Our Story……

How it all started……

Sara grew up on an organic apple orchard in South Canterbury in the 1980’s.
She spent most of her childhood swinging from apple trees, eating fruit, playing with animals and getting muddy.
Her parents took over the property and converted it to organics as they didn’t feel right wearing hazmat suits
to care for the family’s food. The orchard grew apples, pears, plums, berries, vegetables and flowers
for the local market. We could surmise from here that Sara’s green fingers, the love and curious observation of
everything plant related was born.

In 2018 Sara, together with a friend - developed Backyard Produce - a mum run business sourcing and
buying spray-free produce from backyard gardeners and selling it to the public. The idea was centred around
waste reduction and providing spray-free sustainable produce. Among fruits sourced were nelson citrus, fruits
from further north and stone fruits from central otago as well as produce from their own home gardens.
They also made use of both their cooking backgrounds by making pickles, jams and chutneys
with the surplus produce.

In 2020 after months waiting to move into the now Wingatui Homestead property the time
had come to start planning the edible garden. Hours spent scouring NZ
gardener magazines and recording different design elements and coveted species that were then collected,
with shady areas being planted first, followed by many different heritage apple, pear and other fruit trees,
perennials and flowers.

The neglected land covered in clumpy cocksfoot grass was cut down and covered with thick mulch then planted.
Flat areas being utilsed for fruit trees, edibles and vegetables with the steeper, dry or wet areas being
planted in suitable plants for the conditions. In 2023 the nursery was starting to become an idea
for a stay at home business. With the intention to incorporate the love of gardening, fruit and
vegetable production, skills and knowledge sharing into a grassroots kiwi business.
Thank-you for your support!
Sara x