Te Kōhanga Kai - The Food Nest

30/04/2026

27/09/2024

Kia ora e te whānau!

It's a weird and vulnerable place putting my voice and personal projects out for everyone to see, but I have heard so often that it's confidence and self doubt that stops a lot of people from starting their own mara kai / vegetable garden. So I really wanted to share what I have been up to.

I am trying something new, something I have never done on my own whenua before. I'm trialing a circular garden layout, AND with no dig.
I have spent years digging up whenua to build my mara kai.
The soil of the whenua I have moved to is so rich and beautiful, organic, and fertile. I wanted to see how things would grow without disrupting the soil. I also wanted to try an indigenous mayan mandala style garden which was known to build an intricate and dense micro-biome connection in the soil.

I'm not sure of how this will turn out, but I trust the process, and have confidence in trial and error. I understand that nothing is or needs to be perfect.

I wanted to share this to highlight that there is no right or wrong way to grow kai, there is just learning. Growing kai doesn't always go as planned, but how will you know if you don't give it a grow?

Even the most experienced gardeners have something to learn, and there is always someone else out there who is trying something new for the first time just like you (and me).
There are so many resources out there to help you along, as well as a huge community in Aotearoa of home gardeners!

My hope is that I may inspire or encourage even just one person to grow something for themselves, to awaken their ancestry of harvesting from the land, and to maybe try something new.

I'll keep you updated on my garden project 🤞🏼👩‍🌾🌱 and I look forward to hearing about yours!

Happy Kōanga everyone 🌻

27/09/2024

Kia ora e te whānau!

It's a weird and vulnerable place putting my voice and personal projects out for everyone to see, but I have heard so often that it's confidence and self doubt that stops a lot of people from starting their own mara kai / vegetable garden. So I really wanted to share what I have been up to.

I am trying something new, something I have never done on my own whenua before. I'm trialing a circular garden layout, AND with no dig.
I have spent years digging up whenua to build my mara kai.
The soil of the whenua I have moved to is so rich and beautiful, organic, and fertile. I wanted to see how things would grow without disrupting the soil. I also wanted to try an indigenous mayan mandala style garden which was known to build an intricate and dense micro-biome connection in the soil.

I'm not sure of how this will turn out, but I trust the process, and have confidence in trial and error. I understand that nothing is or needs to be perfect.

I wanted to share this to highlight that there is no right or wrong way to grow kai, there is just learning. Growing kai doesn't always go as planned, but how will you know if you don't give it a grow?

Even the most experienced gardeners have something to learn, and there is always someone else out there who is trying something new for the first time just like you (and me).
There are so many resources out there to help you along, as well as a huge community in Aotearoa of home gardeners!

My hope is that I may inspire or encourage even just one person to grow something for themselves, to awaken their ancestry of harvesting from the land, and to maybe try something new.

I'll keep you updated on my garden project 🤞🏼👩‍🌾🌱 and I look forward to hearing about yours!

Happy Kōanga everyone 🌻

11/09/2024

Kōanga/Spring is definitely here, and it's my favorite time of year!
The breath of new life after hibernation, when Papatūānuku awakens and we get to see the simple and magnificent beauty of everything waking up.
The fruit blossoms are blooming already, and the hardworking bumble bees have been buzzing all day.
In a short few weeks, the land will be a hive of activity.
For now we can enjoy the blossoming beauty as we prepare for the fruitful seasons ahead 👩‍🌾🌸🌱🌾🍎🍍🍌

Kia pai to rā 🌞

27/08/2024

Kia ora e te whānau!
As the sun sits in the sky for longer, the Tūī and Kererū sit happily in the newly blossoming trees, the days are getting warmer and so is the soil. This means Spring is just outside the front door, and so it is the time to plant the last of our cool weather loving crops, and prepare for our summer favourites!
How are your gardens looking? Do you need help clearing unwanted weeds from your garden beds so that you can enjoy the fun of planting? Are you thinking of expanding on your garden and need someone else to do the heavy labour? Or do you simply have a garden that needs clearing after a Winter of growing wildly?
These are all things we can help with! Why not contact us for a free 15 minute consultation to talk about your garden needs.
We are excited for the warmer season and look forward to hearing from you!
🌱☀️🐝🌻

The Eastern Field

21/08/2024

Today's office view and another stunning day in the BOP!
Planning a regeneration project on a beautiful property overlooking Ōhope beach with Whakaari energising on the horizon 🌿
We have been a bit spoilt with our projects since our move, and have met some really wonderful people along the way! Feeling very grateful indeed!

26/06/2024

Kia ora koutou!

I wanted to thank everyone for the warm responses and welcome we have had into our new community of Whakatāne! 🙏🏼
We've had great connections, and it has been wonderful getting to know you all, and your gardens!
This is what we love, and we look forward to meeting more of our community!

Arohanui e te whānau ❤

Kia ora garden enthusiasts 🌿

Do you need help in your orchard or garden?
Whether it is is designing, developing, or just maintaining your edible or ornamental space, Te Kōhanga Kai - The Food Nest & I can help you!

Winter is the perfect time to to prepare your growing area so that it is ready for the busy spring season.

Contact us to book in your FREE 15 minute phone consultation and see how we can help you.

Send us a direct Facebook message, email at [email protected], or call on 021-617-029.

We are looking forward to growing with you!

06/06/2024

Kia ora e te whānau!
We have relocated to the Whakatāne area and are looking to help our new community with gardens and projects!
Now is the time to be clearing your summer beds and making plans for the year ahead! If you are looking for a fresh set of hands to liven up your gardens, we are your ladies!
Get in touch today to see how we may help you.
We are looking forward to meeting you all!
Arohanui 🌱🍂👩‍🌾👩‍🌾


The Eastern Field

15/02/2024

Looking for gardening experts? Look no further! 👩‍🌾👩‍🌾

We are a skilled gardening duo who specialise in the development, transformation, and upkeep of edible gardens.
We also offer landscaping and ornamental garden maintenance, or just keeping your garden free of unwanted weeds. 🌱🌿☘️

We offer a competitive hourly rate, and currently have a few openings available to accomodate your gardening needs.
We operate within the beautiful Rotorua area, some areas may include travel costs.

Send us a DM or email [email protected] for more info and bookings.🍀🍃🍂🌾🌻🌷🌹🪻🌸🌼

The Eastern Field