I was lucky enough to visit Angela and Nick at The Food Farm for a shoot with On the Land magazine. Angela writes a regular column for On the Land, and both her and Nick are driving forces in the regenerative agriculture and organic farming scene here in New Zealand, especially in their adopted hometown in North Canterbury.

The evening I visited The Food Farm was an iconic nor’wester. The warm sky hung heavy with anticipation, and the dense cloudy arch threatened with that kind of feeling you only get on days like these. I was really looking forward to my visit with Angela and Nick, as an avid, but constantly learning, gardener myself I am always looking to those with more experience to glean any information I can!

Angela and Nick began their journey at The Food Farm with a bare block of land. To see the immense growth that has happened over the last twenty years, alongside the growth of their family, reminded me just how powerful it is to go ‘all in’ on the things you’re passionate about. It’s really evident that this is so far from just being a business for Angela and Nick, it is completely their way of life.

I really enjoyed hearing them talk about their food forest and the guiding principles that gently dictate the delicate balance achieved with this kind of perennial planting, as well as the way it lends itself to an aesthetic I’m very drawn to.

After a tour around the property we reconvened under the lush canopy of grapevines that envelop their outdoor entertaining space to wrap up. As we chatted more, the nor’west arch passed over us and the sun absolutely poured over us, and that is when the magic really happened, as you can see!

Thanks so much for having me Angela and Nick, your way of life and the way you’ve grown your home and your family really left me feeling inspired.