Our task was to remove the pernicious weeds growing around the lavender plants while talking to potential suitors. I’m not sure if it was the slower pace of the event (we had 10 minutes with each person compared to the more usual three of a speed dating session), the bright sun and fresh air, or the hand-made goodies we munched on between sessions, but the whole thing felt a lot less alienating than sitting behind a glossy table in a chic and anonymous bar.