Articles

This has to be one of the best ways to spend a day out of town. Already the drive along Lake Ellersmere, past Birdlings Flat and then into Okuti Valley takes you away into a different world
Valmai is a wonderful host and you will be greeted with tasty and wholesome beverages.
We loved all of the experience: exploring the woods, the herb and vegetable gardens and the processing room.
Lunch is created mostly from locally grown organic produce. What a creative and wholesome feast!!
The afternoon would be the highlight when we got a chance to make our own products and take them home.
The skin lotions have been used by us over and over again and we have made them at home since following the recipes.
They are the best products I have ever used for my skin with no adverse reaction from my normally very sensitive skin.
Thanks Valmai – we will be back!!!
Dr Sylvie McLean St Martin Veterinary Clinic

Thanks Valmai for a brilliant day out. The workshop was thoroughly enjoyable and great value for money especially with all of the beautiful products we made and got to take home. The skin products are the best I have ever used! Who knew you could make your own skin care products that work better than department store brands. Highly recommended!
Karyn South Owner & Director of RDU Radio Station, Canterbury

I really enjoyed the herbal workshops at Phytofarm and learnt a great deal about the value, properties and uses of many herbs. Valmai has a wealth of knowledge about herbal medicine and she has an excellent teaching style based on many years experience. The courses were very good value for money in terms of information gained and the range of lovely take home products we made.
Kate
Nelson

I recently had a most wonderful day at a Phytofarm spring workshop.
Valmai’s knowledge of herbs and health is inspiring, and I particularly enjoyed learning how to make natural skin care products and the use of herbs for health and daily life.
What a fantastic day to relax with friends, commune with nature and be treated to Valmai’s hospitality.
Dr. Victoria Flight

What a healing experience!  The fasting retreat was a wonderful way to examine and shift my relationship with food and eating.  I was shocked by the abundant energy I experienced during the retreat.  Awakening bright and clear in the morning, exercising with ease, experiencing little negative thought during the fast taught me of how my regular diet affects my wellness (or lack of it) and has inspired me to make some changes.  I felt well supported by Valmai and Phillippa as facilitators.  The heaps of knowledge, experience and compassion they brought to this retreat was evident.  Their passion for wellness is infectious!
I did the fasting cleanse as preparation for major surgery and entered hospital calmly with a loving connection to my body.  Following the operation, hospital staff, friends, and even my surgeon remarked on my vibrant, healthful recovery.  I credit the fasting retreat for a big piece of that and would recommend it to anyone
warmly,
Caralyn Nelson