spring

Phytofarm is in the full flush of spring – the weather in spring is always unpredictable, with climate change perhaps we should prepare for and expect more dramatic changes. A good plan is a flexible plan.

I am always amazed how the seasons come and go. If you are plant person, the plants will indicate how should respond to seasonal change.  How we need to adjust our living patterns to meet these seasonal changes. 

At Phytofarm the garden is coming alive, the plants have detected the change in daylight hours and the warming of the soil. The first plants to show their leaves are: Elecampane, meadow sweet, nettle and calendulas. These are now starting their spring flowering the beds are being re-planted with new seedlings. During the spring the calendula flowers need to be picked every to keep them flowering. 

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products

Enjoy our luscious herbal body butters and creams, delightful tasting teas, infused medicinal oils, tonics and healing salves.

medicinal oils

Our signature range of rich and colourful infused medicinal oils from carefully selected plants.

workshops

Seasonal workshops and tours designed to explore the changes in the garden and use of plants to make fabulous products.

apprenticeship

This programme offers a thorough instruction in the growing, harvesting, processing & manufacture of herbal products.
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our popular tisanes

BERRY NICE WARMING TISANE

A warming blend to fortify yourself for seasonal change.

IMMUNE BOOST TISANE

Improves the function of your immune system.

AROMATIC DIGESTIVE TISANE

A fragrant tisanes that calms the digestive system and refreshes the palate after eating.

SLEEP WELL TISANE

The benefits of quietening, calming and sedative plants that help empty the head and prepare you for sleep.
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HERB OF THE SEASON

Nettle

A prickly difficult plant to handle but this plant punches a power of nutrition and plant actions to help with human health.

In New Zealand there are three species of Urtica – Urtica dioica (greater nettle), Urtica urens (lesser nettle) and the New Zealand native nettle is Urtica ferox (Also known as Ongaonga).  Ferox is Latin for ‘ferocious’, people have been known to die from contact with Urtica ferox. This plant can produce neurotoxic effects with respiratory distress and convulsions. 

The fabulous actions of nettle: Anti-rheumatic, anti-allergic, depurative, astringent, diuretic, and a general tonic.

Have a look for wild nettles in your garden and enjoy as a nutritious substitute for spinach. Similar taste to spinach but no oxalic acid in nettles. The culinary use of nettles: Nettle soup, green goddess tart, spanakopita, dumplings, tossed with ravioli or pasta spirals. 

Products – a tisane, or a vinegar to extract the vitamins – A, B2, C, E and minerals – calcium, potassium, magnesium and iron. 

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events and dates

Phytofarm Apprenticeship Programme
You can download the Apprenticeship Prospectus 2023/24 here and the Apprenticeship Application 2023/24 here.

Our first group is now full. There are only a few spots left for the second intake, the dates  are:
• Spring: 24, 25, 26 & 27 November 2023
• Summer: 9, 10, 11 & 12 February 2024
• Autumn: 5, 6, 7 & 8 April 2024
• Winter: 21, 22, 23 & 24 June 2024

ENROL NOW FOR A NOVEMBER START!

2023 Spring Workshop EXPLORE
In spring the workshop will focus on edible plants that grow in both our medicinal plots and wild plants from the meadow. Dates (10am – 2pm each day):

• Saturday 2 December 2023
• Sunday 10 December 2023 (fully booked)

BOOK HERE

 

2024 Summer Workshop- DISCOVER

In summer the workshop will focus on topical applications using colourful infused oils to make healing skin preparations to nourish and protect the skin over the summer months.

Dates (10am – 2pm each day):

• Sunday 14 January 2024 (fully booked)
• Tuesday 16 January 2024
• Tuesday 20 February 2024
• Saturday 24 February 2024 (fully booked)

BOOK HERE

 

MIXED BOTANICAL DRINKS WORKSHOP
Hosted by Phytofarm, guided by the mixology skills of Hansa Malhotra: Want to learn how to mix a whole new style of mixed drinks?

Learn about non-alcoholic, low-sugar, botanical mixes- prepared with bitters, botanical vinegars, and hydrosols (the steam or water distillation of plants). These are the foundation and structure underpinning an edgy, fragrant botanical drink that will showcase your mixing skills. Hansa will explain and demonstrate the basics of mixing a non-alcoholic botanical cocktail in the inspirational atmosphere of Phytofarm Herbal Garden.

Get the knowledge and skills that will stimulate your creative thinking and drinking! The workshop attendees will receive a booklet of recipes that will be your bar companion, with blank pages for you to record your individual creations. So- come and shake, stir, and sip your way to tasty, aromatic, sense pleasing drinks. Drinks that will transform your concept of cocktail to mock-tail. Great drinks accompanied by great food from the Phytofarm kitchen.

• Saturday 17 February 2024 1pm – 6pm

BOOK HERE

Other times for workshops and garden tours can be negotiated. Please contact Valmai at info@phytofarm.co.nz to discuss.

THE COMMUNITY HERBALIST in AVENA

See our research article on comparison of Hoheria & Marshmallow in AVENA the quarterly journal of New Zealand Association of Medical Herbalists

new products

the tisane sample box

Discover the fresh flavour and benefits of Phytofarm favourites. A collection of four tisanes to develop a daily ritual of tisane indulgence: Immune Boost, Aromatic Digestive, Sleep Well and Berry Nice Warming!

$ 25.00

unisex natural deodorant

This product is formulated for men & women to target odour causing bacteria and is kind to the sensitive under arm skin with the inclusion of virgin coconut oil and aloe vera.  Free from aluminium, parabens, and petroleum jelly.

50 ml $ 22.00

sleep & de-stress balm

Sleep is essential to every process in the body, affecting our physical, mental and emotional ability to function. Getting enough quality sleep is vital for our immunity, metabolic function and to resist chronic disease. Use this balm for tight neck muscles, tension and spasms. Massage into the temples, around the base of the neck or across the forehead for inducing sleep and headaches.

40gms $18.50

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