Preparing Our Sustainable Garden — Before the Move

A Garden That Begins With Intention

Even before moving into our new home at Encanto do Vale, the dream of our future garden is already taking root. We may still be waiting for the deed, but our hearts — and our hands — are busy preparing. Gardening, for us, isn’t just about growing food; it’s about growing connection. It’s how we hope to blend our love of nature, wellness, and self-sufficiency into daily life in Portugal.

Laying the Groundwork From Afar

While we can’t yet plant in the soil of Pernadas, we’re using this time to learn the land — studying the climate of Central Portugal, seasonal planting cycles, and native species that thrive in its Mediterranean sun.

We’ve started collecting organic seeds for herbs, vegetables, and medicinal plants we’ll later transplant into raised beds and orchard rows. Each seed represents a little piece of our future — from lavender and rosemary to tomatoes, lemons, and figs.

At our current home, we’re already testing composting methods, building soil mixtures with worm humus, and experimenting with small planters and hydroponic towers to understand water needs and growth patterns. These trials are teaching us patience — and helping us prepare to step onto our new land ready to grow responsibly.

Designing a Garden With Purpose

Our plan for Encanto do Vale’s sustainable garden goes far beyond aesthetics. Every feature will be designed with intention:

🌿 Organic vegetable beds to supply seasonal produce for our kitchen and future guests.

🌸 Herbal and medicinal gardens featuring chamomile, lemon balm, and aloe for teas, natural remedies, and spa blends.

🌳 Orchard rows with citrus, fig, and olive trees — echoing Portugal’s agricultural roots.

💧 Rainwater collection and compost systems to reduce waste and protect natural resources.

🪵 Reclaimed materials and natural stone for raised beds, fencing, and pathways — honoring traditional Portuguese craftsmanship.

Learning From the Land Itself

What we’ve discovered so far is that the land has its own rhythm — and we’re learning to listen. Central Portugal’s soil and sun favor resilience, not rush. Preparing early means understanding when to plant, when to prune, and when to simply let nature lead.

This period before the move has become a gift: a season for study, planning, and quiet excitement. Soon, the same seeds we’re nurturing here will find their permanent home at Encanto do Vale — where the garden will truly become the soul of the retreat.

Looking Ahead

When we finally move in, our garden will be more than a collection of plants; it will be a symbol of renewal, respect, and rootedness. Every seed we sow will tell the story of how patience and purpose can grow even before the soil is ours to touch.

🌿 Follow our journey as we breathe new life into this valley —

one wall, one garden, and one sunrise at a time.

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