Permaculture Landscaping
At La Floresta, permaculture is not a theory — it’s something we live and practice daily. Over the years, we’ve transformed degraded pasture into a diverse, productive food forest using low-impact techniques that work with the land rather than against it.
We now offer small-scale, experience-based permaculture landscaping support for landowners who want to regenerate their land, improve water retention, build soil, and establish resilient planting systems adapted to tropical conditions.
What We Focus On
Our approach is practical, plant-centered, and adapted to each site. Rather than applying a fixed formula, we observe slope, soil, water flow, sun exposure, and existing vegetation before suggesting or implementing changes.
- Reforestation and food forest establishment
- Swales, ditches, and water-harvesting earthworks
- Erosion control using plants and root systems
- Soil building with mulch producers and nitrogen-fixing species
- Live fences and productive boundary plantings
- Weed reduction without herbicides or pesticides
- Wild EM (Effective Microorganism) cultivation and use
Integrated Living Systems (Experience-Based)
In addition to landscape work, we have implemented several low-impact living systems on our own farm. These systems are shared as experience and practical knowledge gained through hands-on use, not as regulated construction services.
- Dry composting toilet systems (on-farm use)
- Plant-based greywater concepts (laundry-to-landscape, branched drain layouts)
- Spiral showers and water-minimizing bathing setups
- Gravity-fed water flow planning
When appropriate, we can help think through layouts, flows, and biological treatment strategies, or collaborate alongside licensed professionals when required by local regulations.
Plants as Infrastructure
Wherever possible, we use plants as the primary tools for regeneration. Roots stabilize soil, leaves create mulch, and living systems perform functions that would otherwise require heavy machinery or chemicals.
Many of the trees and support species we use come directly from our own nursery, ensuring they are adapted to local conditions and grown with long-term resilience in mind.
Who This Is For
This work is well-suited for landowners who want to:
- Regenerate degraded or compacted land
- Improve water retention during dry months
- Reduce erosion on slopes
- Establish productive, low-maintenance plant systems
- Move toward greater ecological self-reliance
Observe and Interact
Observation is the first step in permaculture. Thus we work slowly, intentionally, and in conversation with the land. Every site is different, and every solution evolves over time.
If you’re interested in discussing a project, have questions, or want to explore what might be possible on your land, feel free to reach out. Till then, pura vida! 🌱