Practical Biodynamics

Biodynamics is a form of agriculture very similar to organic farming, but is a deeper holistic, ecological and ethical approach to gardening, food and nutrition. 

Drawn on a series of lectures in 1924 given by Rudolf Steiner, it includes various esoteric concepts and treats the 'farm' as its own living organism, looking to be self-supporting in nature without the use of off-farm inputs. Often remarked, ‘food tastes as it should’ when grown biodynamically.

The day will be part theory, but most importantly part practical and will culminate in a meditative hour stir of preparation 500 - the grounding block of the whole system. We will also make barrel compost / cow pat pit and get to know the nine key preparations we utilise. This hands on experience will give an incredible foundation to be able to include biodynamic principles in your own 'farm organism' - be it a balcony, a backyard garden or a farm!

What we will cover - 
- What is biodynamics and why is it important 
- Building fertility and resilience in your garden naturally
- Characteristics of each preparation
- Different methods of incorporating biodynamics 
- Sourcing the preparations 
- Making Cow Pat Pit / Barrel Manure 
- 500 stir and spread over the land

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. 

We will be based on Paulo Farms, a certified organic property just outside of Waihi that has been utilising biodynamics since 2016. The property encompasses a small market garden, a young orchard, cattle, chickens and is our playground for a self-sufficient lifestyle. It has a beautiful energy about the place, another aspect that flourishes through utilising biodynamics. 

Please prepare to be outside for the duration of the workshop. If torrential rain is forecast, the workshop will be moved forward to Monday 25th September. We will also create a sense of connection and community with a shared lunch, please bring a contribution. Coffee and tea will be provided. 

Facilitated by Monique from Natural Wisdom. 

EVERYONE WELCOME.

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Feedback from previous workshops - 

"Monique’s passion and ability to take a very complex modality and simplify it without losing its essence was very inspiring and confidence building. Up until her course I hadn't started putting in the practical steps as it was a bit overwhelming. I feel like I now have a plan to bring home and start my biodynamic journey." - Helen

"This is a workshop for anyone who has the slightest bit of interest in Biodynamic gardening/farming but doesn't know where or how to start. I love Monique’s dedIcation and passion to Biodynamics and wanting to share and educate by drawing on an impressive bank of knowledge, not only for B.D farming but in other related components and her ability to easily tie them together to form a bigger picture, demonstrating our connectedness not only to the land but the cosmos. Thank you Monique" - Chris

"Monique clearly has a passion for what she does and it is apparent that her and her whānau embody what they teach on their whenūa. As someone who didn’t know much about biodynamics much before this, I can see a new exciting dimension in the cultivation of food through this new found lens." - Billy