Tag Archive for: workshop

The Biodynamic Journey: From Garden to Plate workshop

Thank you to Gill Bacchus, for this post:

On 15 March Titirangi Rudolf Steiner school teachers hosted a workshop that focussed on biodynamic gardening principles and how they can be practically applied in school and home gardens; preparing and eating nutritious vegetables and their health benefits.

Diane de Saint Quentin greeted 14 participants warmly and guided them on a tour of several productive gardens that harmoniously blend into extensive bush clad school grounds. “Have you ever wondered how some gardens manage to flourish even in the face of challenging conditions? she asks. As we wander through the gardens, Diane emphasises the art of observation and the importance of understanding nature as a whole ecosystem. Discussions spark among participants:

· Could these holistic methods regenerate even the most depleted soils?

· How might these principles be applied to urban home plots and container gardening?

The answers begin to reveal themselves as the group explores the orchard and the Ngahere (bush kindergarten) garden beds. The teachers and parents speak to the land’s resilience and their commitment to learning about biodynamic practices. Together, they navigate challenges such as dry summer heat, limited water, and bush terrain. These spaces prove vital for children, fostering connection to nature, inspiring curiosity, and cultivating stewardship. Attendees begin to reflect: What does it truly mean to nurture the land that sustains us? We see how biodynamics has built fertile soil and discuss how the soil and plants could be further improved such as applying preparation 501 to balance the growth from preparation 500 application.

Next, Gill Bacchus invites participants to look beyond the soil – to their relationship to plants and their food. Drawing inspiration from Rudolf Steiner’s teachings, she highlights the profound connection between plant vitality and human well-being. “What does the flavour of a tomato reveal about its nutritional life force?” she asks, offering both supermarket and biodynamic tomatoes for tasting. The contrast is striking: the biodynamic tomatoes radiate vibrancy, embodying the care and holistic practices invested in their growth. She discusses how formative forces enhanced by a biodynamic system increase plant vitality and stimulate our physical, soul and spiritual health.

As midday arrives, the enticing aroma from the outdoor kitchen draws everyone near. Kevin Helas, founder of The Wholefood Kitchen, greets the group with culinary wisdom and a simmering pot of stock. “Simple ingredients,” he explains, “yield the richest meals when treated with care and creativity.” Sharing his macrobiotic expertise, Kevin demonstrates how seasonal, foraged produce like nettle and potatoes served with sourdough bread can be transformed into nutrient-dense soup and one-pot meals bursting with flavour. The act of sharing food became- a moment to savour not just the kai but also the deep connections – to nature, to ourselves, and to the life-sustaining cycles that surround us. Kevin introduces the Māori concept of kotahitanga (unity), emphasising the profound bond between people, the whenua (land), and its abundant bounty. In this shared tasting, kai becomes an expression of gratitude and celebration, woven into a tapestry of holistic connection.

As the workshop draws to a close, teachers meet with Gill and Diane to continue their good work of embed biodynamic principles within the school. Plans emerge for more compost-making sessions and further application of biodynamic preparations.

Practical Biodynamics – an exciting new workshop

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!

Land Based Primary Production Students in Action

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.

2018 Biodynamic Conference – Water & Light

The theme for the 2018 Biodynamic Conference is Water and Light.  And what a wonderful place to appreciate both – Central Otago.

The 2018 Biodynamic Conference will take place from Friday, 22nd to Sunday, 24th June 2018.  The first day will be spent at The Orchard Garden in Clyde and moving to Rippon Vineyard for the Saturday and Sunday workshops.

Keynote addresses will be given by Thea Maria Carlson, the newly appointed Executive Director of the American Biodynamic Association (BDA), who will share highlights of the BDA’s recent work in promoting the biodynamic movement in North America.

The second keynote speaker is Ian Trousdell, director of The Foundation for Water.  Ian will talk on the rhythmical dynamic flow and energy of water.

There will be workshops on Maori Star Lore and the Dark Skies, which is appropriate as this is around the time of year that the festival of Matariki is celebrated.  Other talks will cover tree pruning and working with the biodynamic tree paste, along with further talks on water and light.

Mark your calendar now for an inspiring weekend.  Even better, book your flights and accommodation!  The Queenstown Winter Festival is on at the same time so it will be a busy place to get to.  More details and updates will be added here or on our Facebook page in the coming weeks.

(Photo: Rippon)

Nourish to Flourish: Introduction to Biodynamics

14 Oct—19 Nov 2017. For absolute beginners!  Combine online learning with practical workshops. See under NEWS & EVENTS.

2017 pre-conference workshop

Newsflash! We’re thrilled to announce we’re hosting a pre-conference introduction to biodynamics: Bringing life to urban gardens.

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Coromandel workshop

A workshop demonstrating how biodynamics can be practically used in our gardens, orchards and farms to grow strong, healthy plants and animals and high quality food, will be held on Saturday 7 February at 2628A Rings Road, Coromandel.

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