Hands in the Dirt visit 2026

Garden visit and workshop

www.handsinthedirt.co.nz

Our visit to 'Hands in the Dirt' in October 2024 was so popular, we're doing it again! This time it's in summer so we get to see the garden in flower.

Those who came last time will know how fabulous the garden is, how hospitable Aila, her family and her team are, how beautiful her plants are and will not want to miss this wonderful event. Numbers will be limited to 140 and non-members are welcome for a premium. There is a cut-off date for registrations, so if you want to come, get your ticket now. And tell your friends!

Hands in the Dirt is a bio diverse flower farm/perennial plant nursery situated North of Auckland.

Founded by Aila Morgan-Guthrie almost six years ago when she was 19 years old, Hands in the Dirt focuses on growing cut flower annual and perennial plants for floristry use, events and functions as well as growing perennial cut flowers for the nursery.

Everything is farmed in a sustainable way with regenerative farming at the forefront of the business. Hands in the Dirt places a huge emphasis on soil health both in exisiting beds and in new areas and creating gardens on the property which are diverse, using a wide range of plant varieties to achieve this. The perennial plant nursery is much the same with Aila importing hundreds of seed varieties each year to positively increase bio diversity in New Zealand gardens. Each plant variety in the nursery is also grown in the flower fields to see how they grow in New Zealand climate and where they grow best.

Aila is completely self taught in both floristry and flower farming, learning through trial and error. Hands in the Dirt is everchanging as Aila continues to expand her creativity and drive to offer unusual plant varieties both in floristry and the plant nursery.

This visit will be immersive, inspiring and delicious. And, the nursery is fully operational and plants will be available for purchase.

Hands in the Dirt garden visit & workshop

Saturday 31st January, 2025. 10:30am - 1:30pm.

$50 GDSNZ members

$65 non-members

Includes coffee and lunch.

Numbers capped at 140. Registration essential by midnight Sunday 18th January.

CPD points for GDSNZ accredited members.

Note - this event will happen rain or shine - however if a serious weather event is happening (ie cyclones) the event will be cancelled in the interests of everybody's safety (chance of falling trees etc). Please bring appropriate footwear for walking through flower fields. Exact address and parking details be provided upon ticket purchase/registration, but parking in the paddocks will be available.