Natural Living Talk

Boysenberries are one of those classic New Zealand summer treasures—big, juicy, sweet-tart berries that thrive in our climate and reward even a small backyard with incredible harvests. Whether you’re growing on a lifestyle block or tucking a row along a fence in town, boysenberries are one of the easiest and most productive berries you can grow. Here’s how to plant, care for, and enjoy this generous berry bush in your NZ garden. 🌱 Why Grow Boysenberries? Huge yields  from j

During one of my recent soapmaking workshops, a lovely participant shared that her plumber advised never  to let fat go down the sink because it’s on a septic tank. A fair concern — and one I hear often. But here’s the good news: Tallow soap is completely safe for septic systems. Let’s walk through this in a simple, homestead-friendly way. To boost the post’s SEO, include a keyword in the title. 🌿 Soapmaking 101: What Actually Happens to the Oils? When we make soap, the oils

Blueberries are one of those wonderful plants that happily earn their place in any homestead garden. They’re beautiful, productive, nutrient-dense, and surprisingly easy to grow once you understand what they like. Whether you’ve got a small suburban backyard or a full homestead block, a couple of blueberry bushes can keep you in fresh, juicy fruit throughout summer—and give you enough extra for freezing, preserving, or baking. Here’s everything you need to know to plant and c

“If you’re interested in living more consciously, two documentaries I recommend are Stink! and The True Cost. Stink! looks at the hidden chemicals in everyday products and why transparency matters, while The True Cost exposes the real impact of fast fashion on people and the planet. Both offer a powerful reminder to question what we buy and choose more mindfully.”

Grow healthier plants, boost your harvests, and create a resilient, chemical-free garden . Companion planting is one of the oldest gardening traditions — pairing certain plants together so they support each other. In New Zealand’s unique climate, where we garden through four seasons, sudden cold snaps, and a huge range of pests (whitefly, aphids, cabbage butterflies, psyllids, slugs, and more), companion planting becomes an incredibly useful tool. Whether you grow in pots, ra

Perfect for small gardens, side yards, patios, and cool NZ climates Not every gardener has a sun-soaked backyard — and that’s perfectly fine. Many edible plants actually prefer cooler conditions and grow just as well (or better!) in partial shade . Whether your garden gets morning light only, dappled shade under trees, or just a few hours of sunshine a day, you can still grow a thriving harvest. Here are 12 easy vegetables (and herbs)  from your list that grow beautifully in

If you’re looking for a crop that’s delicious, reliable, and incredibly fast to grow, radishes are your new best friend. They’re one of the easiest vegetables for beginners, a great way to fill gaps between slow-growing crops, and a surprisingly versatile addition to the kitchen. Whether eaten fresh, pickled, roasted, or tossed into salads, radishes add a crisp, peppery freshness that brightens any meal. Let’s dive into how to grow them, what varieties to try, how to pair the

Perfect for Small Gardens, Raised Beds & New Zealand Backyards Starting a garden shouldn’t feel complicated — especially when you’re just beginning. The trick is to choose crops that are easy to grow, forgiving, space-efficient , and suited to New Zealand’s climate. These 20 favourites tick every box and are ideal for small gardens, raised beds, and even patio-friendly spaces. Home-Grown Vegetables - Are The Best! Growing your own vegetables at home is one of the simplest way

Kiwifruit for a Facial!

I don't think we really understood the importance of individual stores making their own products, being able to go to your local town or nearby town and wander into each store, having a chat to the owner, sampling their wares, knowing that majority of the ingredients would have been sourced locally and having your goods wrapped in paper and string. Well the Soap maker is back! Why do I love making soap for myself, my family, friends, and, of course, those who choose to buy