Join us at the farm with a qualified naturopath, Melissa Salmon, and farm founder Matt Bakker, to learn all about the medicinal plants growing around us! This will be a fun and interactive morning exploring and foraging around the farm for common plants that can be used to enhance your overall wellbeing and vitality.
What We'll Do:
We'll spend some time learning the basic principles and theory behind herbalism, farm-to-table medicine and making at-home wellness remedies. Melissa will share her in-depth knowledge of how to work with what is locally available to create your ways of building wellness, including: the vegetables, herbs, and weeds that you probably already have growing in your garden! This knowledge will be put into practice with a guided foraging walk around the farm hosted by Matt, where we’ll look for useful vegetables, plants, and weeds. After this interactive walk, Melissa will showcase how to make medicinal skin balms. And after all that fun, we will finish the workshop chatting over a delicious farm-to-table lunch and nibbles!
The philosophy behind backyard herbalism, local farming, and farm-to-table food centers on reconnecting with how food is grown on the land. What is better than using fresh and seasonally grown ingredients to nourish the body from the inside out? By working with what grows locally (often right in our own backyards!) we support sustainable food systems and also strengthen our wellbeing. This holistic approach to nourishing ourselves through food emphasises the interconnection between nature, nutrition, and overall wellness.
Overall, you will finish the workshop with newfound knowledge, empowerment, and zest for building your wellbeing and vitality (oh, and a full belly!).
What You'll Get:
Backyard herbalism education
Weed foraging handout
Farm forage tour
Live medicinal balm demonstration
Take home medicinal balm
Farm-to-table medicinal plant inspired lunch
Knowledge Required:
Beginner-friendly
No prior skills or knowledge are required
What To Bring:
Sun protection
Water bottle
Closed-toe shoes
Notebook and pen
Meet The Experts:
Melissa Salmon: Melissa is deeply passionate about helping others and understands the value of having a compassionate and supportive guide on the path to wellness. Having experienced gut issues from an early age and later receiving diagnoses of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) and fibromyalgia, she brings firsthand insight into the challenges and dedication involved in healing journeys. Her qualifications include a Bachelor of Health Science in Naturopathy (BHScNat), certification as a Registered Yoga Teacher (RYT), and a background in psychology (BAPsych). Melissa brings together these areas of expertise to offer specialised programs, personalised appointments, and workshops. Her approach emphasises education and empowerment, supporting individuals as they move toward lasting wellbeing.
Matt Bakker: Matt is the founder of Neighbourhood Farm with the project running into its ninth year. Matt has a background in environmental science and cultural heritage, and natural resource management with over 15 years’ experience in the food and land use sector. His experience emerges from a desire to understand the complexities of our environment and to incorporate regenerative agricultural practices into small scale farming. This is what has led to a focus on creating a sustainable productive urban farm that is directly connected to landscape and local community.
What Others Have Said:
"Melissa and Matt’s knowledge was above and beyond! So much love, passion, knowledge and wisdom in herbalism, plants, botany.. all communicated in a retainable way that inspires me to get my hands dirty and return to the garden.. plus a delicious lunch!" - Rosie
"This was such an awesome workshop. Really beneficial and I have left thinking about what else I am not aware of that could be a natural way of healing my body. Great people! Incredible lunch included. Highly recommended." - Lisa
"Highly recommend this workshop! Melissa and Matt are excellent hosts - deeply knowledgeable, welcoming and personable. The setting on the Neighbourhood Farm was blissful, and all of your senses will be engaged in this hands-on class (listening, smelling, seeing, tasting, touching). Finishing with a delicious lunch spread of farm produce enjoyed under a shady tree was a highlight!" - Simone
So what are you waiting for - book your spot today! See you there!