Tag Archive for: biodynamic community

Practical Biodynamics – an exciting new workshop

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The team at Biodynamics New Zealand have been busy behind the scenes creating an exciting workshop “Practical Biodynamics” – aimed at introducing biodynamics to the keen gardener,  this workshop covers the main principles and practices, whilst you learn the simple steps needed to get started with biodynamics in your own gardens and properties. 

With interest in organic produce and growing methods, continue to gain popularity, biodynamics offers a holistic approach to growing which can enhance any organic or regenerative growing system. Biodynamics is unique, in that, it focuses on working with natures rhythms and uses the biodynamic ‘preparations’, 9 soil remedies made from plants and minerals, to create soil fertility and thriving balanced ecosystems.

Learning new concepts and ways of doing things can often feel overwhelming for those new to biodynamics, this is where the Practical Biodynamics workshop comes in, as it is a fun way to connect with like minded people, learn from a biodynamic practitioner, be introduced to the biodynamic approach and also provides a space for you to ask all your burning biodynamic questions!

Taught by Bridget Henderson a biodynamic practitioner, educator and BDNZ council member, our first Practical Biodynamics workshop was held on Sunday 27th April, 2025 at Ethos Garden.

The day started with a presentation on the main concepts found in biodynamics and then carried on with two hands on activities: burying biodynamic preparation 500 in the ground and spreading it over the Ethos garden.

Participants were also encouraged to bring an empty 2-4 L container so they could take some preparation 500 home to use on own garden or property. We are so pleased to report that the feedback from participants was extremely positive!  

A big thank you to Ethos Garden for providing such a wonderful space to host our workshop in.

BDNZ will be hosting more Practical Biodynamics workshops over the next few months, if you are keen to learn more or to attend one, please keep an eye on the BDNZ facebook page  as we will upload all the details of the event- including location and ticket details, we hope to see you at our next Practical Biodynamics workshop!

Enjoy the last month of 2024!

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And as we move into the last half of December, we thought we would share a few key dates that maybe of interest to you.

Summer Solstice, Saturday 21st December is an ascending fruit day. This is a great time to get your Biodynamic community together for a BBQ and to share some yummy, expressive libations.  If you’re in a region of the country that is experiencing cooler soils you might still be lifting horns; root days, especially Taurus are nice days to work with the soil. 

The Ascending Scorpio moon around the 23rd to the 25th could also work well for lifting horns.  It’s also nice to plan ahead to put 501 on vines in January to improve seed hardening.  Just be careful not to do it when it’s too hot!

For many of us around the country, December has been gifting us with soaring temperatures and lots of summer sun. These hot days provide us with the perfect excuse to seek shelter under the shade of a tree to cool down and to sit and observe the garden/farm/soil for a while.

While we are enjoying the shade, we might like to reflect back on the year and record what worked really well in our gardens, what crops flourished, what may not have gone to plan and to also outline our plans for the garden/farm/vineyard as we get ready to move into 2025.

The council and team members of Biodynamics New Zealand would also like to take this time to wish you, the valued members of our biodynamic community (as well as your families and friends), a peaceful and relaxing Christmas/festive season.

Thank you all, for your support, aroha and for those in our membership, thank you for helping to build a beautiful, thriving biodynamic community, here in Aotearoa.

Enjoy the final month of 2024 and we look forward to sharing more biodynamic news and events in the New Year!

A

Land Based Primary Production Students in Action

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On a ‘descending root day’ the North Auckland, Land Based Training: Sustainable Primary Production students gathered at Shelly Beach Farm to dig up last year’s cow horns and spread 500 on the pasture. By all accounts it was a great social event.

Bridget Henderson has shared with us some fantastic photos of the students in action and the following observation;

“When the horns were laid down we buried some with openings facing down and some lying on their sides.  Upon digging up, the ones facing down had not turned as well as the ones on their sides.. interesting!”

We would like to thank Bridget for sharing with us these fabulous images – its great to see biodynamics in action!

If you have any images and stories of events you have attended around New Zealand, we would love to hear from you and feature your event in our monthly members newsletter, or here on the blog.

Please email secretary@biodynamic.org.nz to share your stories and images.