The Kelmarna Gardens Workshop Programme hosts sessions for people of all backgrounds and experience levels, to engage with a range of topics delivered by acclaimed presenters, connecting people with skills-based, hands-on learning in nature.

Scroll below to check out the current listings for dates and details on upcoming workshops. Also sign up to our monthly e-newsletter, and follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Humanitix to keep up to date with what's on offer. We can't wait to see you on the farm!
Our Workshop Schedule @ Kelmarna
September 2023
Home Gardening
Yotam Kay (of Pākaraka Permaculture)
To have a super productive garden is to do a lot of small things very well. Come take stock, learn effective strategies, and sharpen your skills in this comprehensive workshop for beginner and experienced gardeners alike.

Hosted by celebrated regenerative gardener Yotam Kay, this session will cover a range of essential topics that will help you cultivate a more productive garden, and one capable of feeding you throughout the year.
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Whether you're just getting started or have been growing for seasons, there will be loads to learn from Yotam's experience, so bring a notebook and all of your vegetable gardening questions!

This event is listed with the Auckland Climate Festival 2023, a month full of action to accelerate and celebrate climate mahi!
Saturday 23 September 2023

​9.30am - 3.30pm
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​$195 + Humanitix fee
Organic Gardening Basics (6-Part Series)
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Session 6 of 6: Pest Control & Insectories
Judy Keats
This session focuses on how we can support the health of our plants by supporting the biodiversity of not only our plants but also of other beneficial macro- and micro-organisms, in order to promote biological solutions for common pests and diseases. Judy will also cover a range of common strategies that use engineering and ingenuity rather than harmful toxins.

This 6-part organic gardening course progresses through a spectrum of essential knowledge and skills for growing food organically. It's both perfect for new gardeners just starting out and excellent for experienced gardeners who are keen to sharpen their skills alongside an expert tutor in organics!
Saturday 30 September 2023

​10am - 12pm

Complete Series
$245 + Humanitix fee
​( SOLD OUT )

Single Session
$50 + Humanitix fee
( 3 spots left! )

Community Services Card
concession rate available​
October 2023
Mushrooms in Containers
Ellen Schindler
Join us at Kelmarna Gardens for this crash course in growing native NZ oyster mushrooms. This session with Ellen Schindler (Tiny Footprint) includes a comprehensive background on cultivating mushrooms plus the materials and instruction to guide you step-by-step through the process of setting up your own container, allowing you to come away not only with the finished product but also the skills and confidence to carry on growing at home on your own!
Sunday 8 October 2023

​9.30am - 12.30pm
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​$75 + Humanitix fee

Community Services Card
​concession rate available
Basics for Home Bakers: Sourdough
Neerav Dhanani
Tough getting consistent results with sourdough at home? Put off by the mess? Come along and get to the bottom of getting the best results, using simple and minimal-mess techniques ideal for the home baker.

Plus, you won't go home empty handed! Take with you some of Neerav's heirloom sourdough starter, the dough you craft during the session (to prove and then bake the next day), the dough scraper provided on the day, as well as a printed recipe and detailed guide for a basic sourdough loaf and pizza dough!
Sunday 15 October 2023

9.30pm - 12.30pm

​$65 + Humanitix fee

Community Services Card
​concession rate available
Homegrown Bananas
Ellen Schindler
Bananas are imported to Aotearoa New Zealand at more than 70-million kilograms each year, yet in many parts of the country the climate is perfect to grow our own!

​Join expert tutor Ellen Schindler at Kelmarna Gardens for this introduction to all things bananas, to learn how simple and beneficial it can be to grow your own bananas, even in smaller spaces or containers!

Grab a certified organic banana pup from our own food forest with the pre-order option available with tickets!
Tuesday 17 October 2023

​5.30pm - 7.30pm

​General Admission​​
​$45 + Humanitix fee

Admission + Banana Pup
$​63 + Humanitix fee

Community Services Card
​concession rate available
Basics for Home Bakers: Sourdough
Neerav Dhanani
Tough getting consistent results with sourdough at home? Put off by the mess? Come along and get to the bottom of getting the best results, using simple and minimal-mess techniques ideal for the home baker.

Plus, you won't go home empty handed! Take with you some of Neerav's heirloom sourdough starter, the dough you craft during the session (to prove and then bake the next day), the dough scraper provided on the day, as well as a printed recipe and detailed guide for a basic sourdough loaf and pizza dough!
Sunday 29 October 2023

9.30pm - 12.30pm

​$65 + Humanitix fee

Community Services Card
​concession rate available
November 2023
Food Preserving for Beginners
Ellen Schindler
Join your tutor Ellen Schindler at Kelmarna Gardens to learn about a variety of practical methods you can apply in your home, and come away with a better understanding of the impact preserving can have on your health, your shelf, and your wallet!

Your tutor Ellen will bring along all of the equipment and gadgets to show you what appliances are available, how they work, the pros, cons, and costs, as well as range of fun recipes that can serve you at home and on the go.
Tuesday 7 November May 2023

5.30pm - 7.30pm
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​$45 + Humanitix fee

Community Services Card
​concession rate available
Raranga for Beginners​

​Weaving with Harakeke
Annie Jane Ah Mu
Join celebrated weaving tutor Annie Jane Ah Mu for this encore opportunity to start from scratch learning the basic techniques of traditional mahi raranga, the Māori art of weaving with harakeke NZ flax.

​This beginner course is an introduction to weaving that will guide you through the history, customs, and best horticulture practices around working with harakeke, and the skills to come away with a host of craft creations to take home and share!
Saturday 25 November 2023

​9am - 12pm
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​$55 + Humanitix fee

Community Services Card
concession rate available​
Rainwater Harvesting @ Home
Ellen Schindler
​This workshop is for anyone interested in the basics of rainwater harvesting. It offers insights into a range of concepts and methods for domestic use, as well as how storing rainwater can fit in with your home and garden activities.

​Get ahead of the extreme weather, and come away with an understanding of what might work for your situation. Plus learn from essential tips and tricks for your soil and garden for better water management overall.
Tuesday 28 November 2023

​5.30pm - 7.30pm
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​$40 + Humanitix fee

Community Services Card
​concession rate available
December 2023
Mushrooms in Containers
Ellen Schindler
Join us at Kelmarna Gardens for this crash course in growing native NZ oyster mushrooms. This session with Ellen Schindler (Tiny Footprint) includes a comprehensive background on cultivating mushrooms plus the materials and instruction to guide you step-by-step through the process of setting up your own container, allowing you to come away not only with the finished product but also the skills and confidence to carry on growing at home on your own!

With Christmas and the summer holidays right around the corner, get festive with fungi and take this opportunity to build the perfect gift that keeps on giving!
Wednesday 13 December 2023

​5.30pm - 8.30pm
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​$75 + Humanitix fee

Community Services Card
​concession rate available
Book a Private Group Workshop
If you have a group of friends or workmates that is keen to take part in one of our workshop experiences, then use this form to get in touch, and let's arrange a private session for your group!
For enquiries, get in touch with our Education Manager, Sean, at education@kelmarnagardens.nz