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.

We had to expand our drainage system to accommodate the heavy winter rainfall.  This resulted in quite a large gully in the middle of the primary pathway to our house. We used saplings and off-cuts of lumber to build a simple, yet strong bridge that spans the spillway comfortably . The new bridge makes it much easier to carry the 50kg sacks of cement that we need to continue building inside our house, as well as groceries.  

I planted some pineapples years ago and they finally made fruit this year.  Sadly, they were planted in a windy spot and the fruit stalk buckled and the fruit fell before it was fully ripe. The fruit sprouted many new heads and the mother plant had many suckers, all of which were ready for transplanting. I located a perfect location for them in a tropical micro-climate zone of my farm, but first we harvested the purple sweet potatoes that had been growing in the garden throughout the summer. Next we planted the new pineapple heads in raised beds.  Hopefully this warm and wind protected location will allow the plants to thrive and produce many tasty fruits for the future.

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. ...

This summer we are working steadily to build my boys a proper bedroom. They are now old enough to sleep alone and be responsible for their toys.  Also, I would like to have some privacy in my bedroom and be able to crank up the amp on my Electric Bass without concern for their little ears. This project began last year  and can be viewed here. Above the wall that divides their bedroom from the rest of the house is nearly completed. I was fortunate to have an amazing crew of hard working wwoofers to help transport the building materials necessary for construction to continue. The Zip-Line had some minor modifications and is functioning well to get the building supplies across the valley to my house.  Above, Maria catches some rest while waiting for the next delivery of sand to unload from the Zip-Line. I employed Ricardo from my village to help with the heavy lifting and stucco work, a skill that I have yet to master.  ...

Thank you Nouria and Philip for all your help and carpentry skills. The Wwoofer Cabana now has another wall to keep the elements out, but to allow the sunlight in. The view from inside, as the wall is finished and the door is mounted.  The final product.  We used all recycled materials for this job.  Only the nails and studs were store bought. The Wwoofer Cabana  is nearly a fully functioning house now, ready to host all of our wonderful volunteers.  Thank you all so muh, the farm would not be possible without you!