Dear reader,
I trust you've all had a wonderful summer and feel refreshed.
I was fortunate to recently have a fortnights really nourishing, wonderful time in the South Island. It all started in Nelson where I was met off the plane by a very supportive friend Candy who took me over to Takaka, there I was picked up by NgAngA another kind friend who took me to Collingwood. I've written a blog about my plant and people adventures here. It's a good read, if I do say so myself.
I ran an enjoyable workshop in the abundant Waimarama Community Garden in Brook Valley Nelson, it was lush with all sorts of vegetables, wild edibles and fruits. They even had chooks, bees and an impressive adobe composting toilet. See some photos below.
In Christchurch I ran a workshop in the suburb of Mairehau in another abundant garden with heaps of wild edibles - we found lots of dandelion, catsear, plantain, mallows, fathen, amaranth, shepherd's purse and more. I stayed with Vanya of Wyenova Organic Farm a most inspiring property totally off grid - solar and wind generation, with her own water and a stunning collection of edible nuts, pip, stone, and berry fruits as well as a wide range of vegetables and wild edibles! What more could I want! I did a weed walk with the vegetarian/ vegan folk who came for dinner, a very enthusiastic group keen to learn about 'weeds'. Vanya took me to meet Phillip who grows herbs, dandelions and chicory on a commercial scale which I found extremely interesting. Some photos of the visit below.
While in Christchurch I experienced the 5.7 magnitude earthquake on Valentines Day! We were just sitting on the ground having a rest after building a hot compost heap when it happened. It felt long and rocky to me, with quite a few after shocks, children screamed and a man swore and there was more damage in areas nearer the epicenter. I really get what those people have been through, it is totally anxiety provoking!
The next scheduled workshop on my website for Sunday 28th February was to be in Havelock North. Due to low registrations we are postponing it to late March or April. I will be unable to make it but Setha will be running another seed processing workshop, so please email her for more information sethasseeds@outlook.com
During March in the Bay of Plenty the Envrirohub puts together a wonderful program of Sustainable Events called 'Sustainable Backyards'. There are all sorts of things on offer so check out the program and download a booklet here. This event is dear to my heart as during the 2012 event I gave my first wild edible workshop. I've taken part every year since including this year when I'll be giving two workshops. One in Papamoa at Jane and Kevin's amazing mini farm, home of Teacher in the Paddock see the details here and then one in Rotorua at Janet's art and mosaic studio, details here. I'm excited about both of these events so please spread the word and I hope to see you there!
Saturday April 2nd Jane Powell and I are going to Kerikeri and a wonderful venue called
flourflower to run a workshop each, mine on edible weeds and Jane's on Nourishing foods. Please see more details here, and spread the word.
Till next time stay well and green blessings to you all,
Julia
