera, of course, and photographed the day as it unfolded — the flowers, the light, the conversations, and the quiet joy of being there.
Some experiences are meant to be remembered through scent. Others through photographs.
This one, fortunately, offered both.
Thank you Nini and Charle-Pan!