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Learn about the unique tradition of rose harvesting in the Bulgarian rose valley

World, Europe, Bulgaria, Паничерево

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Travel dates

About the workproject

We need 6 volunteers

We (Dany, Johanna and our 1.5yo daughter Ani) are growing oil-bearing roses in the Bulgarian Rose Valley.
Our goal is to create fields of roses in the Rose Valley that we can be proud of. We aim to produce as sustainable and organic as possible. In sharing our experiences we hope to bring new light to the tradition and beauty of the Bulgarian Rose Valley. We welcome everyone to join us in our quest whether for a glimpse or a memorable picking-season.
During May and June the rose harvest takes place. This is our busiest time of the year and we like to share this special time with interested people,
We usually have between 3 and 6 volunteers at a time and share all our meals together.
Work involves getting up very(!!) early around 4-5 am and pick the roses in the fields until around 8-11 am depending on the yield that day.
Then everyone usually appreciates some time to shower, rest and relax. There is a lake nearby suitable for boating or swimming. We also have two mountain bikes available for exploring the area around.
Some days we head to the fields in the afternoon for a couple of hours of maintenance work (weeding etc) or do a few smaller projects in the garden or around the house.
The overall working time is in average 4-5 hours a day (not including helping with the preparation of meals or dishes etc). There might be a day with a couple of hours less and then some other busy day with 1-2 hours more.
In the mornings it's usually a bit chilly and gets warmer as soon as the sun gets up around 6-7 am.
As we have to get up so early during the harvest, we usually go to bed around 8-9 pm.
May usually can have some rain falls and even without the rain the fields are wet in the morning due to morning dew, so proper rain gear is essential to keep dry and happy grin We do have a range of rubber boots so as long as you have a good rain coat and pants that should be enough.

About the host

Johanna (40)

Host since

2019

Languages

English, German

Last seen online

more than 6 month ago

We (Dany, Johanna and our 1.5yo daughter Ani) are growing oil-bearing roses in the Bulgarian Rose Valley. We researched the idea of planting roses in Bulgaria since Dany inherited several hectares of land located in the Bulgarian Rose Valley from his grandmother.

Growing up in a city, I always dreamed of having a garden one day - Now, I find myself working away on our rose fields in the Bulgarian Rose Valley carrying on the ancestral tradition of growing Rosa damascena for rose oil production.

Having studied chemistry, I am always interested in the ingredients of cosmetics and their impact on our health and the environment. For us it was never a question not to produce organically and only use absolutely natural ingredients.

Project dates

Open for offers, contact us


Work to be done


Expected workhours

  • 5 hours a day
  • 7 days a week

Work exchange deal

  • tent

We offer tents in our garden and provide mats and sleeping bags. We have an outdoor kitchen and spend most of our time outside.

  • shared meals

We share all our meals together, so everyone helps with preparing, cooking and cleaning. We can cater to vegetarians.

  • no money is involved

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