Gardening – Great Barrier Island News

Freshly Harvested Carrots: A Vibrant Addition to Your Autumn Garden

Community News

Aotea Autumn Planting: A Comprehensive Guide

As Autumn unfolds, it’s time to prepare our gardens for winter. Great Barrier Island’s unique coastal environment presents specific challenges, from sandy soils and sea spray on the east coast around Medlands to the damp, windy conditions on the west…

Raised amidst natural beauty and sustainable living of Great Barrier Island, Nikolai Macnee is now taking those values global. Photo / Supplied

Environment & Ecology

Island Roots to AgTech Innovator

Raised amidst natural beauty and sustainable living of Great Barrier Island, Nikolai Macnee is now taking those values global.

Nature's Bounty: A Lush Edible Garden Flourishes Under a Canopy of Citrus Trees. Photo / Milkwood

Grow Wild: Unleashing Aotea’s Potential with Edible Forests

Photo / Milkwood On Aotea we’re constantly exploring ways to live more sustainably and harmoniously with our surroundings. One method, which promises to enhance our self-sufficiency and support local ecosystems, is the establishment of edible forest gardens. Why an Edible…

Despite having no official basis, the Kowhai flower is commonly considered the National flower of New Zealand. Sophora microphylla is a spectacular, semi-evergreen, spreading tree, particularly in spring when it bursts into deep yellow flower. Observed on the shores of Lake Te Anau, New Zealand. Photo / Alan Vernon

Environment & Ecology

Plants are Flowering Earlier than Ever – Here’s How they Sense the Seasons

Despite having no official basis, the Kōwhai flower is commonly considered the National flower of New Zealand. Sophora microphylla is a spectacular, semi-evergreen, spreading tree, particularly in spring when it bursts into deep yellow flower. Observed on the shores of…

Fermenting Fundamentals: A Workshop Whisking Great Barrier into a Probiotic Paradise. Photo / Local Food Initiative

IsleStyle

Fermenting Fest: Gear Up for Gut-Friendly Workshop

Grow Food Aotea is stirring up community interest with a fermentation workshop designed to unlock the secrets of kitchen alchemy. On Saturday, March 9, islanders are invited to gather at Okiwi Passion from 9:30 AM to 2:30 PM for a…

Seize the Season: Grow Food Aotea's Timely Workshops on Pre-Winter Planting

IsleStyle

Seize the Season: Winter Vegetable Gardening Workshops On the Way

With the chill of winter on the horizon Grow Food Aotea is launching a series of workshops aimed at helping the community plant their vegetable gardens in time for a hearty harvest. The sessions will equip islanders with the skills…

IsleStyle

Tropical Fruit Growing Workshops Look Set For Island

Islanders eager to diversify their gardening skills have a unique opportunity coming up this March. Hugh Rose, the Chair of New Zealand Tropical Fruit Growers, is planning to host workshops focused on growing tropical fruits such as bananas and pineapples…

With their vigorous growth and ability to tolerate sandy soil, passionfruits grow great on Aotea. Photo / Paul Munhoven / CC

Community News

Island Eats: What Grows Best on The Barrier

As residents of our unique community, we are fortunate to have the opportunity to grow our own fruits, vegetables, and even explore the wilds for rongoā Māori herbal extracts.