In this beautiful reflective period between the winter solstice and Matariki, let us come together in community for a foundational garden planning gathering. The natural new year is upon us in the southern hemisphere. Let us reflect on what has unfolded over the previous year, and what we desire for the year ahead with the garden.

Intention is a key part when co-creating with nature. What are your intentions moving forward? How do you envision structure, flow and ease in the year ahead? What are the challenges? Wins? Favorite moments? What makes it worthwhile? How do we feed ourselves, our families, and our communities well with nutrient dense food?

Food, and good food at that is getting harder and harder to come by at an accessible price. Let us begin to sow the seeds for the new year, together, woven with great love and care for all that surrounds us.

The day will encompass facets of the following -
- Community and connection
- Tending to our internal garden
- Reflections, intentions, desires
- Planning, structure, joy
- A brief introduction to the power of biodynamics
- Several understandings of how to plant by the moon
- Aspects of no-dig/no-till, organics, biodynamics, natural farming
- Companion planting, guilds, crop rotations
- When to let go, when to hold on
- Understanding dis-ease in the garden
- Creative visioning in the form of pictures, words, mood board
- As well as a variety of resources to peruse

A delicious lunch of organic homegrown soup and buckwheat bread will be served, alongside sweet treats, tea and coffee. Gluten and dairy free options available, vegan on request.

It brings me such joy, to bring this day together for us all, in the reflective, inward space of the winter, birthing forth the new year from within. Book your ticket now and join us!

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About your host…

As a holistic food systems facilitator, Monique Macfarlane from Natural Wisdom teaches a variety of workshops such as biodynamics, planting by the moon, no-dig food growing, seasonal approaches to gardening as well as self-sufficiency. Her heartfelt passion for food, localisation, and thriving nature is the foundation of her incredible offerings.

Currently based on eight hectares in Waihi that encompasses a market garden, young orchard, pastoral grazing, free range chickens and agroforestry, that is certified organic and co-created with biodynamic, regenerative agriculture, natural farming, holistic grazing, and no-till principles.

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Feedback from previous workshops -

"I would highly recommend Moniques workshop to anybody even remotely interested in this area. The presentation of the workshop was practical and relatable which made receiving the content so easy. I didn't come away from this workshop thinking, hmmm, what did that mean? I have come away thinking, that makes so much sense!" - Chanelle

"Monique has a wealth of knowledge and wisdom to share. Her delivery is inclusive of all no matter what level of skills you might have in the garden. Monique’s mission is to support and empower people to become more connected to the natural world through sustainable and dynamic practice. At a time where supply chains are tentative, these workshops create confidence that we all have the ability to grow a lot of our own food, no matter what size property you might have. Monique has lots of tips, to get the absolute best out of your garden! I highly recommend any workshop facilitated by Monique, and look forward to attending upcoming workshops" - Kate

"Monique's workshop was inspiring, informative, down to earth, and tailored to the audience. She is enthusiastic and encouraging, sharing a bounty of knowledge and cultural perspective in a way that makes earth-centric gardening feel achievable no matter who you are. A definite game-changer!" - Briony