Phytofarm  has been developed over the last ten years by herbalist and naturopath Valmai Becker as a repository of plants and learning centre. The gardens, manufacturing and drying sheds have been purpose built to provide a practical learning experience in herbal medicine. The four seasons are celebrated with the students from discovering culinary herbal delights of the spring garden, to exploring the abundance of the summer garden and blending quality products from the drying room during the autumn and winter seasons.

Hands-on learning

The apprenticeship is open to anyone who has an interest and passion for learning about medicinal plants. This is a practical learning experience and will include out door activities in the garden and time managing plant material in the drying room. There will be 4 days for each season, 6 hours each day, 24 hours for each season 24 x 4 = 96 total course attendance hours. 10 hours of plant profile home study to be completed after each season, total course hours 136. On successful completion of the apprenticeship the participants will be awarded a Phytofarm Certificate in Herbal Apprenticeship.

Tutor

Kirsty Rees

“From a young age I was drawn to plants and herbs and this interest has grown into passion for natural healing practises. Inspired and shaped by my time in Valmai’s herbalist apprenticeship program, I also bring a strong professional background in programme management and facilitation”.

Contact Valmai on info@phytofarm.co.nz to express interest.

 

Apprenticeship 2025/26 starting November 2025: 

Spring: Fri 14th November – Mon 17th November 2025

Summer: Fri 13th February – Mon 16th February 2026

Autumn: Fri 20th March – Mon 23rd March 2026

Winter: Fri 5th June – Mon 8th June 2026

 

Apprenticeship  

Attendance: 4 Weekends, 1 each season – Friday, Saturday, Sunday, Monday

Hour: 10am – 4pm
Total Attendance Hours: 96

Home Work Hours each season: 40
Total Hours: 136

Feedback from students

STEPHANIE ZEIER

“The amount of knowledge we gained over the four seasons of study was impressive. Each day we had time to put the theory into practice by creating a wide variety of herbal products. I have gained the knowledge, skills and confidence to make herbal products and remedies, for personal and family use or as a business opportunity”.

ANGELA DAWSON

”I now have a greater understanding and physical knowledge of how to create and blend herbs into the most beneficial salves, teas, tinctures, syrups, etc. to suit myself and others…“

JOANNE SYME

“The Phytofarm Herbal Apprenticeship was a truly transformative experience. I learned how to use plants for medicine, craft beautiful herbal products, and follow the rhythms of the seasons. The friendships I formed and the deep connection to nature made it even more special. Highly recommended for anyone wanting to explore the healing power of plants!”

 

Download the Apprenticeship Prospectus 2025/26 here.
Download the Apprenticeship Application 2025/26 here.