Why "Goldpetals"?

Ellen White Weir created the word "Goldpetals" to capture the essence of calendula - calendula officinalis L. Compositae. Commonly known as pot marigold, this humble herb has a proud history in the perfumery, cosmetic, culinary, and healing arts. Ellen White Weir, one of the nation's leading experts on calendula, leads the renaissance of calendula today. A natural outgrowth of her interest in experimenting with the therapeutic properties of the marigold is Goldpetals, a cottage industry committed to making premium all-natural aromatherapy products to enhance your body and soul.

As Weir's interest in the calendula grew, so did her garden. Weir, a member of Pride of New York, Northeast Organic Farmers Association, Northeast Herbal Association and the National Aromatherapy Association, noted how well this Mediterranean plant thrives with very little assistance on her farm in the heart of Leatherstocking Country in Central New York.  Weir uses no chemical preservatives, and stresses that her products, made of the finest natural ingredients, are made in small batches and have a shelf-life of approximately one year. All of her products are sensitive to heat because of the organic nature of the essential oils.

After attending "herb camp" several years ago, Weir began experimenting with essential oils, balms and creams in her basement and kitchen. Calendula and lavender soon became two of her favorite plants because of their versatility in the areas of health and beauty. Lavender smells divine, and has healing properties that soothe everything from a bug bite, to a nervous condition.  Calendula has the same breadth of healing properties for everything from a chapped baby's bottom to minor cuts and burns. Many of the Goldpetals products include both calendula and lavender because of the  powerful yet gentle quality of their medicinal properties. 

Today a bountiful field of calendula flowers supplies her growing collection of infused body oils and therapeutic formulations. Says Weir, "I love looking out my window and seeing the bright yellow and orange flowers of the marigolds. The petals are like pieces of sun, and they flourish in this climate. The green leaves are an ideal green--an equal mix of yellow and blue."

Observes Weir, "I never imagined my passion for this plant would take shape this way." Early on, friends remarked how much they liked using her products when she gave them as gifts. Soon, they were asking for replacements and offering to pay for it. "I became busier in my kitchen making the balms and sprays than I was at my shop selling tribal rugs and home furnishings." Weir recognized her pastime was becoming a full-time job.

Today, without the distraction of a retail store, Weir is able to focus her attention on Goldpetals (though she still sells rugs to those who know about her fantastic connections to tribes around the world.)

 Explains Weir, "I grow medicinal plants because I want my work to be meaningful. I want to follow my heart for this part of my life's journey. Working the gardens in an earth-friendly way is a way to cultivate the soul. I am a steward of this land. Some of my knowledge of gardening comes from my study of Rudolf Steiner and biodynamic gardening. I am mainly interested in creating an diverse environment for myself, as well as the birds, bees, bats and other pollinators. The gardens and classes on Christian Hill will feature wild and cultivated flora - and I hope it will be a place of learning and fun."

Who uses Goldpetals?

Calendula Lemon Balm is used by gardeners, athletes and others afflicted with chapped, cracked, or irritated skin. It's also suitable for baby bottoms, minor burns, and skin irritations. Friends of Weir's who work outdoors for long periods say it's a remarkable wind protectant and total body moisturizer.