Plant Food Medicine (October 2023)

And you thought it was a weed? Think again- the plant you are looking at may well be one of the keys to a more sustainable lifestyle!

John Massey has been a contributing tutor to our sustainable living line of workshops here at Riverside for over five years now. We are very lucky to have him sharing his extensive knowledge of edible weeds and plant uses.

He is a master gardener, beekeeper, seed saver, ‘kitchen pharmacist’ and professional herbalist. His interest in plants has had him work with them in many different roles over the last few decades, including manager, teacher and trustee. For him, it stems from being interested in healthy eating, natural medicine and sustainability. He’s found that nature and plants are the best 'books' to learn from, and he keeps 'reading' those 'books’. He loves sharing what the plants teach him.

So come and go for a walk in lush surroundings at Riverside Community and soak up your tutor's wisdom on how to work and live more in tune with nature (and with what some people may call 'common weeds'). Wild plants have much to give regarding nutrients and healing power, yet their vast potential often goes unrecognised and underutilised. Stinging nettle, red clover, and plantain are just three examples of largely ignored and - in the case of stinging nettle- frowned upon treasure troves. 

All ages and experience levels are welcome – please equip yourself with suitable footwear and sun protection. BYO lunch and water. The meeting point is in front of our Cultural Center here in Riverside.

As for all of our workshops, registration for this session is essential – please don't just turn up. Bookings close Friday, 13th October at 2pm.

This workshop is proudly sponsored by the Riverside Community Trust. Please contact Tanja (at education@riverside.org.nz) for workshop questions or to ask about sponsorship options.