ORGANIC LIFE
bread. They supplement all this with local Tilba cheese,
organic meat from a local butcher and bread they buy
at the weekend markets. There is also a lively local
barter system in place, so they will often swap skincare
products for other bits and pieces.
Sharing the permaculture love
Kay, Gregg and Gemma have plenty to do managing
the farm and making and selling the skincare range
but there’s more on the horizon. Gregg has been putting
down paths through the orchard, and the couple are
converting the old stables into a bed and breakfast,
with new toilet facilities being built.
For the past few years, permaculture and school
groups have been touring the farm to learn more about
permaculture principles. Tour groups from the nearby
cruise ship port at Eden are now coming along.
On the B&B front, Kay says that this is more for
people who are living in the city and dreaming of
moving to a farm like theirs. They can come up from
Melbourne, stay for the weekend and learn about what’s
involved in building a straw bale house, living off the
grid and establishing gardens and orchards.
Diversifying the business is a long-term goal for
the couple, and their focus now is on selling skincare
product bundles to address particular problems, such
as pimples or itchy skin.
“It’s all about helping people,” Kay says. “We don’t
want to flog products that promise to fix wrinkles. The
message is: if you can’t eat it and youdon’t know
whatit is,don’tputit onyourskin.”
More information: saarinenorganics.com
Top: Kay and Gemma walk the property.
Below: Animals are a major part of controlling
weeds and pests.