Flores Permaculture

Chris and Bronwyn did a fantastic job turning our steep mountainside into a functional and safe pathway using Eukyliptus logs and iron stakes. First they removed the top layers of soil from the mountain to find the clay layer that would support the new pathway. Then they used the branches from a tree on our land to make the steps. Odin and Mitra tested the steps out and give them their full approval.

 I have been working steadily to build my two boys, Odin and Mitra, a bedroom all of their own. Their bedroom is the same beroom that I stayed in when I visited my father in this house 30 years ago !   As I was an only child, a single bed was sufficient for my father to build.  However, with two growing  boys on my hands, I needed to build bunkbeds to maximize the space and get them their own comfortable place within our family home.   I chose to use the locally grown and milled wood from our island. The Japanese Cedar is a very solid  material  and does well with the high humidity. And I personally think it’s very beautiful.  I installed safety lights above their bunks, so they will be able read in bed.  I also installed safety electric sockets, so they will be able to charge their phones in the future. I purchased plastic bins for them with lids, to keep their clothing dry and moth free.  Th...

I have finished installing the windows and shutters on the boys new bedroom.  Not an easy task, as the wall is not straight in any direction.  But after cutting out some concrete and the use of silicone sealant, the job is functional and attractive. Odin tests out his new shutters below. After the rain and wind were excluded from the room, the wooden floor got installed using Japanese Cedar wood. Odin and Mitra are so excited to finally have their own space that they insisted on sleeping downstairs in their new bedroom this last week at my house.   They brought all their favorite books from my upstairs bedroom, so I can read to them before bedtime. Next, I managed to get their bedroom door installed, it too is made of Japanese Cedar. Odin is seen leaving his bedroom and entering into the Family Room. Mitra loves having his privacy now, with only his brother to share the space with.  Next week, I hope to finish the ceiling...

My relationship with my house began in 1983, when I was a boy receiving an odd gift from his estranged father and seafarer. I spent my summer break with my father in my "new house and farm", and became familiar with the land, the village of Fazenda and the Island of Flowers.  The trip made quite and impression on me. Above the original stucco can be seen intact. As my father took a break from the familiar Atlantic Ocean and  began sailing the Pacific, he stopped visiting the house regularly and my little house fell into disrepair.  Above is my boyhood bedroom and my boys future bedroom as of 2007. I employed the help of friends to aid me in removal of the old stucco that was full of fungus and vegetation. The bare stones were exposed and allowed to dry. My father had painted on my bedroom wall a picture of his journey to the island.   I did my best to preserve it, but as the old stucco dried it fell from the stone...

We are taking a break from construction to return to the gardens this week. Above, Alex clears the jungle that is encroaching on the Banana Patch. Good ventilation is crucial to minimize fungus and rot on the newly forming fruits.  This year we have about 150 trees and we will continue expanding as we clear more jungle.  Everyone adores bananas.  We always run out no matter how many I harvest.   Estrella, Samantha, and Alex remove the weeds that are choking out the Taro Patch and opening new land to expand the existing patch. The Swiss Chard is going strong still, providing a tasty and healthy green leafy vegetable to eat daily. Everybody lends a hand to remove the weeds before topdressing with fresh compost in the Zone 1 gardens. Nadine hauls weeds from the gardens to the compost bin, where they will be recycled until next year. Jasmine is organizing the Zone 1 gardens with fresh compost, irrigation,and seeds. ...

Spring is nearly ready to turn into Summer as the Solstice arrives. The gardens are nearly all planted and soon construction on the house continues. The Japanese Blue Sweet Potato flowers are blooming.  The cuttings are in the ground and hopefully will produce a bountiful harvest in the Autumn. We are now harvesting Flores Yellow Sweet Potatoes that were planted last year, as well as Bananas and Taro.  These three crops are the staples that allow us to survive yearly. "Cozido de Porco" is a house favorite using the Kale and Sweet Potatoes, alongside island raised Pork.   Hopefully, we will keep our own pigs next year.  In theory we have enough surplus to feed two pigs, we only need to build the housing for them. The Sugar Cane is growing very well in the Tropical Micro-climate.  In the future, it can be used to help the fruit wine achieve a higher ABV.   The African Yams have sprouted and are now getting...