Winter Redwood Field Lab 2019
Wildflower Harvest 2016/2017
Salmon Lake Lodge 2015
In Winter of 2019 the Candy Mountain Collective crew stewarded the Juniper Ridge annual Field Lab harvest in the redwood forests of Mendicino, California. We were tasked with documenting the processes of harvesting and distilling the aromatic elements of the biome as well as capturing the finished product being used.
Each year, Juniper Ridge forages during the spring bloom. During the Big Sur, Anza Borrego, and Sierra Buttes Wild Flower Harvest, we accompanied the gang to document their process and passion in sustainably harvesting local flora to distill into natural fragrance.
Nestled on 90 acres of pristine Mendocino wilderness, we got cozy and creative to concoct the Winter Redwood Essential Oil.
Essential oil is about the combination of four elements; a base of spicy fungal soil, sides of ocean and woodsmoke, with a conifer crown.
The abundance of water this winter means this harvest will be heavy on the earthy soil-based spiciness, lighter on the evergreen, and infused with the smoke from our cabin fires and salt from the stormy sea.
This Field Lab yielded; liquid cologne, room spray and hand and body wash. All steeped with their limited one-time-only combination of this earthly moment. A season in scent.
Going to the Mountains
Harvesting Wild Plants
Distilling Natural Fragrance
Enjoying Perfume
On location with the Juniper Ridge crew surveying in the Sierra Buttes. The first step in preparing mountain fragrance.
Maybe the most important part of spring bloom is the lone honey bee.
Witnessing the formation of tree sap into cologne it is evident why all Juniper Ridge products transport you back into nature.
The best part about the Field Lab van is that you can take it anywhere, making the distillation process one of enjoyment and connection with your surroundings.
Using an old whiskey still over a campfire to create this fragrance made from local flura.
Camping with owner, Hall, is like taking a college course in botany where every class is an extensive field trip with no schedule.
Welcome to the Anza Borrego super bloom!
Finally, the fruit of our labors – a distilled and bottled scent, that with one spray, will transport you back to the trails of California.
Don't tread on me.
Bathing in celestial light and taking turns telling past life stories over the fire after a long day hiking through the desert.