[Festival] Using Nature to Nurture and de-stress your mind

Helen427
Level 10
Auckland, New Zealand

[Festival] Using Nature to Nurture and de-stress your mind

Hosting is like these lambs, a blending of cultures and colours without barriers. Gotland sheep are from Sweden and there felt is used for slippers and shoes.Hosting is like these lambs, a blending of cultures and colours without barriers. Gotland sheep are from Sweden and there felt is used for slippers and shoes.Hello from Helen in New Zealand!

 

I love hosting because it’s great for our mental and physical well being, to share and enjoy nature and heritage.

 

Some of my loveliest guests have said they like the details in my listing and that their families helped them decide who to stay with which I think is sweet.

 

They’ve contributed in their own ways as to how I've evolved in my hosting, as have the fabulous members here in Community Centre. 

 

Spending time amongst nature is one way of maintaining one’s health. I’ve a wee garden with Monarch Butterflies along with been Centrally located to a variety of gardens and areas where rural life is still present.

 

Occasionally my guests get to meet and spend time walking my friend’s dog, Zara the Jack Russell who has had a head rub from Prince Harry! 

 

Zara the Jack Russell Taking time out to tiptoe through the Tulips!  “Shhh, don’t tell Park staff, honest I was only smelling the flowers for my mental wellbeing!”Zara the Jack Russell Taking time out to tiptoe through the Tulips! “Shhh, don’t tell Park staff, honest I was only smelling the flowers for my mental wellbeing!”

I give guests cuttings from my garden & Tulip bulbs that were gifted to the people from Cornwall Park, One Tree Hill, Auckland, New Zealand when there garden staff remove them to replant the garden beds so we can all share the love and beauty of nature to unify as one people in the world.

Tulip and Anemone flowers with the Simmental Cows originally from Switzerland grazing with National Women’s and Greenlane Hospitals in the background at Cornwall Park, One Tree Hill, Auckland.Tulip and Anemone flowers with the Simmental Cows originally from Switzerland grazing with National Women’s and Greenlane Hospitals in the background at Cornwall Park, One Tree Hill, Auckland.

Cornwall Park, One Tree Hill Domain Flower GardenCornwall Park, One Tree Hill Domain Flower Garden

Central To All Home & Location is like a Monarch butterfly… metamorphosing.Central To All Home & Location is like a Monarch butterfly… metamorphosing.

 I gift some of my Swan Plants to share the love with our delightful "Monet the Monarch" caterpillars & butterflies.

Swan Plant flowers and Monarch butterflySwan Plant flowers and Monarch butterfly

Screenshot 2019-08-27 at 14.19.22.png

Monarch butterfly resting it’s body between the Geranium leaves, that I grew from a cutting, immediately after it came out of its chrysalis - Guests like a safe & comfortable resting place too.

Milk Station Chrysalis and Monarch caterpillar with Milk Plant Seed PodMilk Station Chrysalis and Monarch caterpillar with Milk Plant Seed Pod

Monarch butterflies enjoy living in my Swan Plant, Geraniums, Lilies, Sweet Peas and Lavender plants. The Sweet Peas were grown from seeds, their pods produce seeds Hosts can share.

gusano 7.jpgIt can take between a couple of minutes to ten minutes for a caterpillar to form into a Chrysalis. Note the butterfly formation and silk spun to balance itself and protect itself from spiders and other insects.It can take between a couple of minutes to ten minutes for a caterpillar to form into a Chrysalis. Note the butterfly formation and silk spun to balance itself and protect itself from spiders and other insects.

Chrysalis go into a darkened state a couple of days before they transform into a Butterfly.Chrysalis go into a darkened state a couple of days before they transform into a Butterfly.

Male Monarchs have two black markings on their wings / Female butterflies which don’t can lay up to 1000 eggs.Male Monarchs have two black markings on their wings / Female butterflies which don’t can lay up to 1000 eggs.

Honey Bee and Female Monarch butterfly close encounter on Lavender flower in the gardenHoney Bee and Female Monarch butterfly close encounter on Lavender flower in the garden

Bumble Bee on my Mexican DaisyBumble Bee on my Mexican Daisy

Central To All Home & Location is close to Cornwall Park / One Tree Hill Domain, Auckland where Irish settlor, Thomas Henry, created one of the original farms which is to remain in perpetuity as a Domain for the betterment of all New Zealand people.

It’s a friendly place where one can mix with nature, see lambs & sheep, pat the calves, cows & bulls, enjoy flowers from all nations, play archery, cricket, rugby league and relax away from the hustle and bustle of city life.

This lamb was just born and taking its first steps. Isn’t nature amazingly beautiful?This lamb was just born and taking its first steps. Isn’t nature amazingly beautiful?

Lamb rounding up the Ducks and Ducklings to safety in the other paddockLamb rounding up the Ducks and Ducklings to safety in the other paddock

Baby calf meets it’s dad the bull whilst it’s mother the cow restsBaby calf meets it’s dad the bull whilst it’s mother the cow rests

Screenshot 2019-08-27 at 14.38.25.png

Guest Corrin, NYC, USA, who had not seen lambs since she was a child, making new friends on our visit to the Park. We nicknamed these bottle fed lambs Louis, Henry, William, George and Arthur. They are all Rams growing up and still recognise Zara and myself.

 

It’s fun to incorporate Guests in day to day life in one’s location.

Our Guests mental health and well-being is important to, animals and nature can help one relax and ease homesickness.

 

Do you take your Guests to places they may not have experienced before?

Kowhai Tree, New Zealand Native Tree, Cornwall Park where you may see Tui birds,Kowhai Tree, New Zealand Native Tree, Cornwall Park where you may see Tui birds,

Screenshot 2019-08-27 at 14.41.05.png

When Guests wake up in a different place they can be like a newborn animal waking up to new surroundings.

 

“Maaa, that was a great sleep, Baa, nice to meet you!”

 

This twin lamb a couple of days old woke up with a yawn whilst its companion kept one eye open on watch.

New Zealand is known for woollen products like carpet and clothing. We used to have more sheep than people.

 

 

Hosting guests who have chosen to stay with me in my home & share an interest in history and stories is a passion I enjoy. 

Forget-me-Not flowers and Periwinkle planted on Mount Hobson Domain are some of the self  regenerating Botanicals gifted to New Zealand people by David Hay and Son, Montepellier Nursery in the 1880’s so future generations would not have to worry about financial expenses in the years ahead.

Flowers of all nations were planted in areas for our betterment, so we would all feel Welcome and at home wherever we are in the world and originated from.

 

Do you have an area in your location like that to share with your Guests?

 

If not, help create one, 2019 is 100 years since the start of the Peace Commemorations after World War 1 ended.

Forget-Me-Nots with Honey Bee and CinerariasForget-Me-Nots with Honey Bee and Cinerarias

Screenshot 2019-08-27 at 14.47.00.png

Periwinkle, one of Her Majesty The Queen’s favourite flowers on a tree that fell over during a storm in the 1930’s, The Depression era, left to decompose naturally where centipedes, millipedes, lichen and other species make their home.

The remains of a Living Fence, a Hedgerow Rose, on the boundary of Mount Hobson, Dilworth Avenue entrance.The remains of a Living Fence, a Hedgerow Rose, on the boundary of Mount Hobson, Dilworth Avenue entrance.

Mount Hobson is named after New Zealand’s first Governor Captain William Hobson. His Grave is in the Symonds Street Cemetery where they are undertaking a restoration project.

 

Dilworth Avenue is named after James Dilworth, who once owned Mt Hobson and gifted land for a school for disadvantaged boys. He is buried in the nearby St Marks Anglican Church grounds where one can reflect on how those early settlers before us lived in much more challenging times.

Botanicals in Exhibition Hall Gardens, Auckland DomainBotanicals in Exhibition Hall Gardens, Auckland Domain

I’m very thankful we have access to fabulous newspaper & photographic archive websites dating back to the early 1800’s where sage one’s before us recorded valuable information.

 

Whilst I’m a host in a more recently built home such archives have helped improve my knowledge as a Host to share with those interested in family, world history, 23andMe and Heritage.

 

Have you considered researching your own home and location for it’s history in similar archives to include in your listing and to share with Guests?

 

Thanks

204 Replies 204
Helen427
Level 10
Auckland, New Zealand

@Lizzie @Stephanie @Susan17 @Alice595 @Miloud0 @Cathie19 and everyone else

 

It's fantastic to see ABB promoting the importance of animals in our lives.

 

Whilst I don't personally offer an "Experience" with animals in my own home ( except when I'm lucky to have my friends dog visit ) or separate from my Listing experience,  they play a very important part in my life, they are a key attraction for my listing, in my location and city of Auckland for the betterment of our well being.

 

I hope others will benefit from the gift of "Nature to Nurture" in the  Airbnb listings who live close by the fabulous Animal Hosting and community experiences in our locations.

 

Some of us have grown up with animals and nature and it's up to us to help introduce others to our knowledge & the benefits they provide for all.

 

It's a pleasure to be a host to those who wish to seek a nearby experience with Nature.

 

There's many a space and place to picnic with or pat the animals, take a photograph to always have a keepsake of a magic moment in life during a stay.

 

All the best to fellow Hosts and  Guests across the miles.

Nature is our best friend

 

https://www.airbnb.co.nz/s/experiences?c=.pi80.pkb21uaS80LzM1MzY4&euid=206e890d-d729-e9b1-a503-9f89c...

 

Airbnb is launching ethical animal experiences

https://www.cntraveler.com/story/airbnb-is-launching-ethical-animal-experiences

 

Airbnb CEO animal experiences

 

https://fortune.com/2019/10/03/airbnb-ceo-animal-experiences-ipo/

 

Hello four legged friend Airbnb unveils animal experiences

https://www.traveldailymedia.com/hello-four-legged-friend-airbnb-unveils-animal-experiences/

 

Across the seas in Australia

Kangaroo Island Australia wildlife haven rivaling Galapagos Island

https://www.usatoday.com/story/travel/destinations/2019/10/07/kangaroo-island-australia-wildlife-hav...

 

Miloud0
Level 10
Rabat, Morocco

Salute @Helen427

 

Thank you for the message. It ok, i can include New Zealand,  but how can i do that? 

 

Thanks, 

Miloud

Miloud0
Level 10
Rabat, Morocco

Salute @Helen427

 

If it is possible, today i tried to enclude your listing but i did not know how 

 

Thanks, 

Miloud

Helen427
Level 10
Auckland, New Zealand

Salute @Miloud0 

Here's my listing,  Central To All Home & Location, Remuera, Auckland, New Zealand.

If you tick Save or a heart on it it should highlight & keep it for you!!

 

https://www.airbnb.co.nz/rooms/23257352

 

Helen427
Level 10
Auckland, New Zealand

I hope Kiss are looking forward to their New Zealand tour, have booked ABB accommodation with Animals and take an excursion to some of our delightful parks and Animal places after there Great White Shark experience in  Port Lincoln, Australia.

 

Perhaps they will visit and have their photos taken at the nearby Cornwall Park with the animals.

 

Happy to take them on a tour there @Lizzie @Stephanie @Quincy  and Brian, would it be possible to be arranged when they are here in Auckland???

 

 

Good luck to all in experiencing this Shark experience.

 

https://www.airbnb.co.nz/experiences/1213529

Sandra126
Level 10
Daylesford, Australia

@Helen427 , did you know that monarchs migrate? To Mexico, I believe. Haven't read the whole thread so forgive me if it's already been discussed. Maybe there is a special monarch Airbnb they check in to for an annual family gathering.

@Sandra126what butterflies do you have in Daylesford, Australia and in your original Home country of Sweden?

Thank you @Sandra126 yes I did know Monarchs migrate they have also been known to be protected species.

 

Perhaps we here who are involved in Airbnb could start a community project to share their stories of their own Monarch butterflies in their locations

 

Migratory Moths - A vast Traveling Range

https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/WAIPO19341006.2.55

 

Monarch liberated in Whangarei - also mentions history of there travel across the world, including Australia..

@Ria16 

 

https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/NA19410521.2.104

 

 

Pacific Grove, California to Canadian Rockies

https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/EP19390710.2.163

 

I'm so looking forward to see which one's of mine return this year, that's if they don't decide to stop off at my friends place along the way who now has my original Swan Plant as it was getting too large in my wee garden.

I've got a replacement one that's growing very well with a very healthy sole caterpillar in it.

 

 

Here's a nice story from 1941

150 Monarch Butterflies released

https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/NZH19410513.2.84.5

 

Monarch Butterflies also like Moth Plant so to those who have been pulling them out - Leave them alone!!

https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/NZH19400430.2.71

 

Mr T. Skeates Monarch Butterflies, Titirangi releases them at Auckland Domain - it would be a fabulous spectacle to see this happen in Parks and Domains across the world, where possible in unison.

https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/NZH19410510.2.105

 

 

 

Miloud0
Level 10
Rabat, Morocco

Salute @Helen427

 

I thank you very much @Helen427 for all the links and infoermations you sent. 

 

I have ticked save on your listing, could you see if it is ok? 

 

Thanks, 

Miloud

Helen427
Level 10
Auckland, New Zealand

For those of you planning to visit Paris, France - look out for these sheep in parks and nurture with nature!!

 

Paris Urban Shepherd Photo Essay -

https://www.theguardian.com/world/2019/oct/29/paris-urban-shepherd-photo-essay

Helen427
Level 10
Auckland, New Zealand

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 Some Airbnb, Air Bee and Butterfly listings and experiences to include in your travel plans to Nurture with Nature

 

Opinion Monarchs need Airbnb for Butterflies or they'll go extinct

https://www.mercurynews.com/2017/09/19/opinion-monarchs-need-airbnb-for-butterflies-or-theyll-go-ext...

 

Monarch Butterfly Airbnb

https://www.ecowatch.com/monarch-butterfly-airbnb-2541730775.html

 

Point of Interest

Goleta Butterfly Grove -

https://www.airbnb.co.nz/things-to-do/places/1226156

 

Monarch Butterfly Sanctuary Pacific Grove, California

https://www.airbnb.co.nz/things-to-do/places/553237?_set_bev_on_new_domain=1572426207_5CLM61v0EF%2F0...

 

Monarch Butterfly Waystation Tour - Sarasota, United States - awesome photos Kathy

https://www.airbnb.com.mt/experiences/640794?source=homes_pdp

 

Monarch Manor The Fenwick Airbnb for butterflies

http://www.thevoiceofpelham.ca/2019/08/31/monarch-manor-the-fenwick-airbnb-for-butterflies/

 

Garden Guru Van Johnson creates a 5 star Airbnb for migrating butterflies

https://www.dmagazine.com/publications/d-magazine/2019/june/garden-guru-van-johnson-creates-a-5-star...

 

Photo Walk Butterfly Migration Train - Santa Ana - experience

https://www.airbnb.co.nz/experiences/138629?adults=2&guests=2&children=0&infants=0&location=Orange%2...

 

The Monarch Garden Inn - near Yellowstone Park

http://www.akwildlife.com/

 

Awesome project Dorothy & Leo Keller

 

Monarch Butterfly & Caterpillar Morning experience -

https://www.airbnb.com.sv/experiences/1126326?location=Hicksville&source=p2

 

Butterfly B&B @Monarchs on Avon, Stratford

https://www.airbnb.ca/rooms/34498020?source_impression_id=p3_1572428719_GiM4S7%2Beb7DwWTNJ

 

Morgan's Air Bee and Butterfly, Morrow, United States

https://www.airbnb.com.au/experiences/912671?source=pdpother

 

Tour a Kissimmee Butterfly Garden, Estados Unidos

https://www.airbnb.pt/experiences/544336

 

 

Ria16
Level 10
Northland, New Zealand

Thanks @Helen427  for the article about flutter boys in Whangarei. I never knew that they were released here. I’ve been planting nettles in buckets to encourage the Admirals and every so often I see a Blue Moon flown over from Oz. 🙂 which makes my day 🙂 

Helen427
Level 10
Auckland, New Zealand

@Ria16 

How's your Nettles and Red Admirals coming along?

Have any flown by to lay eggs yet?

Do you take photos of the various stages they grow through?

 

Helen427
Level 10
Auckland, New Zealand

@Ria16  Photos please!!

Helen427
Level 10
Auckland, New Zealand

@Ria16how are those nettles coping with our delightful New Zealand summer?