A food forest, is a designed diverse planting of edible plants that attempts to mimic the ecosystems and patterns found in nature. With this in mind we are transforming the old avocado and mango orchard (5000 m2) into a food forest with a much higher biodiversity. We do our best but are not strict in the doctrine.
Guided tour
We are happy to show you around. If there is ripe fruit you can pick your own. Also if you are interested we can tell you a lot about the trees, the crops and the ecological methods we use. The tour and the fruit are free for Encantada guests. Visitors we ask for a small fee.
Picking the fruit
Even though not all plants are fully grown yet, the food forest has much to offer. The list is constantly growing. Mango (varieties Osteen, Sensacion and Keith), Avocado (varieties Bacon, Hass and Reed), Wild green asparagus, Rosemary, East Indian Cherry, Grapes, Olives, Almonds, Passion fruit, Dates, Banana, Lychee, Mandarin, Lemon, Macadamia nuts, Figs, Cape berry, Star fruit, Lime, Peaches, Plums, Carob pods, Japanese medlars, Wild fennel, Kum quat, Walnuts, Blackberries, Orange, Aloe Vera.
Chop and drop
We are placing emphasis on trees, shrubs, perennials rather than annuals. Instead of using chemicals we are using ground covers to suppress the weeds and shade the soil. Also we prune very little. Instead we chop and drop to return wastes to the land and create healthy soil rather than applying fertilizer.
Flora and fauna are flourishing
The food forest is an ideal habitat for animals and insects. Do not be surprised if a gecko or chameleon crosses your path. The idea is to plant a diverse array of plants that attract beneficial insects to pollinate the fruit crops and keep pest populations from exploding and causing damage.
Water and soil are key
Irrigation is indispensable in this harsh and dry climate but we are using water saving techniques. Even the pool water is reused. The ground-shaped terraces, the mulch and the ground cover keep the water from the rare but heavy rain showers on the site.
We hope you like it!
