Holistic Food Growing Workshop

Let us come together to explore interwoven connections of the cosmos and delve into holistic food growing concepts within this expansive workshop. Through our time together we will consider ways to listen to the world, authentic conversations with nature, gardening by the moon, homeopathic preparations, and lay foundations for connection to the entirety of life through specific exercises.

The backdrop to this exploration will be Rudolf Steiner's biodynamics - a beautiful modality that brings the mineral kingdom into balance, produces the most incredible tasting food, cares for all that surrounds us and is within us, and offers opportunities to create a deeper relationship with nature. 

We will make an incredible resource that brings an interconnected intelligence to the soil - Cow Pat Pit. I call it a ‘wonder tonic’. Suitable for a wide variety of uses from a soil conditioner, microbial inoculant, foliar spray, seed soak, tree paste, rooting compound, compost decomposition assistance and so much more. Harnessing natural processes, and the biodynamic compost preparations, it is a joy to witness its unfolding. 

After lunch we will delve into the biodynamic farming and gardening calendar, looking at the relationships between the moon and planets with our gardens and ourselves.

The day will culminate in stirring and spreading biodynamic preparation 500. This helps build soil structure, stimulates microbial activity and the formation of humus, assists in deeper root development, improves climatic tolerance, and assists in bringing overall ecological balance - a foundational building block for a flourishing garden.

This workshop is perfect for anyone growing their own food, or those that have an interest in nutrition, building soil health and climate resilience, or simply a curiosity for the interconnected nature of our universe. Everyone is welcome, no matter where you are on your journey.

We will be outside for the duration of the event.

Please bring a contribution to shared lunch, coffee and tea will be provided.


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As a holistic food systems facilitator, Monique Macfarlane of Natural Wisdom teaches a variety of workshops such as biodynamics, planting by the moon, no-dig food growing, seasonal approaches to gardening and community-sufficiency. She co-creates with biodynamic, organic, regenerative, no-till, and natural principles on four hectares in Waihi that includes a small market garden, orchard, beloved cows, chickens, agroforestry and rewilding native bush.

Her heartfelt passion for food, localisation, and thriving nature is the foundation of her incredible offerings. Monique is an EatNZ Kaitaki, creates a bi-monthly cosmic gardening calendar for the Soil & Health Association, has been a keynote speaker internationally at the Goetheanum, and finds her greatest joy in helping people back to the land, and themselves. Weaving anthroposophy and biodynamics closer together in New Zealand is her current task, breathing deeper life into our soils, our hearts and our being.

See www.natural-wisdom.net