This holiday season, the Soil & Health Association of New Zealand has introduced its inaugural Nude Gardening Calendar, offering a distinctive twist on the traditional Christmas calendar. It’s not just your run-of-the-mill calendar – it’s a celebration of organic gardening, regenerating the land, and a bit of good-natured cheekiness!
The 2024 Nude Gardening Calendar showcases individuals engaging in au naturel gardening practises in New Zealand, emphasising a commitment to organic growing methods.
Jenny Lux, Co-Chair of Soil & Health NZ and an organic market gardener from Rotorua, explains, “Gardening in the nude symbolises shedding the layers between us and nature. It’s a statement of authenticity and joyful, connected living. Each image tells a story of cultivating not just plants but our overall wellbeing.”
All proceeds from the calendar sales will support the Soil & Health Association’s crucial work in promoting organic and regenerative practises, advocating for living soils, nutritious food, healthy individuals, and a thriving environment.
By purchasing the calendar, supporters not only acquire a unique conversation starter or the perfect Christmas present but also contribute to a greener future.
Rebecka Keeling, owner of Slow Blooms pick-your-own flower farm in Matakana, shares her empowering experience, “Being part of this calendar, which celebrates the connection between ourselves and the Earth, was an empowering experience. Stripping away our clothes for the photoshoot felt like a metaphor for simplifying our lives and embracing the beauty of an organic, regenerative world.”
Claire Flynn, the designer for OrganicNZ magazine, spearheaded the calendar project, aiming to plant the seed of sustainability in an entertaining and thought-provoking manner. “We are passionate about promoting a healthy and regenerative way of living, nurturing our soil for generations to come, and what better way to convey this message than through the art of nude gardening,” Claire explains.
The main photographer, Imke Kauta, based in Bay of Plenty, specialises in capturing people in their most natural state, empowering them to love their bodies. She volunteered her skills for the project, saying, “It was an honour to be trusted with capturing these impressive gardens and the natural beauty of the human body.”
The calendar is available for purchase on the OrganicNZ website. There are two calendar options – one for the stylish, slightly more modest gardener, and another one for those who don’t mind a bit more ‘cheek’. The calendar is priced at $30 for one or $55 for both versions.
Photo credits: Imke Kauta
About the Soil & Health Association of New Zealand
Soil & Health NZ advocate for organic and regenerative production that works with nature and avoids synthetic fertilisers and pesticides, working with members and partner organisations to support the development of organic, regenerative, growing. Established in 1941, Soil & Health NZ is the largest membership organisation supporting organic food and farming in New Zealand, and also one of the oldest of its kind in the world. The association is the owner of organic certifier BioGro, and the publisher of OrganicNZ magazine. The guiding principle for Soil & Health NZ is healthy soil, healthy food, healthy people.