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Greenhills Paradise

Discover the wonder of growing your own food instead of lawns, and becoming more resilient and self-sufficient.

hmmmmmm.....
What to do.
What to do.

#Feijoa #FeijoaSeason #NZGardening #KiwiGardener #GrowYourOwn #HomegrownFood #FoodNotLawns #GardenToTable #SustainableLiving #PermacultureNZ #BackyardAbundance

hmmmmmm.....
What to do.
What to do.

#Feijoa #FeijoaSeason #NZGardening #KiwiGardener #GrowYourOwn #HomegrownFood #FoodNotLawns #GardenToTable #SustainableLiving #PermacultureNZ #BackyardAbundance

Look at this knobbly bugga lol !! Planted as a Kingsland Blue from Kings Seeds. Hope it tastes good!

#pumpkin #kingsseeds #queenslandblue #greenhillsparadise #homegrown

Look at this knobbly bugga lol !! Planted as a Kingsland Blue from Kings Seeds. Hope it tastes good!

#pumpkin #kingsseeds #queenslandblue #greenhillsparadise #homegrown

With how things are going in the world at the moment, I’ve been thinking more about how to make the most of what we grow.

When the garden gives you an abundance… it’s such a gift—but also a reminder not to waste it.

I’ve had heaps of Tromboncino squash, so I’ve been:
- Grating it
- Sautéing it in butter with garlic, onion, salt, pepper & a little onion powder
- Then freezing it in large patty pans

So easy to grab later—whether as a vege on its own or added into something like a quiche.

Simple, practical ways to preserve food can make such a difference.

#GreenhillsParadise #GrowYourOwnFood #PreservingFood #GardenToTable #WasteNotWantNot #NZGardening #PermacultureLife #SeasonalEating #HomegrownGoodness #SimpleLiving

With how things are going in the world at the moment, I’ve been thinking more about how to make the most of what we grow.

When the garden gives you an abundance… it’s such a gift—but also a reminder not to waste it.

I’ve had heaps of Tromboncino squash, so I’ve been:
- Grating it
- Sautéing it in butter with garlic, onion, salt, pepper & a little onion powder
- Then freezing it in large patty pans

So easy to grab later—whether as a vege on its own or added into something like a quiche.

Simple, practical ways to preserve food can make such a difference.

#GreenhillsParadise #GrowYourOwnFood #PreservingFood #GardenToTable #WasteNotWantNot #NZGardening #PermacultureLife #SeasonalEating #HomegrownGoodness #SimpleLiving

I’ve been getting quite a few questions lately about starting gardens, growing food, and where to begin.

So I thought I’d share…

I do offer one-on-one consultations through Greenhills Paradise

Nothing complicated or overwhelming—just practical, down-to-earth guidance to help you get started (or move forward) with growing your own food.

Whether you’ve got a blank space, a lawn you’d like to turn into something more productive, or just a few questions—you don’t have to figure it all out on your own.

With everything going on in the world, growing even a little of your own food can make a real difference.

Check out my website and if it feels like something you’d like support with, you’re very welcome to get in touch.

#GreenhillsParadise #GrowYourOwnFood #GardeningNZ #FoodResilience #PermacultureLife #UrbanGardening #StartWhereYouAre #SimpleLiving #GrowFoodNotLawns

I’ve been getting quite a few questions lately about starting gardens, growing food, and where to begin.

So I thought I’d share…

I do offer one-on-one consultations through Greenhills Paradise

Nothing complicated or overwhelming—just practical, down-to-earth guidance to help you get started (or move forward) with growing your own food.

Whether you’ve got a blank space, a lawn you’d like to turn into something more productive, or just a few questions—you don’t have to figure it all out on your own.

With everything going on in the world, growing even a little of your own food can make a real difference.

Check out my website and if it feels like something you’d like support with, you’re very welcome to get in touch.

#GreenhillsParadise #GrowYourOwnFood #GardeningNZ #FoodResilience #PermacultureLife #UrbanGardening #StartWhereYouAre #SimpleLiving #GrowFoodNotLawns

What if your lawn could feed you?

At Greenhills Paradise, I help people turn ordinary spaces into productive food gardens—simply and practically.

No overwhelm. No complicated systems. Just real guidance that works.

Whether you’re:
• Starting from scratch
• Wanting to turn lawn into food
• Or just not sure where to begin

I offer one-on-one online consultations to help you see what’s possible—and give you a clear, achievable plan to get started.

With everything going on in the world, growing even a little of your own food can make a real difference.

If this has been on your mind, this might be your sign.

Check out my website (address in bio) or get in touch to find out more.

#GreenhillsParadise #GrowFoodNotLawns #GrowYourOwnFood #NZGardening #FoodResilience #PermacultureLife #UrbanGardening #SustainableLiving #StartWhereYouAre #BackyardAbundance
#GreenhillsParadise
#GrowFoodNotLawns
#GrowYourOwnFood
#FoodResilience
#PermacultureLife
#RegenerativeLiving
#SoilHealth
#UrbanGardening
#NZGardening
#SustainableLiving

What if your lawn could feed you?

At Greenhills Paradise, I help people turn ordinary spaces into productive food gardens—simply and practically.

No overwhelm. No complicated systems. Just real guidance that works.

Whether you’re:
• Starting from scratch
• Wanting to turn lawn into food
• Or just not sure where to begin

I offer one-on-one online consultations to help you see what’s possible—and give you a clear, achievable plan to get started.

With everything going on in the world, growing even a little of your own food can make a real difference.

If this has been on your mind, this might be your sign.

Check out my website (address in bio) or get in touch to find out more.

#GreenhillsParadise #GrowFoodNotLawns #GrowYourOwnFood #NZGardening #FoodResilience #PermacultureLife #UrbanGardening #SustainableLiving #StartWhereYouAre #BackyardAbundance
#GreenhillsParadise
#GrowFoodNotLawns
#GrowYourOwnFood
#FoodResilience
#PermacultureLife
#RegenerativeLiving
#SoilHealth
#UrbanGardening
#NZGardening
#SustainableLiving

At this time of year I have magenta spreen everywhere.

Usually I just dehydrate some, eat what I can, and chop and drop the rest. But this year I’m thinking a bit differently…
I want to build up some “reserves”—just in case.

So here’s what I did:

- Picked a big harvest of magenta spreen
- Plucked the leaves and gave them a good wash
- Blanched for 2–3 minutes
- Drained well, then packed into large patty pans
-Froze overnight, then popped them out and stored in a bag

Now I’ve got instant greens ready to go whenever I need them—so simple and so satisfying.

Sometimes it’s the small, practical things that help us feel a little more prepared.

#GreenhillsParadise #GrowYourOwnFood #FoodResilience #PreservingFood #MagentaSpreen #GardenToFreezer #NZGardening #PermacultureLife #SimpleLiving #BePrepared

At this time of year I have magenta spreen everywhere.

Usually I just dehydrate some, eat what I can, and chop and drop the rest. But this year I’m thinking a bit differently…
I want to build up some “reserves”—just in case.

So here’s what I did:

- Picked a big harvest of magenta spreen
- Plucked the leaves and gave them a good wash
- Blanched for 2–3 minutes
- Drained well, then packed into large patty pans
-Froze overnight, then popped them out and stored in a bag

Now I’ve got instant greens ready to go whenever I need them—so simple and so satisfying.

Sometimes it’s the small, practical things that help us feel a little more prepared.

#GreenhillsParadise #GrowYourOwnFood #FoodResilience #PreservingFood #MagentaSpreen #GardenToFreezer #NZGardening #PermacultureLife #SimpleLiving #BePrepared

#greenhillsparadise I planted garlic today following the advise from someone here on FB that they plant early and cover with pine shavings. This apparently helps prevent rust
Time will tell!!
What hints can you share regarding growing good garlic??

#garlic #homegrown #greenhillsparadise.

#greenhillsparadise I planted garlic today following the advise from someone here on FB that they plant early and cover with pine shavings. This apparently helps prevent rust
Time will tell!!
What hints can you share regarding growing good garlic??

#garlic #homegrown #greenhillsparadise.

Yesterday when I was out in the garden I noticed my rain gauge ( lol ) was full!!
Probably hard to see - but the water level was about 25mm from the top, and that was an empty bucket before the rain on Thursday!! The leaf and passion hopper are floating on the top.
Must be at least 300 mm we had in 36 hours.

#NZWeather #Rainfall #WildWeather #RainyDays #SoMuchRain #StormAftermath #WeatherWatchNZ #RainGauge #Downpour #NaturePower

Yesterday when I was out in the garden I noticed my rain gauge ( lol ) was full!!
Probably hard to see - but the water level was about 25mm from the top, and that was an empty bucket before the rain on Thursday!! The leaf and passion hopper are floating on the top.
Must be at least 300 mm we had in 36 hours.

#NZWeather #Rainfall #WildWeather #RainyDays #SoMuchRain #StormAftermath #WeatherWatchNZ #RainGauge #Downpour #NaturePower

When life deals you lemons… you make lemonade.

After the wild storm, the garden gifted me a mountain of green to work through. Branches down, leaves everywhere—but nothing goes to waste here. It’s all getting chopped and dropped, feeding the soil and becoming beautiful compost for the next season.

Nature has a way of resetting, and so do we.

#GreenhillsParadise #ChopAndDrop #CompostLife #GardenRecovery #SustainableLiving #NatureKnowsBest #FromStormToSoil #OrganicGardening #GardenLifeNZ #CoromandelLiving #GrowYourOwn #Permaculture #SoilHealth #WasteNotWantNot

When life deals you lemons… you make lemonade.

After the wild storm, the garden gifted me a mountain of green to work through. Branches down, leaves everywhere—but nothing goes to waste here. It’s all getting chopped and dropped, feeding the soil and becoming beautiful compost for the next season.

Nature has a way of resetting, and so do we.

#GreenhillsParadise #ChopAndDrop #CompostLife #GardenRecovery #SustainableLiving #NatureKnowsBest #FromStormToSoil #OrganicGardening #GardenLifeNZ #CoromandelLiving #GrowYourOwn #Permaculture #SoilHealth #WasteNotWantNot

Sunday feels like a pause button.

A chance to slow down…
to breathe a little deeper…
to notice what’s around us.

No rushing.
No “shoulds”.
Just being.

Whether it’s a quiet moment in the garden,
a cup of tea in the sun,
or simply taking time for yourself…

this is your reminder that rest matters too.

#GreenhillsParadise #SundaySlow #SlowLivingNZ #RestAndReset #NatureTime #SimpleMoments #MindfulLiving #RuralLifeNZ #SundayVibes

Sunday feels like a pause button.

A chance to slow down…
to breathe a little deeper…
to notice what’s around us.

No rushing.
No “shoulds”.
Just being.

Whether it’s a quiet moment in the garden,
a cup of tea in the sun,
or simply taking time for yourself…

this is your reminder that rest matters too.

#GreenhillsParadise #SundaySlow #SlowLivingNZ #RestAndReset #NatureTime #SimpleMoments #MindfulLiving #RuralLifeNZ #SundayVibes

Today didn’t look like anything special…

But it was.

Even after the big rain and winds…
the sun came back
the garden is still standing ( well mostly)
and life carries on.

Warm sun on my back
Hands in the soil
A quiet cup of tea outside
Birdsong in the background

No rush. No noise. Just simple moments strung together.

This is the rhythm of life at Greenhills Paradise
And honestly… I wouldn’t have it any other way.

#GreenhillsParadise #AfterTheStorm #ResilientLiving #SlowLivingNZ #LifeOnTheLand #PermacultureLife #NatureHeals #RuralLifeNZ #SimplePleasures #GratefulHeart

Today didn’t look like anything special…

But it was.

Even after the big rain and winds…
the sun came back
the garden is still standing ( well mostly)
and life carries on.

Warm sun on my back
Hands in the soil
A quiet cup of tea outside
Birdsong in the background

No rush. No noise. Just simple moments strung together.

This is the rhythm of life at Greenhills Paradise
And honestly… I wouldn’t have it any other way.

#GreenhillsParadise #AfterTheStorm #ResilientLiving #SlowLivingNZ #LifeOnTheLand #PermacultureLife #NatureHeals #RuralLifeNZ #SimplePleasures #GratefulHeart

After the rain… everything feels different.

The colours deepen.
The air feels fresher.
And the garden seems to pause… just for a moment

There’s something about days like this—
a reminder that growth doesn’t always happen in the sunshine.

Sometimes it’s the rain, the wind, the wild weather…
that brings everything back to life 🌿

#GreenhillsParadise #AfterTheRain #NatureMoments #PermacultureLife #GrowthInNature #SlowLivingNZ #GardenLife #NatureHeals #SimpleBeauty

After the rain… everything feels different.

The colours deepen.
The air feels fresher.
And the garden seems to pause… just for a moment

There’s something about days like this—
a reminder that growth doesn’t always happen in the sunshine.

Sometimes it’s the rain, the wind, the wild weather…
that brings everything back to life 🌿

#GreenhillsParadise #AfterTheRain #NatureMoments #PermacultureLife #GrowthInNature #SlowLivingNZ #GardenLife #NatureHeals #SimpleBeauty

Feeling very grateful this week 🌿

I have a wonderful French couple here Wwoofing through @helpx with me, bringing great energy and helping hands.

Today’s mission: chop and drop.
Such a satisfying way to nourish the land, build soil, and keep everything thriving naturally.

There’s something special about working together, sharing stories, and caring for the land in this way. Thank you so much Mathias and Pauline. 😊

#GreenhillsParadise #Wwoofing #ChopAndDrop #PermacultureLife #SoilHealth #SustainableLiving

Feeling very grateful this week 🌿

I have a wonderful French couple here Wwoofing through @helpx with me, bringing great energy and helping hands.

Today’s mission: chop and drop.
Such a satisfying way to nourish the land, build soil, and keep everything thriving naturally.

There’s something special about working together, sharing stories, and caring for the land in this way. Thank you so much Mathias and Pauline. 😊

#GreenhillsParadise #Wwoofing #ChopAndDrop #PermacultureLife #SoilHealth #SustainableLiving

I spent the weekend in Whangamatā with my youngest daughter and her family—and what a special time it was.

Heading down to the beach and watching my two granddaughters (7 and 9) head out for a surf was just incredible. The confidence, the joy, the freedom… it really stayed with me.

What amazing opportunities these young girls have growing up here.

Moments like these remind me how special it is to be surrounded by nature, family, and simple experiences that turn into lifelong memories.

#GreenhillsParadise #Whangamata #FamilyMoments #BeachLife #Grateful NZLiving surfing

I spent the weekend in Whangamatā with my youngest daughter and her family—and what a special time it was.

Heading down to the beach and watching my two granddaughters (7 and 9) head out for a surf was just incredible. The confidence, the joy, the freedom… it really stayed with me.

What amazing opportunities these young girls have growing up here.

Moments like these remind me how special it is to be surrounded by nature, family, and simple experiences that turn into lifelong memories.

#GreenhillsParadise #Whangamata #FamilyMoments #BeachLife #Grateful NZLiving surfing

This would be my second favourite happy place. Went out a couple of weeks ago with my brother and sister in law. Got our quotas and back home. So lucky to have this at my back door! #GreenhillsParadise #NatureInAction #fishing

This would be my second favourite happy place. Went out a couple of weeks ago with my brother and sister in law. Got our quotas and back home. So lucky to have this at my back door! #GreenhillsParadise #NatureInAction #fishing

I don’t think this little passion hopper will be doing much hopping from now…

A praying mantis enjoying lunch in my garden. Nature doing what nature does — and a reminder of just how important these garden predators are for keeping insect numbers in balance.

#GreenhillsParadise #PrayingMantis #GardenWildlife #NatureInAction #GardenPredator #PassionHopper #NZGardens #WildlifeMoment #GardenEcosystem #NatureReel

I don’t think this little passion hopper will be doing much hopping from now…

A praying mantis enjoying lunch in my garden. Nature doing what nature does — and a reminder of just how important these garden predators are for keeping insect numbers in balance.

#GreenhillsParadise #PrayingMantis #GardenWildlife #NatureInAction #GardenPredator #PassionHopper #NZGardens #WildlifeMoment #GardenEcosystem #NatureReel

It’s a duck and eel kind of day with the ducks happily paddling about while the eels cruised quietly beneath the water, weaving their way through the reflections. One of those peaceful moments where you just stop and watch nature doing its thing.

Days like this remind me how lucky I am to share this little piece of paradise with so much wildlife.

#greenhillsparadise
#duckandeelkindofday
#gardenlife
#natureathome
#nzgarden
#coromandel
#wildlifeinnz
#pondlife
#backyardnature
#countrygarden
#gardenmoments
#naturelovers
#ducksofinstagram

It’s a duck and eel kind of day with the ducks happily paddling about while the eels cruised quietly beneath the water, weaving their way through the reflections. One of those peaceful moments where you just stop and watch nature doing its thing.

Days like this remind me how lucky I am to share this little piece of paradise with so much wildlife.

#greenhillsparadise
#duckandeelkindofday
#gardenlife
#natureathome
#nzgarden
#coromandel
#wildlifeinnz
#pondlife
#backyardnature
#countrygarden
#gardenmoments
#naturelovers
#ducksofinstagram

One of the things I love most about creating Greenhills Paradise is being able to share it with others.

Today I had the pleasure of welcoming two delightful ladies who had booked a visit through Secret Gardens NZ They had come across on the ferry for a weekend getaway and were enjoying some time exploring our beautiful Coromandel Town.

There’s something very special about walking through the garden with people who truly appreciate plants, flowers, and the peacefulness a garden can bring. We wandered, chatted, and admired what’s growing at the moment — the kind of visit that reminds me why I love gardening so much.

Moments like these make all the hard work in the garden completely worthwhile.

#GreenhillsParadise #SecretGardensNZ #Coromandel #GardenVisit #GardenLovers #NZGardens #GardenLife #GardenInspiration #CountryGarden #GardenPassion #OpenGarden #SharingMyGarden #NewZealandGardens

One of the things I love most about creating Greenhills Paradise is being able to share it with others.

Today I had the pleasure of welcoming two delightful ladies who had booked a visit through Secret Gardens NZ They had come across on the ferry for a weekend getaway and were enjoying some time exploring our beautiful Coromandel Town.

There’s something very special about walking through the garden with people who truly appreciate plants, flowers, and the peacefulness a garden can bring. We wandered, chatted, and admired what’s growing at the moment — the kind of visit that reminds me why I love gardening so much.

Moments like these make all the hard work in the garden completely worthwhile.

#GreenhillsParadise #SecretGardensNZ #Coromandel #GardenVisit #GardenLovers #NZGardens #GardenLife #GardenInspiration #CountryGarden #GardenPassion #OpenGarden #SharingMyGarden #NewZealandGardens

My total haul of home-grown garlic this season… dried and ready to go!

It might not be a huge harvest, but hey — it’s better than last year when I got none!!
Gardening definitely teaches patience.
Every season is a new lesson, and I’m not giving up. Next year’s crop will be even better!

#GreenhillsParadise #HomeGrownGarlic #GrowYourOwnFood #GardenHarvest #GarlicHarvest #HomeGarden #GrowWhatYouEat #GardenLife #NZGardening #KiwiGardener #BackyardGardening #OrganicGarden #HomegrownGoodness #GardenJourney #NeverGiveUp

My total haul of home-grown garlic this season… dried and ready to go!

It might not be a huge harvest, but hey — it’s better than last year when I got none!!
Gardening definitely teaches patience.
Every season is a new lesson, and I’m not giving up. Next year’s crop will be even better!

#GreenhillsParadise #HomeGrownGarlic #GrowYourOwnFood #GardenHarvest #GarlicHarvest #HomeGarden #GrowWhatYouEat #GardenLife #NZGardening #KiwiGardener #BackyardGardening #OrganicGarden #HomegrownGoodness #GardenJourney #NeverGiveUp

With everything happening in the world today, I believe we all need to take a little more responsibility for our own food sovereignty.

For me, that doesn’t mean suddenly trying to grow everything or becoming completely self-sufficient. It means creating reliable sources of well-priced food and storing it in ways that make sense.

At the beginning of the week I picked up 2 kg of beef mince on special and pressure canned it into 14 jars of savoury mince. Meals ready to go on the shelf.

I know pressure canning isn’t for everyone, but there are lots of simple ways to do the same thing — freezing meals, buying in bulk when prices are good, or putting a little extra aside when you can.

For me it’s about staying one step ahead where possible, while also reducing packaging and waste — something I care deeply about.

Small steps add up.

#GreenhillsParadise #FoodSovereignty #PressureCanning #PreservingFood #GrowYourOwn #PermacultureLiving #FoodSecurity #BulkBuying #SimpleLiving #SustainableLiving #CoromandelLiving #PreparedNotPanicked

With everything happening in the world today, I believe we all need to take a little more responsibility for our own food sovereignty.

For me, that doesn’t mean suddenly trying to grow everything or becoming completely self-sufficient. It means creating reliable sources of well-priced food and storing it in ways that make sense.

At the beginning of the week I picked up 2 kg of beef mince on special and pressure canned it into 14 jars of savoury mince. Meals ready to go on the shelf.

I know pressure canning isn’t for everyone, but there are lots of simple ways to do the same thing — freezing meals, buying in bulk when prices are good, or putting a little extra aside when you can.

For me it’s about staying one step ahead where possible, while also reducing packaging and waste — something I care deeply about.

Small steps add up.

#GreenhillsParadise #FoodSovereignty #PressureCanning #PreservingFood #GrowYourOwn #PermacultureLiving #FoodSecurity #BulkBuying #SimpleLiving #SustainableLiving #CoromandelLiving #PreparedNotPanicked

And another beauty has erupted before my eyes!!

A new banana flower has appeared in the garden, unfolding almost overnight. There is something so magnificent about these blooms — bold, sculptural and full of promise for what will follow.

One of those moments in the garden where you just stop and admire what nature is doing.

#GreenhillsParadise #BananaFlower #GardenMagic #FoodForest #PermacultureNZ #TropicalGarden #GardenSurprise #GrowYourOwn #CoromandelGarden #GardenLife

And another beauty has erupted before my eyes!!

A new banana flower has appeared in the garden, unfolding almost overnight. There is something so magnificent about these blooms — bold, sculptural and full of promise for what will follow.

One of those moments in the garden where you just stop and admire what nature is doing.

#GreenhillsParadise #BananaFlower #GardenMagic #FoodForest #PermacultureNZ #TropicalGarden #GardenSurprise #GrowYourOwn #CoromandelGarden #GardenLife

I really want to have an outdoor kitchen. Not to cook all my meals in, but just to have for preparing and sorting produce and preserves from the garden.
I found this image on the internet and this would be my dream outdoor kitchen.
I have the space.
I have the place.
Who wants to help me make it????

I really want to have an outdoor kitchen. Not to cook all my meals in, but just to have for preparing and sorting produce and preserves from the garden.
I found this image on the internet and this would be my dream outdoor kitchen.
I have the space.
I have the place.
Who wants to help me make it????

After giving my saffron a long, dry summer rest, I’ve started watering it again and look what’s happening… shoots everywhere! 🌱

This will be my first year harvesting saffron threads, which is so exciting. Such an amazing plant — from these little shoots will come the beautiful flowers and those precious red threads. I can’t wait to see them bloom.

#GreenhillsParadise #SaffronGrowing #SaffronHarvest #GrowYourOwnFood #GardenExcitement #GardenLife #BackyardGardening #Homegrown #GardenToTable #PlantMagic #SpringGarden #gardeningnz

After giving my saffron a long, dry summer rest, I’ve started watering it again and look what’s happening… shoots everywhere! 🌱

This will be my first year harvesting saffron threads, which is so exciting. Such an amazing plant — from these little shoots will come the beautiful flowers and those precious red threads. I can’t wait to see them bloom.

#GreenhillsParadise #SaffronGrowing #SaffronHarvest #GrowYourOwnFood #GardenExcitement #GardenLife #BackyardGardening #Homegrown #GardenToTable #PlantMagic #SpringGarden #gardeningnz

This thing just kept growing!!!
A 6.6 kg monster Tromboncino pumpkin from the garden.
What started as one enthusiastic vine has now produced this beauty, and there are plenty more twisting and turning their way around the garden as well.

One of the joys of growing food — you never quite know what surprises the garden has in store.

#GreenhillsParadise #Tromboncino #GardenHarvest #GrowYourOwnFood #GardenAbundance #FoodForest #PermacultureNZ #HomegrownFood #CoromandelGarden #UrbanFoodForest #GardenLife #SeasonalHarvest

This thing just kept growing!!!
A 6.6 kg monster Tromboncino pumpkin from the garden.
What started as one enthusiastic vine has now produced this beauty, and there are plenty more twisting and turning their way around the garden as well.

One of the joys of growing food — you never quite know what surprises the garden has in store.

#GreenhillsParadise #Tromboncino #GardenHarvest #GrowYourOwnFood #GardenAbundance #FoodForest #PermacultureNZ #HomegrownFood #CoromandelGarden #UrbanFoodForest #GardenLife #SeasonalHarvest

The girls have been on a full scale free-range trial at Greenhills Paradise.

I fenced off the vegetable garden and thought they’d happily roam the rest of the property. Instead, they quickly decided the deck is clearly the best place to hang out!

And when the rain returns… I already know exactly where they’ll choose to shelter.

So today I decided it might be best to fence them in again. Sometimes the chickens make the rules, but sometimes the human has to step in!

#GreenhillsParadise #BackyardChickens #PermacultureGarden #FreeRangeChickens #UrbanFoodForest #GardenLife #CoromandelLiving #ChickensWithAttitude #SimpleLiving #GardenExperiments

The girls have been on a full scale free-range trial at Greenhills Paradise.

I fenced off the vegetable garden and thought they’d happily roam the rest of the property. Instead, they quickly decided the deck is clearly the best place to hang out!

And when the rain returns… I already know exactly where they’ll choose to shelter.

So today I decided it might be best to fence them in again. Sometimes the chickens make the rules, but sometimes the human has to step in!

#GreenhillsParadise #BackyardChickens #PermacultureGarden #FreeRangeChickens #UrbanFoodForest #GardenLife #CoromandelLiving #ChickensWithAttitude #SimpleLiving #GardenExperiments

My Tithonia is absolutely towering above everything in the garden at the moment — it’s even as high as the roof of my house!

This incredible plant can grow several metres in a single year. The first blooms are just starting to appear and they are so beautiful. The pollinators absolutely love them.

It’s also fantastic for chop and drop. All that lush growth quickly turns back into organic matter for the soil, feeding the garden and building fertility naturally.

One of those plants that just keeps giving.

#GreenhillsParadise #Tithonia #MexicanSunflower #ChopAndDrop #FoodForest #PermacultureNZ #SoilBuilding #GardenAbundance #CoromandelGarden #GrowYourOwn #PollinatorGarden

My Tithonia is absolutely towering above everything in the garden at the moment — it’s even as high as the roof of my house!

This incredible plant can grow several metres in a single year. The first blooms are just starting to appear and they are so beautiful. The pollinators absolutely love them.

It’s also fantastic for chop and drop. All that lush growth quickly turns back into organic matter for the soil, feeding the garden and building fertility naturally.

One of those plants that just keeps giving.

#GreenhillsParadise #Tithonia #MexicanSunflower #ChopAndDrop #FoodForest #PermacultureNZ #SoilBuilding #GardenAbundance #CoromandelGarden #GrowYourOwn #PollinatorGarden

The Blood Lilies have been absolutely spectacular this month in the garden.
So eye-catching and vibrant — they really know how to steal the show! Nature never fails to amaze me.

#GreenhillsParadise #BloodLilies #GardenBeauty #InFullBloom #NatureLovers #FlowerPower #SpringVibes #GardenLife #ParadiseFound

The Blood Lilies have been absolutely spectacular this month in the garden.
So eye-catching and vibrant — they really know how to steal the show! Nature never fails to amaze me.

#GreenhillsParadise #BloodLilies #GardenBeauty #InFullBloom #NatureLovers #FlowerPower #SpringVibes #GardenLife #ParadiseFound

Such a lovely surprise in the garden yesterday.

I discovered another beautiful flush of shiitake mushrooms on one of my logs. This particular log has been producing on and off for over two years now — absolutely amazing what nature will keep giving when conditions are right.

There’s something so satisfying about growing food in unexpected places. A simple inoculated log tucked into a shady corner, quietly doing its thing season after season.

My garden never stop teaching me patience, trust, and wonder.

#GreenhillsParadise #ShiitakeMushrooms #FoodForest #PermacultureNZ #GrowYourOwn #Coromandel #SustainableLiving #BackyardAbundance

Such a lovely surprise in the garden yesterday.

I discovered another beautiful flush of shiitake mushrooms on one of my logs. This particular log has been producing on and off for over two years now — absolutely amazing what nature will keep giving when conditions are right.

There’s something so satisfying about growing food in unexpected places. A simple inoculated log tucked into a shady corner, quietly doing its thing season after season.

My garden never stop teaching me patience, trust, and wonder.

#GreenhillsParadise #ShiitakeMushrooms #FoodForest #PermacultureNZ #GrowYourOwn #Coromandel #SustainableLiving #BackyardAbundance

Today I have been dehydrating figs and peaches from the garden — such a simple way to preserve summer’s sweetness and avoid waste. There’s something deeply satisfying about slicing fruit you’ve grown yourself, laying it out carefully, and knowing you’ll be enjoying these flavours long after the season has passed.

Drying fruit feels like an old-fashioned skill, but it fits beautifully with my living — growing, harvesting, preserving, and making the most of what the land gives us.

These will be perfect for winter snacks, adding to cooking, or sharing with family (if they last that long!).

Coromandel sunshine in every bite.

#GreenhillsParadise #UrbanFoodForest #PermacultureLiving #PreservingTheHarvest #Coromandel #SeasonalLiving

Today I have been dehydrating figs and peaches from the garden — such a simple way to preserve summer’s sweetness and avoid waste. There’s something deeply satisfying about slicing fruit you’ve grown yourself, laying it out carefully, and knowing you’ll be enjoying these flavours long after the season has passed.

Drying fruit feels like an old-fashioned skill, but it fits beautifully with my living — growing, harvesting, preserving, and making the most of what the land gives us.

These will be perfect for winter snacks, adding to cooking, or sharing with family (if they last that long!).

Coromandel sunshine in every bite.

#GreenhillsParadise #UrbanFoodForest #PermacultureLiving #PreservingTheHarvest #Coromandel #SeasonalLiving

Two of my newest dahlia seedlings are finally blooming and I’m absolutely in love!They’re even prettier than I imagined — such beautiful colours and I love the open centres for the insects. So proud of these little beauties!

#DahliaLove #DahliaSeedlings #GardenJoy #FlowerLovers #BloomSeason #HomeGarden #GrowingFromSeed #GardenLife #SoPretty #FlowerMagic

Two of my newest dahlia seedlings are finally blooming and I’m absolutely in love!They’re even prettier than I imagined — such beautiful colours and I love the open centres for the insects. So proud of these little beauties!

#DahliaLove #DahliaSeedlings #GardenJoy #FlowerLovers #BloomSeason #HomeGarden #GrowingFromSeed #GardenLife #SoPretty #FlowerMagic

Sometimes I just forget to look up.
And then nature reminds me.

#UrbanFoodForest #GrowYourOwn #SustainableLiving #GardenInspiration #GreenhillsParadise #EdibleGarden #FoodForestJourney #BackyardTransformation #lookup #mountainpawpaw

Sometimes I just forget to look up.
And then nature reminds me.

#UrbanFoodForest #GrowYourOwn #SustainableLiving #GardenInspiration #GreenhillsParadise #EdibleGarden #FoodForestJourney #BackyardTransformation #lookup #mountainpawpaw

Love this image. I find it hard to remember when it was all grass out the back!!

#GreenhillsParadise
#FoodForestJourney
#BackyardTransformation
#FromLawnToLife
#GrowYourOwn
#PermacultureLife
#EdibleGarden
#GardenTransformation
#SustainableLiving
#RegenerativeLiving
#UrbanFoodForest
#SoilToSoul
#GardenInspiration
#NatureAtHome
#GrassToGarden
#growfoodnotlawns

Love this image. I find it hard to remember when it was all grass out the back!!

#GreenhillsParadise
#FoodForestJourney
#BackyardTransformation
#FromLawnToLife
#GrowYourOwn
#PermacultureLife
#EdibleGarden
#GardenTransformation
#SustainableLiving
#RegenerativeLiving
#UrbanFoodForest
#SoilToSoul
#GardenInspiration
#NatureAtHome
#GrassToGarden
#growfoodnotlawns

Just for interest - who would be interested in coming to a Beginner's Pressure Canning workshop here at Greenhills Paradise in Coromandel Town?
I am thinking from @9.30 - 4.30pm ish.
For those who are interested, what day would suit you best??
Please send me a PM.

Just for interest - who would be interested in coming to a Beginner's Pressure Canning workshop here at Greenhills Paradise in Coromandel Town?
I am thinking from @9.30 - 4.30pm ish.
For those who are interested, what day would suit you best??
Please send me a PM.

Feeling so grateful for moments like this at Greenhills Paradise.

Today in the food forest I spotted this incredible Anemone Stinkhorn (Aseroe rubra) — what a wild and wonderful fungi! Nature never stops surprising me.

Fungi in your garden is such a great sign. It means your soil is alive, healthy, and full of the microorganisms that help plants thrive. These fascinating organisms play a vital role in breaking down organic matter and feeding the ecosystem beneath our feet.

Keep your soil happy, and it will look after you.

#GreenhillsParadise
#FoodForest
#AnemoneStinkhorn
#AseroeRubra
#FungiLovers
#SoilHealth
#GardenLife
#Permaculture
#NatureMagic
#HealthySoilHealthyPlants

Feeling so grateful for moments like this at Greenhills Paradise.

Today in the food forest I spotted this incredible Anemone Stinkhorn (Aseroe rubra) — what a wild and wonderful fungi! Nature never stops surprising me.

Fungi in your garden is such a great sign. It means your soil is alive, healthy, and full of the microorganisms that help plants thrive. These fascinating organisms play a vital role in breaking down organic matter and feeding the ecosystem beneath our feet.

Keep your soil happy, and it will look after you.

#GreenhillsParadise
#FoodForest
#AnemoneStinkhorn
#AseroeRubra
#FungiLovers
#SoilHealth
#GardenLife
#Permaculture
#NatureMagic
#HealthySoilHealthyPlants

I picked my very first corn today and surprise! It turned out to be this gorgeous dark multicoloured cob.

Definitely wasn’t expecting that, but I love it. And honestly… I’m just glad I didn’t give birth to it — my husband might have had a few awkward questions 😂

Gardening always keeps life interesting!🤣😁😛

#GardenSurprise #HomeGrownGoodness #GrowingCorn
#GardenLife #FoodForest #GrowYourOwnFood
#BackyardHarvest #GardeningJoy #NatureMagic
#HomeGardenNZ #OrganicLiving #GardenLaughs

I picked my very first corn today and surprise! It turned out to be this gorgeous dark multicoloured cob.

Definitely wasn’t expecting that, but I love it. And honestly… I’m just glad I didn’t give birth to it — my husband might have had a few awkward questions 😂

Gardening always keeps life interesting!🤣😁😛

#GardenSurprise #HomeGrownGoodness #GrowingCorn
#GardenLife #FoodForest #GrowYourOwnFood
#BackyardHarvest #GardeningJoy #NatureMagic
#HomeGardenNZ #OrganicLiving #GardenLaughs

My Guava Tamarillo tree seems to have a great crop on it this year.
Last year I hardly got any. I attribute this to having plenty of mulch around it the last few months. All plants need mulch. Chop and drop anything you can to mimic what happens naturally in nature.

#chopanddrop #nature #foodforest #forest #GardenLifeNZ #homegrown #sprayfree #HealthyEating #NatureInspired #GreenhillsParadise #LivingWithNature #PermacultureGarden #EdibleGarden #BackyardAbundance #SustainableLiving

My Guava Tamarillo tree seems to have a great crop on it this year.
Last year I hardly got any. I attribute this to having plenty of mulch around it the last few months. All plants need mulch. Chop and drop anything you can to mimic what happens naturally in nature.

#chopanddrop #nature #foodforest #forest #GardenLifeNZ #homegrown #sprayfree #HealthyEating #NatureInspired #GreenhillsParadise #LivingWithNature #PermacultureGarden #EdibleGarden #BackyardAbundance #SustainableLiving

My huge Rampicante Pumpkin is starting to colour up now which means it is ripening to enable me to keep it if I want for a few months.
Very strange things happening though - up until now, this was the only pumpkin that grew on my vines, and now they are all starting to produce. The ones growing now will not be able to be keepers as they won't reach maturity, but they will be tasty like a zucchini so I am happy. 😊

#pumpkinseason #zucchini #summervibes #latesummervibes #secretgardensnz

My huge Rampicante Pumpkin is starting to colour up now which means it is ripening to enable me to keep it if I want for a few months.
Very strange things happening though - up until now, this was the only pumpkin that grew on my vines, and now they are all starting to produce. The ones growing now will not be able to be keepers as they won't reach maturity, but they will be tasty like a zucchini so I am happy. 😊

#pumpkinseason #zucchini #summervibes #latesummervibes #secretgardensnz

This was a tricky bunch to cut down, but I did it!!! lol
This is such a delightful and delicious little banana. Thank you @jude.oconnor.37 for the pup a few years ago!!

#banana #foodforest #homegrown #GardenLifeNZ #secretgardensnz

This was a tricky bunch to cut down, but I did it!!! lol
This is such a delightful and delicious little banana. Thank you @jude.oconnor.37 for the pup a few years ago!!

#banana #foodforest #homegrown #GardenLifeNZ #secretgardensnz

Everything on my plate for lunch has come out of the foodforest, and created in the kitchen. So delicious!!

#salad #homegrown #foodforest #sprayfree #HealthyEating

Everything on my plate for lunch has come out of the foodforest, and created in the kitchen. So delicious!!

#salad #homegrown #foodforest #sprayfree #HealthyEating

I’ve had 2 groups of lovely people coming to visit my garden through @secretgardensnz this past week — and they got to see the garden in its slightly storm-ravished state!

A few months ago I would have felt quite stressed and worried about how everything looked. But I’m learning to accept that these weather events are becoming part of our reality. Instead of constantly trying to repair every little thing, I’m choosing to embrace the changes and let the garden evolve naturally.

There’s still plenty of beauty here — just a little more wild and weather-shaped these days.

If you’d like to see what a small backyard can become when it grows into a high-producing food forest, visit Secret Gardens and book an appointment!

#FoodForest #PermacultureGarden #EdibleGarden #GardenInspiration #SustainableLiving #BackyardAbundance #GrowYourOwnFood #GardenLifeNZ #ClimateResilience #NatureInspired #SecretGardensNZ #UrbanFoodForest #GreenhillsParadise #GardenJourney #LivingWithNature

I’ve had 2 groups of lovely people coming to visit my garden through @secretgardensnz this past week — and they got to see the garden in its slightly storm-ravished state!

A few months ago I would have felt quite stressed and worried about how everything looked. But I’m learning to accept that these weather events are becoming part of our reality. Instead of constantly trying to repair every little thing, I’m choosing to embrace the changes and let the garden evolve naturally.

There’s still plenty of beauty here — just a little more wild and weather-shaped these days.

If you’d like to see what a small backyard can become when it grows into a high-producing food forest, visit Secret Gardens and book an appointment!

#FoodForest #PermacultureGarden #EdibleGarden #GardenInspiration #SustainableLiving #BackyardAbundance #GrowYourOwnFood #GardenLifeNZ #ClimateResilience #NatureInspired #SecretGardensNZ #UrbanFoodForest #GreenhillsParadise #GardenJourney #LivingWithNature

50 shades of grey.

50 shades of grey.

As most of you know, I love having the parasitic wasps - or paper wasps, patrolling around the plants in my food forest.
They are NOT a threat to our honey bees!
I took this video a while ago - but just love looking at it.

The adults eat:
Nectar and sweet foods
Fruit juices
Sometimes human food (BBQs, drinks, etc.)

Larvae eat:
Chewed-up insects (white butterfly caterpillars, flies, spiders)
Adults hunt insects, chew them, and feed them to their young.

As long as you know where their nexts are they will be no problem. I have one nest only inches from my head when I walk into the chickens area, and they never trouble me. The only time I have been stung is when I have put my hand into a nest that I didn't realise was there. The ones you actually see are no problem.
The next time you find a paper wasp nest, think twice before you suddenly decide to get rid of it, and think of the good they will do in your garden.

#paperwasp #pollinators

As most of you know, I love having the parasitic wasps - or paper wasps, patrolling around the plants in my food forest.
They are NOT a threat to our honey bees!
I took this video a while ago - but just love looking at it.

The adults eat:
Nectar and sweet foods
Fruit juices
Sometimes human food (BBQs, drinks, etc.)

Larvae eat:
Chewed-up insects (white butterfly caterpillars, flies, spiders)
Adults hunt insects, chew them, and feed them to their young.

As long as you know where their nexts are they will be no problem. I have one nest only inches from my head when I walk into the chickens area, and they never trouble me. The only time I have been stung is when I have put my hand into a nest that I didn't realise was there. The ones you actually see are no problem.
The next time you find a paper wasp nest, think twice before you suddenly decide to get rid of it, and think of the good they will do in your garden.

#paperwasp #pollinators

It’s been a pressure canning kind of day today.
Chilli Concarne ✅
Kidney Beans ✅
Black Beans ✅
Haricot Beans ✅

#pressurecanning #kidneybeans #haricotbeans #black #bean #blackbean #homesteading #preservingfood

It’s been a pressure canning kind of day today.
Chilli Concarne ✅
Kidney Beans ✅
Black Beans ✅
Haricot Beans ✅

#pressurecanning #kidneybeans #haricotbeans #black #bean #blackbean #homesteading #preservingfood

Another lesson learnt the hard way!
After all the rain we have had over the last 2 weeks, I didn't think to go and check my 2 mushroom inoculated logs.
I was out clearing storm damage around them to find I missed an entire new bloom of Shitake mushrooms. Absolutely gutted!!
These have been producing on and off for about 4 years now, but the logs are starting to decay so time will be limited I imagine. Maybe I will put another log beside this to see if I can get the new log infested with spores naturally.
That would be good. 😊

#urbanfoodforest #mushroom #mushrooms #shitakemushroom #mushroomspores

Another lesson learnt the hard way!
After all the rain we have had over the last 2 weeks, I didn't think to go and check my 2 mushroom inoculated logs.
I was out clearing storm damage around them to find I missed an entire new bloom of Shitake mushrooms. Absolutely gutted!!
These have been producing on and off for about 4 years now, but the logs are starting to decay so time will be limited I imagine. Maybe I will put another log beside this to see if I can get the new log infested with spores naturally.
That would be good. 😊

#urbanfoodforest #mushroom #mushrooms #shitakemushroom #mushroomspores

My entire section is only 609 square meters, with a small house on it. When I am out in the middle of the food forest I can't see another house.
Seems surreal really.

#foodforest #foodforestnz #urbanfoodforest #peace #garden

My entire section is only 609 square meters, with a small house on it. When I am out in the middle of the food forest I can't see another house.
Seems surreal really.

#foodforest #foodforestnz #urbanfoodforest #peace #garden

This cat!!
Benji loves the food forest and with his colourings he is so camouflaged .

#cat #catlovers #catgram #catsofinstagram #lovemycat❤️

This cat!!
Benji loves the food forest and with his colourings he is so camouflaged .

#cat #catlovers #catgram #catsofinstagram #lovemycat❤️

The wind and rain have taken toll on my grapes. Before Christmas I had a bumper crop, now not so good, and many grapes are just dropping off the bunches before they are ripe.. I have bagged what I can reach and hope to get enough to make more vinegars, and for eating.

The wind and rain have taken toll on my grapes. Before Christmas I had a bumper crop, now not so good, and many grapes are just dropping off the bunches before they are ripe.. I have bagged what I can reach and hope to get enough to make more vinegars, and for eating.

Progress report from my Rampicante Pumpkin.
It is now touching the ground, and measures in from top to bottom ( not taking into account of its bends and curves lol) at a whopping 1.35 meters long so farcand still growing!!
This is going to be one hell of a pumpkin.
Pumpkin recipes anyone??? 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

Progress report from my Rampicante Pumpkin.
It is now touching the ground, and measures in from top to bottom ( not taking into account of its bends and curves lol) at a whopping 1.35 meters long so farcand still growing!!
This is going to be one hell of a pumpkin.
Pumpkin recipes anyone??? 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

This year I have tried growing a couple of new varieties of pumpkin I got from @kingsseedsnz
Queensland Blue and Organic Butternut Honeynut.
I have got 2 whoppers on my Queensland Blue plant, and lots of cute little Butternuts.
I was determined this year to have pumpkins to store for winter as last year I had a total fail.
Feeling much more positive, and then I have my Rampicante which has now touched the ground and will be tomorrows post!

This year I have tried growing a couple of new varieties of pumpkin I got from @kingsseedsnz
Queensland Blue and Organic Butternut Honeynut.
I have got 2 whoppers on my Queensland Blue plant, and lots of cute little Butternuts.
I was determined this year to have pumpkins to store for winter as last year I had a total fail.
Feeling much more positive, and then I have my Rampicante which has now touched the ground and will be tomorrows post!

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Welcome to Greenhills Paradise
This is my garden—grown with care, curiosity, and a deep respect for nature.
Here, I grow as much food as I can, work with the seasons, and learn every day from the land. It’s not about perfection—it’s about creating abundance, building healthy soil, and living simply.
With these uncertain times, growing your own food has never felt more important.
I also offer consultations to help you transform your space—
growing food, not lawns.

Book a Garden Consultation

Promoting growing what you can at home to help provide Food Sovereinty

Happy Stories

Shelly

We live in a rental so I am unable to put many plants around the section as I would love to do. Jo has been amazing helping me with our veggie garden and working on what we have on the section. It is amazing what you can do with limited resources, and I would never have imagined we would be looking out to the beautiful garden that we are now.
Thank you Jo !

Patricia

We have just brought our first property with a 750 m2 section. We have dreamed of creating a food forest but just didn’t know where to start. There were no trees or plants on our section so we have had a blank canvas to begin. I had an hour long consultation with Jo and suddenly everything slotted into place what to do and how to start. We have now got all our mulch down, and have started planting our fruit and nut trees and lower growing plants. Thankyou Jo, I would recommend you to anyone wanting to get help in creating their own unique food forest.

I am very grateful & feel more competent in flowing where permaculture takes me. My Journey is only beginning and I am satisfied that now I have confidence I know where to begin as before it was overwhelming. At building the ground up with mulching and sectioning my areas has helped. Thank you Jo I really appreciate your time and services. I highly recommend you.

Ami

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