ABOUT PHYTOFARM

In September: There is still opportunity during this month to do a winter workshop, make some great body care products – skin exfoliate, face cream and warming herbal blends. Get details on-site and book for a Winter Workshop. In October: Seaside Wellness Retreat, Yoga & Food for Health PLUS Five Day Fasting Retreat. Both are great retreats for getting into the zone for summer well-being. See Retreat page for details Starts November: A unique learning opportunity in herbal medicine, one year apprenticeship programme with practical hands-on experience with healing plants. See apprenticeship page and download prospectus. Farm News: Woofers Danielle & Paul (UK) have been here for a month helping out in preparation for spring. The herb beds have been revitalised, weeded, perennials divided, dressing of compost added and much mulching. The drying room organised for new seasons crops. A free tea blending demonstration is planned for August 28 10.30 – 12pm. Come along and enjoy a herbal beverage. Spring is the Season of Promise.

The summer workshops have been providing inspiration to a number of people who have witnessed the garden in full bloom and the beginning of the harvest season, the drying room trays stacked with flower heads, aerial parts of aromatic plants hanging from the beams providing both colour and smell. It is a joy to share my passion of healing plants and see others becoming excited about the products they have made. Summer season workshops continue until the end of February so come along for some playing with healing plants. Phytofarm has established two new important links, one with "The Two Herbalists" Colleen Anstey & Kate Mcleary who have opened an innovative practice in St Asph Street Christchurch. Both experienced practitioners who know that Herbal Medicine can make a difference and of course they are great supports of Phytofarm's freshly dried organic teas for their clients. Environmentally aware travellers who are seeking Eco sites in New Zealand can now find a mutual link with Organic Explorer and Phytofarm. My Profile: In the 1980's I owned The Old Shipping Office, an Akaroa restaurant popular for its provincial cuisine, artful plate design; use of herbs and edible flowers. I attained a Diploma in Naturopathy (ND) in 1980 and with this qualification I established and managed a clinical practice for eight years, specializing in using the philosophies and traditions of natural medicine and a holistic self-healing model of wellness. I used Herbal Medicine, Nutritional and Massage Therapy to manage acute and chronic conditions. I am a well known Naturopath and Professional Member of New Zealand Association Medical Herbalists. My passion for Natural Medicine took me into the realm of education and for 17 years I was a Co-owner and Director of Canterbury College of Natural Medicine. As the course director I wrote curriculum to New Zealand Qualifications Authority standard for the Diploma programmes taught at the college and was a teacher in many aspects of Natural Medicine. The development of Phytofarm is now my primary passion and brings together a number of my skills - gardener, teacher, learner and care taker of 30 acres of forest and gardens. I invite you to join me for an inspirational learning experience in herbal medicine, wellness and creating your own garden pharmacy.