Gretchen Carroll

I'm a freelance writer, specialising in community, gardening and parenting topics. I have a background in communications, including book publicity, and am a published creative writer. Hope you enjoy browsing through a few examples of my writing. If you would like to get in touch email gretchenmcarroll@gmail.com

Kiwi Gardener • 1st January 2023

Sharing food and knowledge

The Kāipatiki Project is showing how gardening is a way we can all do our part for the planet
OH Baby! • 13th December 2022

Home grown

An interview with Yawye (You Are What You Eat) a subscription service that offers nutritious, indigenous meals for babies and toddlers.
Kiwi Gardener • 29th August 2022

Letting go of the mow

With the growing trend towards rewilding, it may be time to rethink your pristine lawn, improve your garden’s diversity and release yourself from the shackles of lawnmowing.
Flash Frontier • 1st August 2022

Flash fiction: Some facts about why my life sux

A flash fiction story of mine in the latest issue of online journal Flash Frontier
Kiwi Gardener • 31st July 2022

Sowing love

The imminent arrival of spring – and hopefully better weather – provides the perfect opportunity to get into the garden with children.
OH Baby! • 3rd April 2022

The Weight of the World

I discuss guilt as a parent in OH Baby! magazine, and how to lose it (or at least try).
Kiwi Gardener • 1st April 2022

Waste not, want not

Meet the Auckland social enterprise diverting household food scraps from landfill and generating community garden gold.
31st March 2022

Sleep on it

What age and who with is it good to start sleepovers? Or at all?
OH Baby! • 1st July 2021

10 Ways to Self Care

Motherhood is relentless and more often than not, you’re running on empty. I give ten easy ways to practise a little self-care (that don’t include meditation!)
The Hobson • 1st December 2020

From Aotearoa to the World

"We own enough, so when you do buy, make considered decisions and buy local!" An interview with Pauanesia's owner (pages 34-36).
The Hobson • 29th July 2020

Lockdown's Legacy

I interview staff from a retirement village where lockdown was a positive experience for residents and staff alike (page 34-35).
The Hobson • 4th April 2019

Community feel-good news

In this issue, I had the pleasure of interviewing people making a difference in their community - from Rotary (page 14) to Men's Shed (page 22-23) and the College Rifles Anzac parade (page 25).
Oh Baby • 1st September 2018

Tips for exploring nature with your toddler

How to make the most of the outdoors with little ones.
OH Baby! • 1st November 2017

20 ways your family can help the planet

I go through some ways people can make a difference.
OH Baby! • 1st March 2017

Shifting Mindsets

How parents can help their children to love challenges, rather than worry about failure.
The New Zealand Herald • 20th February 2016

Hamilton: Every garden tells a story

An account of a daytrip to the Hamilton Gardens with toddler in tow.
Good magazine • 9th December 2015

Get organised, stay organised

Creative ways to declutter and get more organised.
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