ABOUT PHYTOFARM
Herbal medicine is the -medicine of the people.- It has long been used to maintain health and treat aliments. Through observation by ordinary people, it has evolved as a viable, modern alternative.
At Phytofarm we bring herbal medicine back to its rightful place in garden plots and promotes the ancient kitchen and herbal pharmacy that uses plants in our environment.
WHAT IS IN A NAME?
Phyto means plant. We use the word in our name because healing plants are so important at our medicinal plant farm.
A FARM OF DIVERSITY:
- redwoods, Tasmanian Blackwoods, and Red Elder provide a shady canopy for forest loving medicinal plants.
- fenced valleys and wetlands for native tree regeneration.
- plantings of medicinal trees - Ginkgo, Elder and Chaste Tree are being established.
- the sunny, north facing, heart-shaped, formal herb garden is dominated by a large garden folly symbolising the Aortic Arch.
- the garden beds contain a Materia Medica of plants suitable for the South Island-s temperate climate.
- plots of culinary and edible flower beds provide a selection of microgreens favoured for their concentrated nutrition.
- plants with striking flower heads, leaf shape or seed pods are laid out behind perennial borders.
- aromatic hedges contrast with wild meadow and pasture herbs.
The principles of sustainable and organic farming are crucial to this herb farm. Crops are managed with generous dressings of compost and peastraw for moisture retention and weed control.
Phytofarm Summer News & My Profile
13th March 2010
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.
