Wild beaches, lagoons, forest, wetlands and lovely people, during this post we’ll take a closer look at the area, it’s climate, habitats, local cultivation practices, some of the incredible wildlife, interesting plants and a coastal stabilizer polyculture that does the job very well.

Overview of the Area

Rekawa is located, near Tangalle in Hambantota district, in Southern Province, Sri Lanka around about the 6th Parallel North looking out to the Indian Ocean

Rekawa is in the Dry Zone of Sri Lanka, a fascinating, historically significant, and ecologically unique region that makes up a large portion of the island. The dry zone generally receives less rainfall compared to the wet zone in the southwest, averaging around 1,200mm annually.

The terrain in this area is more or less flat with some mild undulation, there are many rivers, ponds , wetlands and a large lagoon with a wide diversity of flora associated with these different habitats.

There is plenty of water around and the water table is high but the intense heat makes evaporation rates very high. The terrestrial trees have much smaller leaves than in the wet zone and there is a lot more grassland. It reminds me a lot of wild areas, early summer in the Valley of the Roses where we live in Shipka, apart from the peacocks and meter long monitor lizards everywhere. The bird diversity and populations are much higher here too.

The place I was staying is particularly interesting as it includes two littoral zones one from the Ocean and the other from the Lagoon. The banks of the lagoon are vegetated with many mangrove species including Lumnitzera racemosa, Aegiceras corniculatum, Bruguiera gymnorhiza, Excoecaria agallocha, Rhizophora mcronata, Avicennia marina, and Avicennia officinalis.

The Beach

Rekawa Beach is an incredibly scenic one, with a vast expanse of yellow sand, relentlessly pounded by the waves of the Indian Ocean.

Although not a family friendly swimming beach, there are a few spots sheltered from the waves and if you are a pretty strong swimmer, know how to navigate a rip tide and don’t mind getting tossed around like a rag doll every now and than, it’s a very invigorating swim.

Bordering the beach is a band of vegetation, I believe these coastal plantings are relatively new as far as I could gather, following the Boxing Day - 2004 Tsunami that wreaked havoc on much of the coastline in this area. What I think is Pandanus kaida - False Pineapple (there are some 578 accepted species in genus) appears to be a local native and does tremendous job at preventing soil/sand erosion as you can see from the deep extensive root system in the below photo

It has the added benefit of being able to root from anywhere on the stem so when the waves push up against the sandbank during storms and topple the plants they re-root and continue to grow. Often the regrowth is buried by sand and the majority of the biomass decomposes but over time starts to build up a soil like medium making it suitable for other plants to colonize the area and further stabilize the belt.

There are various different plants growing along the coastal margin and later in this post I’ll cover a polyculture that seems to be doing a great job at stabilizing the coastal belt while also providing food other resources for humans and wildlife.

A reader of our Substack, Melissa Harvey got in touch after reading this post and shared her research undertaken in Sri Lanka in 2005 after the Tsunami. Her work looked at the resilience of homestead gardens after the disaster, and Rekawa was one of her field sites. You can find Melissa’s dissertation here.

Sea Turtles

The beach is off limits from 7.00pm - 6.00am in order to maintain privacy for the five species of sea turtles that make their way to the stretch of untouched beach to lay their eggs before heading back to the ocean. Species that frequent the beach include Leatherback Turtle (Dermochelys coriacea), Green Turtle (Chelonia mydas), Olive Ridley Turtle (Lepidochelys olivacea), Loggerhead Turtle (Caretta caretta), and Hawksbill Turtle (Eretmochelys imbricata)

There are a number of conservation projects in the area which aim at protecting the nesting sites and it’s possible to arrange a turtle watching excursion in the evenings, between 8:30 pm and 11:30 pm, to catch a glimpse of turtles laying their eggs.

I went to Turtle Watch Rekawa. The local guides spot the turtles and lead the spectators to the location where you wait around until the turtle has settled in the nest and is starting to lay. Using red lights to not disturb the mother, it’s possible to catch a glimpse of the laying and if you wait around for a few hours you can sit nearby and watch the mother cover the eggs and dig her way out of the nest and finally return to the Ocean. A small contribution of 1500 LKR (around $5) per person keeps the project going and the beach protected.

Local Cultivation

Home Gardens - Pretty much all of the local gardens have a diversity of fruit and nut trees as well as root crops, herbs as well as ornamental plants. Sri Lankans love their gardens and evidentially spend a lot of care and attention on them. The majority of gardens will have Coconut, Banana, Jackfruit, Mango, Papaya and sometime Star Fruit.

Curcuma longa - Turmeric is commonly grown and probably has been for over 6,000 years. A member of the ginger family Zingiberaceae this perennial, rhizomatous, herbaceous plant is native to the Indian subcontinent and Southeast Asia.

A staple in Sri Lankan cuisine, Turmeric’s earthy, slightly peppery flavor adds depth to curries soups, stews, smoothies, and even baked goods but it’s uses extend beyond the curry pot. A thick decoction of the rhizome makes a good antiseptic and is used to wash eczema before applying medicine. It’s also applied externally on bruises, sprains and wounds and taken internally to relieve colds in the head and catarrh.

Domestic Water Buffalo - Bubalus bubalis - Herds of Water Buffalo are moved around the village throughout the day, grazing marsh lands, grass lands the mangrove edges and wallowing in the ponds. Their milk is a staple food in many parts of Sri Lanka. It is richer in fat and protein than cow's milk, and it has a slightly sweet taste. Villagers use water buffalo milk to make a variety of dairy products, including yogurt, butter, and cheese. The Water Buffalo yoghurt with wild honey is delicious.

Rice cultivation is a vital part of the agricultural landscape in Sri Lanka's Hambantota district. Lush paddy fields blanket vast swathes of the region, their emerald hues contrasting beautifully with the golden sands of nearby beaches.

Traditionally, rice farming in Hambantota relied on the seasonal monsoon rain. However, recent years have seen an increasing shift towards irrigation systems, enabling farmers to cultivate rice all year around and you can see various cultivation stages in the area. Despite these advancements, challenges remain. Saline water intrusion due to rising sea levels poses a significant threat to rice cultivation in coastal areas. The Hambantota district is particularly vulnerable to this issue, as seawater can infiltrate irrigation systems and contaminate freshwater sources.

A great place to learn more about horticultural and agricultural practices of the region is the Bataatha Agro Technology and Tourism Park. There are some excellent demo rural and urban gardens, a collection of root crops, a garden displaying lesser cultivated fruit and nuts that have potential in Sri Lanka and lots more.

I’ve not seen a garden such as this before. It’s a hybrid between a botanic garden, a research garden, an ethnographic museum and a park and it has been designed and created really well being easy to navigate with all of the exhibitions clearly labeled in Sinhala and English with a digestible amount of information

There is plenty of wildlife in the garden including mongoose, water monitors, squirrels and peacocks to name a few I saw during my walk around. The restaurant outside the park is a great place to try local homemade snacks too.

Wetland

A significant area of the land is wild wetland varying between brackish and freshwater. One of the few plants I recognized in the area was Typha angustifolia - Narrowleaf cattail dominating parts of the lowland. It was fascinating to watch the Baya Weaver - Ploceus philippinus building their nests within the reeds

Wildlife

There is an incredible array of wildlife in the area constantly on display including Tufted Langur - Peacocks, Palm Squirrels and many birds that you will mostly likely see from whichever guest house you may be staying in.

A few others that caught my attention

Weaver ants - Oecophylla sp.

Nature's miniature architects, construct intricate homes by weaving living leaves together. Their remarkable feat begins with meticulous site selection, choosing sturdy branches adorned with fresh, close-knit leaves. Then, a dance of cooperation commences. Worker ants, like synchronized threads in a loom, grasp the leaf edges and draw them closer. Meanwhile, larvae, cradled in the mouths of their kin, spin a silky thread from their glands, acting as nature's glue to bind the leaves into a secure chamber. This process, fueled by teamwork and relentless dedication, transforms single leaves into sprawling multi-chambered fortresses, some spanning several meters. But their artistry doesn't stop there. Twigs, debris, and even fallen comrades are incorporated, strengthening the structure and deterring unwelcome visitors. The result? A vibrant, living nest, shaded by the canopy, ventilated by rustling leaves, and protected by silken armor.

Oecophylla ants are opportunistic and adaptable. They can and will utilize various trees and shrubs as long as they offer the necessary support and leaf arrangement for their remarkable living nests. I think the plant in the video is Acacia auriculiformis - Ear Leaf Acacia

Birds

If you look closely around the ponds you can find Purple Swamp Hem - Porphyrio poliocephalus walking over floating vegetation or stalking through the reed beds. Their range stretches from the Middle East to Southeast Asia, with populations thriving in diverse wetlands from India to China.

Beach Dogs

Dogs probably outnumber humans on the beach and are friendly to the humans but have their territory marked out and will sometimes scrap amongst themselves.

You’ll find these type of dogs all over Sri Lanka often in small packs roaming free. They are relatively small dogs and are thought to have originated from a breed used for hunting as far back as the 5th Century. They are obviously well-suited to the climate and very intelligent having adapted to survive over the years.

Regenerative Landscape Design - Online Interactive Course

Want to learn how to design, build and manage regenerative landscapes? Join us on our Regenerative Landscape Design - Online Interactive Course. We look forward to providing you with the confidence, inspiration, and opportunity to design, build and manage regenerative landscapes, gardens, and farms that produce food and other resources for humans while enhancing biodiversity.

You can access the course material at anytime and join the live sessions and interactive forums that run from May - Oct every year. All members of the Bloom Room receive a 500 EUR discount. To take up this offer all you have to do is become an annual subscribers to our Substack and register here with the promo code BLOOM.

I look forward to you joining !

Coastal Stabilizer Polyculture

Whenever I'm at a new beach overlooking a horizon I've never seen before I make a point of locating the nearest land mass directly ahead and vow to visit that place. Here on the south coast of Sri Lanka that place is Antarctica.

An almost unfathomable vastness of Ocean continuously pounding against the shore takes it toil on the land and all along the beaches you will find plants trying to hold their ground.

One particular stretch of the coast , west from Rekawa Turtle Watch station the planting combination was doing the job very well and including edible plants with some good wildlife habitat integrated. It seems that all of these plants grow well in the coastal tropics around world.

The polyculture consists of three main species Scaevola taccada - Sea lettuce as a shrub layer Pandanus spp. - Screw pine in the lower canopy and Cocos nucifera - Coconut in the upper canopy.

Cocos nucifera - Coconut. The region's sandy soils, warm temperatures, and abundant rainfall provide ideal conditions for coconut cultivation and the plants are planted along the coastal belt between the beach and the lagoon with the majority under grass grazed by the local water buffalo and goats. However the palms extend to the edge of the coastal belt and serve as an upper canopy to the shrubs and lower canopy as you can see in the photo above.

Coconut palms take about 4-5 years to mature and start producing nuts, and can continue to bear fruit for up to 80 years. The Hambantota District is known for its high-quality coconuts, which are used for a variety of purposes. The nuts are eaten fresh, dried, or used to make coconut oil, milk, and cream. The leaves are used for roofing, thatching, and making baskets. The trunks are used for building materials and furniture.

Scaevola taccada - Sea lettuce dominate the shrub layer of the coastal planting. The shrub thrives in harsh coastal environments, tolerating high winds, salt spray, and sunbaked sand. The plant has occasionally be used for food, the white fruit and the young leaves cooked but mainly as emergency food. There are many medicinal uses for the plant in it’s native range of East Africa.

Its branches can sprout roots wherever they touch the ground, anchoring the plant and preventing soil erosion. This makes it a crucial player in stabilizing coastlines and protecting beaches from storms. Large branches can be used as cuttings to create a very fast forming hedge.

Pandanus spp. as mentioned above are remarkable plants very common around the coastal belt throughout Sri Lanka and play a prominent role of stabilizing the coastal belt.

Although not used as food in Sri Lanka, Pandanus leaves are edible and the fleshy pulp of the fruit is cooked and enjoyed for its starchy, pleasant flavor in some countries in Africa.

Other areas of the belt there is more plant diversity and noticeably more invertebrate activity. Heliotropium arborium - Velvet leaf soldier bush, one of the few shrubs in flower within the coastal planting belt along this beach was packed with pollinators including, butterflies, dragon/damsel flies, beetles and small Diptera

Heliotropium arborium has a wide range of uses, especially in the Pacific Islands where it used as a food, has several valuable medicinal uses and provides a range of materials. An excellent species for providing shelter and protection in exposed, coastal areas. Birds relish the ripe berries, while some cultures consume the young leaves (though caution is advised due to potential toxicity). The leaves and branches are also used for weaving mats, fences, and traditional crafts. In some regions Scaevola has been used for treating skin conditions, wounds, and even internal parasites. More studies are needed to validate these claims and understand the plant's full medicinal potential.

Other Remarkable Plants from Around the Area

Catharanthus roseus - Madagascar Periwinkle

Sharing the same flower as Vinca and from the same family Apocynaceae, I came across this plant used as a ground cover on the sandy soils around various hotels. Interestingly beneath its delicate beauty lies a fascinating secret: it's a powerful life-saver

The plant produces over 70 alkaloids, some of which have become crucial weapons in the fight against cancer. Vincristine and vinblastine, extracted from the plant, are used in chemotherapy to treat various cancers, including leukemia, Hodgkin's lymphoma, and certain types of lung cancer. These alkaloids disrupt cell division in cancer cells, effectively stopping their growth and spread.

Opuntia erecta - Erect Prickly Pear can be invasive in Sri Lanka where it has overgrown a 30 kilometer long coastal area between Hambantota and Yala. But it seems to be behaving well on Rekawa beach , probably due to an already well established coastal belt. The seeds are spread by macaque monkeys, that eat the large fruits. The fruits of all Opuntia are edible and the Cladophylls of 'most' Opuntia are edible including this species.

Here is a short video of the vegetation on costal littoral zone where the river meets the Indian Ocean.

A Few Travel Tips

• Best time to visit is during the dry season from Dec - March as the south-western monsoon brings rain to this region between May and September.

• A good way to get around if you want to explore the surrounding area is on Scooter which costs around $6 or $7 per day to hire. Most of the guest houses and restaurants will have a few Scooters for hire and if you are in a group of three a Tuk-Tuk works pretty well.

• Mosquitoes can be annoying in the evening. You’ll find 100% natural ayurvedic mosquito repellent, in most pharmacies, that uses pure plant essences of Citronella and Lemongrass that works well.

• I can recommend Turtle Paradise Hotel, a family run guest house with delicious home cooked food by Ayesha, and wonderful wildlife around the gardens.

  

I’ll leave it here with a photo of the sunsetting on Rekawa Beach along with my favorite beach dog, Tikstar, on account of the number of ticks I removed from him.

Support Our Project 

If you appreciate the work we are doing you can show your support in several ways.

• Become a member of the Bloom Room. A $70 annual subscription to our Substack provides you with access to live sessions, design tutorials, a members forum and more, see details here.

• Make a purchase of plants or seeds from our Nursery or Online Store 

• Joining us for one of our Practical Courses or Online Courses

• Comment, like, and share our content on social media.

We offer a diversity of plants and seeds for permaculture, forest gardens, and regenerative landscapes including a range of fruit and nut cultivars. We Deliver all over Europe from Nov - March. - Give a happy plant a happy home :)

Welcome to our Online Store where you can find Forest Garden/ Permaculture plants, seeds, bulbs, and Polyculture multi-packs along with digital goods and services such as Online Courses, Webinars and eBooks.  We hope you enjoy the store and find something you like.  It's your purchases that keep our Project going.

You can also find our full list of trees. shrubs and herbs for forest gardens on our nursery website.  

One of the many things I love about the Arab world is the ever-present scent of bakhoor. As soon as you arrive at the airport, wandering through a souk, exploring a museum, in a taxi, the sweet, smoky fragrance of bakhoor fills the air. It's more than just a pleasant aroma, it's a gesture of hospitality, tradition, and cultural richness that adds a unique layer to every experience.

Of particular interest to me is the plants that provide the source ingredients of the incense and I was happy to discover a wide variety of species and plant parts are used. Woodchips of Agarwood - Aquilaria malaccensis, sawdust of Sandalwood - Santalum album, roots of Valerian - Valeriana officinalis and oils and resins of numerous species. One ingredient, sourced locally, from where I was staying in Salalah, really stood out, Frankincense.

Frankincense

Most people from the West will be familiar with Frankincense from the Nativity, the birth of Christ as documented in the biblical gospel of Matthew. The three wise men (Magi) from the East brought gifts for Jesus, Frankincense , Gold and Myrrh.

Less commonly known is that the wise men are considered to have come from Oman and that the Frankincense quite possibly would have come from the trees that are native to the Dhofar region, specifically Wadi Dawkah, it being the location that has produced the highest quality of Frankincense on the planet for many thousands of years.

What is Frankincense?

Frankincense, also known as olibanum, is an aromatic resin obtained from trees of the genus Boswellia.

There are several species of Boswellia that produce true frankincense, each with its own unique characteristics and aroma. The most common types are follows:

Boswellia sacra: native to Oman, Yemen, and Somalia. It is considered the most prized type of frankincense, with a deep, balsamic aroma and hints of citrus.

Boswellia carteri: native to the Horn of Africa and Nubia. It has a slightly spicy, woody aroma with a hint of lemon.

Boswellia serrata: native to India. It has a lighter, more lemony aroma than other types of frankincense.

Boswellia papyrifera: native to Ethiopia, Eritrea, and Sudan. It has a sweet, balsamic aroma with a hint of mint.

Boswellia frereana: native to the Horn of Africa. It has a light, citrusy aroma with a hint of pepper.

In addition to these five main species, there are several other species of Boswellia that produce frankincense, but they are less common and often of lower quality.

The species we will focus on for the rest of this post is Boswellia sacra, a truly remarkable plant that can live for centuries, some even reaching 1,000 years old in some of the most extreme habitat on the planet.

Boswellia sacra - Frankincense Tree

I first met these glorious plants at The Museum of the Frankincense Land in Salalah, an interesting museum that is within the grounds of the medieval city of Ẓafār. Now a ruin, Ẓafār acted as an important port for frankincense trade and was visited by many renowned travelers, such as Marco Polo, Ibn Battuta and Zheng He.

Following the visit to the The Museum, the next day I set off to Wadi Dawkah, a UNESCO' World Cultural and Natural Heritage site, located 40 km north of Salalah to witness the wild Frankincense Trees - Boswellia sacra that grow there.

A stony, semi-desert valley is a perfect habitat for the frankincense trees that constitute the main vegetation life in the Wadi and spread over an area of 5 km2 from the total 14.5 km2 of the Wadi. A total of 1,257 ancient perennial trees of varying sizes have been recorded in the area.

The plants come from the Burseraceae family and thrive in dry, arid regions with minimal rainfall (less than 250mm annually) . They can tolerate poor, calcareous soils with limited nutrients, grow particularly well on steep slopes and rocky terrain of the Dhofar mountains and have adapted well to temperatures ranging from scorching highs to cool nights.

The root systems are deep tapping into underground water sources inaccessible to other plants and the leathery leaves coated in a wax/powder minimize water loss by reflecting sunlight. The slow growth of the plants also help conserve resources and ensure survival in challenging conditions.

Plant Form

The trees take on variety of form but I presume the standard form would be single stem that branches high with a dense flat crown. The shrub forms are probably the result of pruning in order to make harvesting of the resin easier. We’ll look at how that is carried out later.

Flowering and Pollination

Following the life-giving embrace of the rainy season (The Khareef) that hits the region from June - October the plants embark upon their flowering spectacle. Racemes, adorned with clusters of dainty, creamy-pink flowers, erupt from the tree's branches. The flowering period evidently last as long as February as there were one or two trees with flowers and fruits. The nectary disc with the flower initially awash in a sunny yellow, undergoes a transformation, transitioning to vibrant orange and then a bold red. This orchestrated color change serves as a beacon to potential pollinators, silently communicating the readiness of nectar and pollen.

The plants can self-pollinate but diligent bees and wasps drawn by the chromatic allure and the promise of sweet nectar, flit between blossoms, facilitating cross-pollination that ensures a broader genetic diversity, crucial for the long-term survival and resilience of the population.

Despite successful pollination, germination in these arid conditions remains a formidable hurdle, with only a select few seeds possessing the strength to break through the soil and usher in a new generation.

Regenerative Landscape Design - Online Interactive Course

Want to learn how to design, build and manage regenerative landscapes? Join us on our Regenerative Landscape Design - Online Interactive Course. We look forward to providing you with the confidence, inspiration, and opportunity to design, build and manage regenerative landscapes, gardens, and farms that produce food and other resources for humans while enhancing biodiversity.

You can access the course material at anytime and join the live sessions and interactive forums that run from May - Oct every year. All members of the Bloom Room receive a 500 EUR discount. To take up this offer all you have to do is become an annual subscribers to our Substack and register here with the promo code BLOOM.

I look forward to you joining !

Propagation

The main method used for propagating this fascinating species is via seed and freshness is the key with fresh ripe seeds collected directly from the tree and sown immediately having a much better chance of germinating than older seeds. Even still Boswellia sacra seeds are considered to be difficult to germinate and given the right condition, the germination rate is between 0% to 8%.

The hard seed coat benefits from scarification, such as nicking with a file or soaking in warm water, to improve water uptake and germination and a well-draining, sandy potting mix is ideal. Sowing the seeds shallowly and keeping them moist but not waterlogged is essential. Water deeply but infrequently, letting the soil dry between waterings as overwatering can be detrimental.

Mimicking the tree's natural warm, dry climate with good drainage is crucial as is providing bright, indirect sunlight and avoiding harsh midday sun.

I was surprised to see that seed sown in the ground at the plantation site had put on around 60cm off growth within the first year (unless a local working at the site misunderstood my question or I misunderstood his answer).

Ecology

The shade provided by the trees offer shelter for other plant and animal species. I saw many examples of various other herbs and small shrubs growing under and around the shade of these trees.

During blossoming times The flowers support a diverse insect population of bees, wasps, flies, butterflies, and ants that provide food for the birds and reptiles.

As you walk around what appears as vast areas of empty stony desert the scurrying of a reptile will often break the perfect silence. Fortunately the Carter's rock gecko - Pristurus carteri will often stand perfectly still after the initial flush so you can get a closer look.

For humans Frankincense resin has for millennia been a crucial source of income for local communities and is used in a number of ways.

Frankincense Uses

Incense: Frankincense is a popular incense ingredient, used for religious ceremonies, aromatherapy, and meditation. In Yemen, it is the main Bakhoor choice of the people.

Perfume: Frankincense is incredibly powerful as an ingredient – so it’s only generally used in small doses, except in perfumes designed to conjure up the smell of actual incense. But it also works brilliantly as a fixative so around 13% of all perfumes apparently contain at least a trace of frankincense.

Essential oil: The essential oil of frankincense is obtained by steam distillation of the resin and can be used for a variety of purposes, including aromatherapy, massage, and topical application.

Medicine: Frankincense has been used in traditional medicine for centuries. Some studies suggest that it may have anti-inflammatory, anti-tumor, and other medicinal properties.

Chewing Gum- Not only is Frankincense the bakhoor of choice for the Yemenis they also chew it as a gum. It has a citrusy taste and strong antiseptic and antibacterial qualities.

The Production of Frankincense from Boswellia sacra in the Dhofar Region of Oman

A frankincense tree enters into the production stage when at the age of eight to ten years, as it becomes stronger and able to withstand the production process. At the beginning of April when the temperature starts getting higher, frankincense producers begin the process by wounding the tree in various positions depending on the size of the tree using a putty knife tool with a wooden handle locally called a “Mangaf” . The first wound is called “Tapping” which is carried out through shaving the external layer of the bark, after which a milky white sap leeches out of the wound.

The producers leave the sap to harden for two to three weeks and then collect it as frankincense. The quality and quantity of this frankincense is not great or commercially viable.

The second wounding process called “Alsa>f1”and starts after two to three weeks from the first wounding. The quality and quantity of this yellowish frankincense is good and has commercial value. It solidifies on the tree or on the ground if the tree is prolific. After that the third wounding starts following the same steps of the second wounding and is called “Alsa>f2”.

The production of frankincense is a process that needs experience and practice because the wrong practice may leave behind an unhealthy tree. The average productivity of a fully grown tree is 10 Kg of frankincense per season. The end of the season is called “Alkashem”.

Interestingly, trees that are far from the area affected by the seasonal rains (The Khareef) provide better quality and quantity. The quality of frankincense is determined by the color and purity; the white bluish frankincense free of impurities is considered the best. The quality decreases when the frankincense becomes reddish or mixed with other impurities

Historically, the value of the product derived from its use in religious, medical and incantation rituals and Oman played the main role in giving the tree its value through the trade of frankincense that expanded as far as the Mediterranean, the regions of the Red Sea, Mesopotamia, India and China.

Frankincense Grades

According to the display in the museum in Salalah, Frankincense can be graded in the following categories

• Asha’bi / Hojari Asha’bi: Refers to the supreme quality of Hojari frankincense, from wild Boswellia sacra trees in the hard-to-reach mountain valleys (wadis) of northern Dhofar (Nejd), Oman. It is the most prized for its silver-green color, complex citrusy-balsamic aroma, and high price.

• Al-Hojari (or simply Hojari): The highest commercial grade of Omani frankincense, from the Nejd region. It is characterized by its light, silvery color and refined aroma. “Asha’bi” often denotes the finest Hojari.

• Annajdi (or Najdi): The second grade, also from the inland mountains of Dhofar. It has a golden-yellow to amber color and a warmer, richer balsamic aroma. It is highly prized but typically ranks below Hojari.

• Ashazri (or Shazri): The third major grade, from the coastal mountains of eastern Dhofar (Jebel Samhan). It is darker (brown) and has a earthier, less citrusy aroma. It is still high quality but distinct from and less expensive than Hojari and Najdi.

The natural purpose of the resin is to protect against infection and pests with sticky resin acting as a physical barrier, trapping and hindering insects and other harmful organisms. The resin also serves naturally to defend the plant when branch damage occurs, the resin sealing the wound and preventing water loss and infection. Further more, the aromatic compounds in the resin are thought to attract insects like bees and butterflies, that aid in pollination and seed dispersal of the plants.

Threats and Conservation

Although the resin production process itself is thought to be beneficial for the tree's health, over-tapping practices that prioritize short-term gains over long-term health leave trees vulnerable and ultimately hinder their ability to produce the precious resin. The high demand for the product makes this a serious threat for the wild trees. Habitat loss due to deforestation and land degradation is also shrinking the already limited range of these resilient trees.

The Sultanate of Oman is attempting to set an example of broadscale sustainable harvesting techniques, where tapping methods don't harm the trees, alongside community-led management programs that empower local populations to manage resources wisely. Additionally, the establishment of protected areas for frankincense woods, such as the UNESCO site, is intended to safeguard these precious trees and habitat for generations to come.

Six thousands new trees have been planted in the Wadi and there are plans to plant more in the near future.

That’s all for this posts. I’ll be sharing more about the fascinating plants, incredible ecosystems and highly productive ancient and modern polycultures of Oman in the coming weeks.

Support Our Project 

If you appreciate the work we are doing you can show your support in several ways.

• Become a member of the Bloom Room. A $70 annual subscription to our Substack provides you with access to live sessions, design tutorials, a members forum and more, see details here.

• Make a purchase of plants or seeds from our Nursery or Online Store 

• Joining us for one of our Practical Courses or Online Courses

• Comment, like, and share our content on social media.

Want to learn more about Regenerative Landscape Design? Join The Bloom Room!

The Bloom Room is designed to create a space for more in-depth learning, for sharing projects and ideas, for seeking advice and discovering opportunities.

Ultimately, it aims to build a more intimate, interactive, and actionable relationship between members, a way for the Bloom Room community to support each other’s projects and learning journeys, and to encourage and facilitate the design, build, and management of more regenerative landscapes across our planet.

What you can expect as a member of the Bloom Room

As a member of the Bloom Room you can expect;

• Access to an interactive forum where you can ask questions,  direct what type of content you would like to see as well as share your own content and projects.

• Monthly live session featuring general Q&A and tutorials on design software for creating and presenting polycultures.

• Live session every month for members to showcase your projects, plans, designs, and gardens, with guest speakers from the community.

• Full Access to all of the content on Substack

• A 50% discounts on all of our online courses

• Future opportunities to join our Global Regenerative Landscape Design and Consultancy Service, with potential roles for those with the will and skill to join our design team.

• An opportunity to take part in the group ownership of a Regenerative Landscape. You will find more details on that here.

Become a paid subscriber to our Substack to join. The annual subscription is currently $70 and the monthly subscription is $7 (monthly subscription excludes discounts for products and services) . You can join here, we look forward to meeting you!

Parks and Green Spaces of Hong Kong Island - Central

Hong Kong Island - Central was my base during my stay, a perfect place to explore on foot with world-class gardens and plenty of green spaces tucked away among the streets.

Hong Kong Park

This is probably my favorite garden for nighttime strolls. An 8-hectare park featuring a large greenhouse, an aviary with exotic birds, a scenic lake with fountains, and walking trails surrounded by tropical plants.

At night, Hong Kong Park transforms into a tranquil retreat with subtle lighting that enhances its natural beauty.

Within Hong Kong Park, you can find the Tai Chi Garden, a serene oasis dedicated to the ancient Chinese practice of Tai Chi. Designed with traditional Feng Shui principles, its circular platforms, reflecting pools, and bamboo groves create a harmonious space perfect for meditation and martial arts.

This cultural gem isn’t just beautiful—it’s functional. Locals gather here at dawn for Tai Chi practice, keeping the tradition alive, while the garden’s moon gates and pavilions provide a picturesque setting for quiet reflection.

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) Related Gardens in Central - Hong Kong

I’ve been delving into the fascinating world of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) 🌿—a practice that has been healing and nurturing for thousands of years. TCM utilizes a vast array of 5,000 to 6,000 plant species, along with animal and mineral substances, reflecting its holistic and interconnected approach.

In the Sheung Wan area of Central, streets are lined with TCM stores, where vendors skillfully prepare herbal remedies.

Just off Bonham Strand (a street dedicated to TCM shops), you’ll find The TCM Garden (Chinese Medicinal Herb Garden).

This small but meaningful green space in Sheung Wan is dedicated to promoting TCM. It features medicinal plants—such as ginseng, goji berries, zanthoxylum, and chrysanthemum—each labeled with their healing properties. The garden serves as both an educational spot and a peaceful retreat amid the city’s hustle.

Designed to introduce visitors to TCM principles, it includes informative signage on concepts like yin-yang balance and the five elements (Wu Xing). Occasionally, it hosts workshops or health talks to deepen public understanding of herbal medicine.

Hong Kong Museum of Medical Sciences

The Hong Kong Museum of Medical Sciences on Caine Lane has a small garden featuring medicinal herbs and plants used in TCM, along with informative plaques about their healing properties.

The museum itself is housed in the historic Old Pathological Institute and is well worth a visit, with excellent exhibits on both TCM and modern medicine.

Street Trees Of Hong Kong

Wherever you go in Hong Kong, the city’s forested mountains dominate the horizon—a verdant backdrop to its iconic skyline. These green slopes owe much to government-led reforestation efforts in the 20th century, aimed at preventing landslides.

Yet at street level in the older housing estates like Choi Hung, Wah Fu, and Shek Kip Mei the story was different. Built during the post-war boom—the priority was rapid, utilitarian development, not greenery.

Narrow streets, dense construction, and minimal planting space left little room for trees. Instead, pavement swallowed up room for markets, parking, and foot traffic, turning many neighborhoods into concrete labyrinths beneath the shadow of thriving hillsides.

This stands in stark contrast to Hong Kong’s more recent developments, where urban planning prioritizes green spaces and multilayered tree planting.

Suburban hubs like Ma On Shan—developed primarily in the 1990s and 2000s—show a marked shift toward greenery, with landscaped parks (e.g., Ma On Shan Park), waterfront cycling paths along Tolo Harbour, and tree-covered walkways linking housing estates.

The most recently developed districts of Tung Chung, Kowloon East, Kai Tak and the West Kowloon Cultural District integrate wide tree-lined promenades and vertical greening into their design and some world class parks featuring native plants.

One of my favorite use of plants in the city is below the flyovers and bridges where the multi layers of plants soften the harsh concrete and are left to grow wild, proving a sanctuary for wildlife.

Here is a list of 40 of the most popular Street Trees in Hong Kong

Welcome to our Online Store where you can find Forest Garden/ Permaculture plants, seeds, bulbs, and Polyculture multi-packs along with digital goods and services such as Online Courses, Webinars and eBooks. We hope you enjoy the store and find something you like. It's your purchases that keep our Project going.

You can also find our full list of trees. shrubs and herbs for forest gardens on our nursery website.

Plants of Interest

Here are a few plants that caught my attention during my stay:

Hibiscus tiliaceus - Sea Hibiscus

Dominating the shoreline around To Tau Wan village in Ma On Shan, this tropical flowering plant is native to coastal regions of the Indian and Pacific Oceans. It grows as a small tree or shrub (4–10 meters tall) with fibrous bark used for ropes and traditional materials. Thriving in coastal environments, it tolerates salt spray and sandy soils.

Valued for its versatility, its bark and leaves are used in traditional medicine, its fibers for crafting, and its ornamental beauty for landscaping. It also stabilizes soil, prevents erosion, and provides wildlife habitat—symbolizing resilience and adaptability. There are large stands of these trees growing wild on the shoreline beneath the new housing developments in the Ma On Shan neighborhood.

Terminalia mantaly - Umbrella tree is an iconic street tree in subtropical/tropical Asia. I first came across this plant in Indonesia where it is used liberally for amenity planting in Jakarta and i’ve since noticed it growing in many cities within the tropical bands. It's primarily grown as an ornamental shade tree and is not considered edible unlike some related species like Terminalia catappa which produces edible nuts.

Ficus ingens - Red-leaved fig growing on the coastal rocks at Stanley- Hong Kong. it's a native to Africa and the Arabian Peninsula. It is notable for its striking reddish or bronze young leaves, which mature to a glossy green. The plant produces figs that are ecologically important, providing food for birds, bats, and other wildlife, while the tree relies on fig wasps for pollination.

Cinnamomum burmanni - Indonesian cinnamon features regularly around the city. This cinnamon species is native to Southeast Asia, particularly Indonesia. It is widely traded globally for its strong, sweet, and slightly spicy flavor, making it a staple in baking, desserts, beverages, and savory dishes. Cinnamomum burmanni has a more intense aroma than C.verum and is more affordable, though it contains higher levels of coumarin, which should be consumed in moderation.

This cinnamon is harvested from trees that grow up to 15 meters tall, with thick, reddish-brown bark that is dried and rolled into quills or ground into powder. Indonesia is the largest producer, with Sumatra being a key region. Beyond its culinary uses, Cinnamomum burmanni is valued in traditional medicine for its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and blood sugar-regulating properties, thanks to compounds like cinnamaldehyde.

Regenerative Landscape Design - Online Interactive Course

Want to learn how to design, build and manage regenerative landscapes? Join us on our Regenerative Landscape Design - Online Interactive Course. We look forward to providing you with the confidence, inspiration, and opportunity to design, build and manage regenerative landscapes, gardens, and farms that produce food and other resources for humans while enhancing biodiversity.

You can access the course material at anytime and join the live sessions and interactive forums that run from May - Oct every year. All members of the Bloom Room receive a 500 EUR discount. To take up this offer all you have to do is become an annual subscribers to our Substack and register here with the promo code BLOOM.

I look forward to you joining !

Ficus microcarpa - Banyan Tree is one of the most popular street trees in Hong Kong and the city hosts some of the finest specimens I have come across. The multi levels of the city built into the mountainous terrain provides a unique habitat for these trees to the really show off their beauty with many of the trees growing wonderfully contorted espalier-like root systems against high walls accompanied by cascading aerial roots that both soften and compliment the impressive city architecture.

Kowloon

Nan Lian Garden

When a garden can impress you in rain and cloudy conditions it's a true work of art. Nan Lian Garden 南蓮園池 is such a garden . A stunning classical Chinese garden nestled in the heart of Hong Kong. Designed in the Tang Dynasty style, this tranquil oasis offers a serene escape within the bustle of Kowloon.

Spanning 3.5 hectares, the garden features meticulously landscaped greenery, koi-filled ponds, wooden pavilions, and a striking golden pagoda. Every element, from the winding stone pathways to the carefully placed rocks and waterfalls, reflects traditional Chinese garden aesthetics, creating a harmonious balance between nature and architecture.

One of the garden’s highlights is the **Chi Lin Nunnery (志蓮淨苑)**, a neighboring Buddhist temple complex built entirely of wood without nails, using ancient Tang Dynasty techniques and there is an excellent collection of Bonsai trees in the garden, definitely some of the finest bonsai I have ever come across

That’s all for this post, thanks for reading !

Support Our Project

If you appreciate the work we are doing you can show your support in several ways.

• Become a member of the Bloom Room. A $70 annual subscription to our Substack provides you with access to live sessions, design tutorials, a members forum and more, see details here.

• Make a purchase of plants or seeds from our Nursery or Online Store

• Joining us for one of our Practical Courses or Online Courses

• Comment, like, and share our content on social media.

We offer a diversity of plants and seeds for permaculture, forest gardens, and regenerative landscapes including a range of fruit and nut cultivars. We Deliver all over Europe from Nov - March. - Give a happy plant a happy home :)

Located on the east side of Africa just south of the equator, Tanzania is a huge and diverse country with over 120 ethnic groups and almost as many languages, Swahili being the universal language along with English and Arabic.

Although my time in Tanzania was limited to exploring just a fraction of the country, it was enough to reveal its extraordinary richness as a melting pot of traditions, customs, and histories. These elements intertwine to create a uniquely vibrant and breathtakingly beautiful destination.

My journey began in the bustling capital, Dar es Salaam, where I reunited with my two sons. From there, we embarked on an unforgettable road trip to Mikumi National Park, followed by a journey to the enchanting island of Zanzibar and than over to Mafia Island, a protected marine reserve and a true gem, boasting pristine coral reefs and idyllic beaches.

Road Trip from Dar es Salaam - Mikumi and a stop-over in Morogoro

From Dar es Salaam, we hired a 4x4 and set off on a scenic drive to Mikumi National Park. The journey took us from the bustle of the city to the lush landscapes and small villages, offering a glimpse into rural Tanzanian life. The striking agave plantations lining the route captured my attention. These spiky, resilient plants thrive in Tanzania’s semi-arid climate, their ornate inflorescence standing tall against the skyline

Agave, known for its versatility, is cultivated for multiple purposes—ranging from biofuel production to fiber and even potential use in beverages. Its ability to grow in poor soils with minimal water makes it a good choice for marginal soils and agave is often used in land rehabilitation, preventing soil erosion and sequestering carbon. The cultivation appears to be organic with many species of wild plants growing within the rows and many insects buzzing around .

We stopped for a night in Morogoro, a busy town nestled at the foot of the Uluguru Mountains.

Out of the city the cool mountain air and friendly locals make it a perfect pitstop. Within the city center you can find the Mawenzi Market that serves many of the surrounding villages.

The market is arranged with bulk produce on the outside and a large shaded labyrinth area in the center with narrow paths surrounded by small stalls that often host a laidback (literally) vendor. It’s easy to get lost in the central area and delightful to see the variety of produce on offer.

We took the afternoon to visit nearby Choma Waterfalls. It’s a good 2 hr. hike from the start of the trail but you can get a Boda Boda (definitely not for the faint hearted) that will get you to the top, with white knuckles and hopefully still breathing, in a thirty minutes.

At the top of the trail you’ll find locals selling bowls of berries, (strawberry, Gooseberry, Raspberry) all grown in nearby gardens and picked from the wild including what I think is Rubus rosifolius - Bramble of the Cape

There are a series water falls to discover starting from the top and it’s possible to swim in the pools and shower in the cascading water in the mid section.

It’s an easy and beautiful walk back down through the mountain villages. When you get to the bottom the Black and White Restaurant is a great spot to eat after the hike and swim. A general tip, it’s a good idea to bring a book to the restaurant when eating out in Tanzania, you will most likely get through a chapter or two in between ordering food to it arriving. That’s not a complaint just an observation as the relaxed pace of life is all part of the charm.

That evening, we continued on the road to Mikumi and it quickly became apparent that night driving on the A7 highway is no joke. There are signs on the road with the fines for hitting various animals and with the single laned road being a major cargo route, with a lot of cargo trucks on the roads , it was a tense drive.

Mikumi National Park

Known for its vast open plains, lush vegetation, and diverse wildlife, Mikumi is home to an array of animals, including elephants, lions, giraffes, zebras, and buffaloes.

The Mkata Floodplain, one of the park's most iconic features, provides a picturesque backdrop for game viewing, while the surrounding Miombo woodland savannah adds to the park's ecological richness.

This was the first safari for us in Africa and it was a truly incredible experience, not only the spectacular wildlife and beauty of the park but the accessibility of the park to explore with your own vehicle at your own pace with possibilities to leave your vehicle as long as you are no closer than 200m from wildlife.

This provided a great opportunity to get up close to the incredible flora of the savanna and to just stand still and soak up the atmosphere and indulge in the perfect sound of the savanna symphony.

Giraffe, Elephant, Lion , Hippo, Impala, Zebra, Baboons, Warthog, Wildebeest, Jackals and African Buffalo are all very easy to see around the park although Lions are most likely to be seen during the night Safari when they come out to hunt.

For night Safari you need a guide and an armed park ranger. It was not at all crowded and the guides were great, very knowledgeable about the wildlife and where to find it. It was absolutely awesome to witness the coordination between the lionesses as they stalked the hyper alert Impala.

Within the park boundaries it’s also possible to visit Maasai Boma villages and learn about the history and culture of these incredible people. It’s well worth a visit.

Zanzibar

After returning to Dar es Salaam, we boarded the fast ferry to Zanzibar, the archipelago known for its white-sand beaches, turquoise waters, and rich history.

Stone Town is a great place and well worth spending time there. It’s the third time I’ve spent time in Stone Town and there is still plenty to discover and it was great to see the town’s solidarity with the Palestinian fight for freedom, particularly pertinent given the dark history of the slave trade that was centered in the town.

We stayed the majority of the trip in Matemwe, a quiet village on the northeast coast, with a laid-back vibe, an abundance of fresh fish and stunning ocean views.

Nungwi Beach and Kiwengwa Caves

After a few days chilling on the white sands we took a trip to nearby Kiwengwa Caves, a network of limestone caves that are fascinating and easy to explore with a local guide.

One of the most striking features of these caves is the intricate network of tree roots that penetrate the cave ceilings and walls. These roots dangle down like natural chandeliers, creating an otherworldly atmosphere. They serve as a vital connection between the surface and the cave ecosystem, providing nutrients and moisture to the cave's inhabitants.

The caves are home to a variety of wildlife, particularly bats, which are the most prominent residents with four different species present. These bats play a crucial role in the islands ecology by aiding in pollination and seed dispersal for plants above ground. In addition to bats, the caves host a range of invertebrates, including insects and arachnids, which thrive in the dark, humid environment. Occasionally, small reptiles and amphibians may also be found within the caves, taking advantage of the stable microclimate and it’s very common to see Cave Spiders that lurk on the walls and within the many crevices.

Mafia Island

After Zanzibar, we headed back to Dar es Salaam, and onto Mafia Island, a lesser-known but equally stunning destination, known for its marine biodiversity, and a haven for divers and nature lovers. You can arrive at the island with a 6 hr. boat ride from Dar es Salaam or a 30 minute flight in a small plane.

Mafia Island Marine Park (MIMP)

Mafia Island Marine Park (MIMP), located off the coast of Tanzania in the Indian Ocean, is a pristine marine protected area renowned for its breathtaking underwater landscapes and rich biodiversity.

Established in 1995, the park spans over 822 square kilometers and encompasses a variety of ecosystems, including coral reefs, mangrove forests, seagrass beds, and sandy beaches.

These habitats support an incredible array of marine life, from vibrant coral fish and sea turtles to dolphins, whale sharks, and even the elusive dugong. The park's crystal-clear waters and thriving coral reefs make it a paradise for snorkelers, divers, and marine enthusiasts, offering some of the best underwater experiences in East Africa. I did a few days diving with Mafia Island Diving who use local made Dhows customized for diving to reach the many excellent diving spots in the marine park. For some video of the marine life take a look at our Instagram.

Beyond its natural beauty, Mafia Island Marine Park plays a crucial role in marine conservation and sustainable development. The park is a vital breeding and feeding ground for numerous endangered species, and its mangrove forests act as natural barriers, protecting the coastline from erosion and storm surges.

My first day on the Island I went out to explore the mangrove and stumbled across a day roost of Pteropus spp.- Fruit Bat.

These bats are the largest and rarest fruit bats in the world and are critically endangered due to habitat loss and hunting. They are a focus of conservation efforts in the region and judging by this roost, appear to be thriving on Mafia

Local communities are actively involved in the park's management, benefiting from eco-tourism and sustainable fishing practices that ensure the preservation of this unique ecosystem for future generations.

I stayed at a wonderful local run lodge within the reserve, Meremeta Bungalow Lodge, where Meremeta, the owner helped arrange a Tuk Tuk trip for a day to explore the rest of the island including the Hippo Pond where you’ll find a community of wild hippos are flourishing in a watering hole.

Welcome to our Online Store where you can find Forest Garden/ Permaculture plants, seeds, bulbs, and Polyculture multi-packs along with digital goods and services such as Online Courses, Webinars and eBooks. We hope you enjoy the store and find something you like. It's your purchases that keep our Project going.

You can also find our full list of trees. shrubs and herbs for forest gardens on our nursery website.

Plants of Interest

Hyphaene petersiana- African ivory palm

I've noticed this plant used in parks, hotels, and resort landscaping throughout the tropics so it was marvelous to see the plants in their home environment standing tall and proud in the Mikumi Park Savannah.

This palm species is widespread in savannah and woodland areas across Eastern and Southern Africa. It thrives in areas with seasonal water sources, such as riverbanks and floodplains.

The palm is notable for its distinctive, fan-shaped leaves and its ability to grow in harsh, dry conditions. It provides important resources for both wildlife and local communities, as its fruits are edible, and its leaves are used for weaving and construction. Thanks to nszobody who left the following interesting comment on our Instagram.

‘it’s also a phenomenal nurse tree. ‘Plant another three at is base and it will benefit from partial shade and the moisture retained in is tight root network. Also, a renewable fuel source; the fruit are a super dense calorie used to fire bricks and grill meat commercially. A tincture from the fruit ("spice bread fruit") is tasty and immediately reduced blood pressure. Additionally, the heart of a young tree is a delicious vegetable. But to eat it you have to destroy the tree. ‘

Dichrostachys cinerea - Chinese lantern tree

What are probably escapes from nearby resorts, there were a fair few Dichrostachys cinerea - Chinese lantern tree growing in the transition belt from Mangrove to terrestrial around Utende - Mafia. This versatile plant is originally from South Africa but grows widely within the tropics. In traditional medicine, its roots, leaves, and bark are used to treat ailments such as stomachaches, diarrhea, wounds, and fever. The plant also serves as valuable fodder for livestock, particularly in arid regions, though its invasive nature can dominate pastures. As a legume, it improves soil fertility through nitrogen fixation and helps prevent erosion with its extensive root system.

The hard, dense wood of Dichrostachys cinerea is a reliable source of fuelwood and charcoal, commonly used in rural areas for cooking and heating. Additionally, the plant provides natural dyes and tannins for textiles and leather tanning. Its attractive flowers make it suitable for ornamental landscaping, while its nectar and pollen support beekeeping and honey production. In some cultures, the plant holds cultural or ritual significance.

African baobab - Adansonia digitata

Often referred to as the "Tree of Life," African baobab one of the most iconic and fascinating trees on the African continent. With its massive, bottle-shaped trunk and sparse, root-like branches that stretch skyward, the baobab is instantly recognizable and holds a special place in both the ecosystem and the cultural heritage of Africa.

These trees can live for thousands of years, with some specimens estimated to be over 2,000 years old, making them some of the oldest living organisms on Earth. Their enormous trunks, which can reach up to 25 meters in diameter, store vast amounts of water, allowing them to survive in arid environments where other trees would perish. This unique adaptation has earned them the nickname "upside-down tree," as their branches resemble roots reaching into the sky.

Ecologically, the African baobab plays a vital role in its environment. Its flowers, which bloom at night, are pollinated by bats, moths, and other nocturnal creatures, creating a unique symbiotic relationship. The tree's large, pendulous fruits, often called "monkey bread," are rich in vitamin C and nutrients, providing a critical food source for a variety of animals, including monkeys, elephants, and birds. These animals, in turn, help disperse the seeds, ensuring the baobab's survival and propagation. Additionally, the tree's hollow trunks and branches often serve as shelter for birds, insects, and even small mammals, further enhancing its ecological importance.

Beyond its ecological role, the baobab holds immense cultural significance for many African communities. Its leaves, fruit, and bark are used for food, medicine, and traditional remedies, while its trunk has been used for centuries as a source of water during droughts. The tree is also deeply woven into local folklore and spirituality, often regarded as a sacred symbol of resilience and longevity. In recent years, the baobab has gained global attention for its superfood status, with its fruit powder being celebrated for its nutritional benefits. However, climate change and habitat destruction pose significant threats to these ancient giants, making their conservation a pressing concern. The African baobab is not just a tree; it is a living testament to the interconnectedness of nature, culture, and survival in the African landscape.

Syzygium cumini - Java Plum

I first came across the fruits of Syzygium cumini - Java Plum on the road to Mikumi, from vendors offering bags of fruits to drivers stopping at lights. They are delicious and have a unique taste that reminded me instantly of well ripened Cornelian Cherry but a bit sweeter and more complex.

The tree is magnificent too, an evergreen tropical tree native to the Indian subcontinent. It grows up to 30 meters tall, with glossy leaves.

The tree thrives in warm climates and is cultivated for its edible fruit, used in juices, jams, and traditional medicine. Its seeds, bark, and leaves are valued for antidiabetic and antioxidant properties. Ecologically, it supports wildlife and pollinators, while its durable wood is used in construction. Culturally significant in India and Africa, it’s a versatile and valuable plant

That’s all for now, i’ll close with just a few more Safari Photos from Mikumi

Asante sana, Tanzania! Until next time.

Regenerative Landscape Design - Online Interactive Course

Want to learn how to design, build and manage regenerative landscapes? Join us on our Regenerative Landscape Design - Online Interactive Course. We look forward to providing you with the confidence, inspiration, and opportunity to design, build and manage regenerative landscapes, gardens, and farms that produce food and other resources for humans while enhancing biodiversity.

You can access the course material at anytime and join the live sessions and interactive forums that run from May - Oct every year. All members of the Bloom Room receive a 500 EUR discount. To take up this offer all you have to do is become an annual subscribers to our Substack and register here with the promo code BLOOM.

I look forward to you joining !

Support Our Project

If you appreciate the work we are doing you can show your support in several ways.

• Become a member of the Bloom Room. A $70 annual subscription to our Substack provides you with access to live sessions, design tutorials, a members forum and more, see details here.

• Make a purchase of plants or seeds from our Nursery or Online Store

• Joining us for one of our Practical Courses or Online Courses

• Comment, like, and share our content on social media.

We offer a diversity of plants and seeds for permaculture, forest gardens, and regenerative landscapes including a range of fruit and nut cultivars. We Deliver all over Europe from Nov - March. - Give a happy plant a happy home :)

AlUla - Where is it ?

AlUla is a breathtaking region located on the Arabian Peninsula in northwestern Saudi Arabia.

It lies in a vast, awe-inspiring valley nestled between the Hijaz Mountains to the west and the Tuwaiq Escarpment to the east. This unique geographical setting creates a dramatic landscape of towering sandstone cliffs, lush oases, and sweeping desert plains. The valley itself is a product of millions of years of geological activity, with its fertile soil and natural springs supporting life in an otherwise arid environment.

AlUla History

This enchanting region, with its dramatic landscapes and rich cultural heritage, has been a crossroads of civilizations for thousands of years. The oasis has had permanent human settlement since 5000 BCE, through the Bronze Age. Around 670 BC the Dadan and Lihyan civilizations hosted their ancient capital in AlUla and their Kingdom thrived as a vital trade hub along the Incense Trail, a route that would link the area to Africa, China the Levant and beyond. At the onset of the first millennia AlUla became a key settlement for the Nabataeans, the civilization behind the iconic city of Petra, who carved the stunning tombs of Hegra into the sandstone cliffs.

Over the more recent centuries, AlUla was influenced by various cultures, including the Romans, Ottomans, and early Islamic empires. Today, it is a symbol of Saudi Arabia's efforts to preserve and showcase its historical and archaeological treasures, attracting visitors from around the world.

It’s a place of breathtaking natural beauty, where rock formations rise like sentinels against the horizon, and palm-fringed oases offer a serene escape from the desert heat. The place certainly has a way of grounding you in the moment and connecting you to something greater.

A Symphony of Nature and Architecture in Harmony with the Environment

It’s very clear that the recent development of AlUla, which started just 6 years ago, has been carefully designed to harmonize with its natural surroundings, ensuring that the architecture and infrastructure blend seamlessly with the environment.

This approach is rooted in a deep respect for the region’s stunning landscapes, which include dramatic sandstone cliffs, lush oases, and ancient archaeological sites.

The color palette used in AlUla’s development draws inspiration from the earthy tones of the desert, with shades of beige, terracotta, and warm browns dominating the design. These colors not only reflect the natural hues of the surrounding rocks and sand but also help the structures to appear as though they have emerged organically from the landscape, even the petrol stations!

Many of the colors used within the city’s design mimic those from past eras when pigments were extracted from plants. This connection is highlighted throughout the area's art galleries, where displays often showcase the various plant dyes and their historical significance. There are a tremendous amount of plants that can be used for dye and I’ve included a list of some of the most popular species later in the post.

Materials chosen for the development are locally sourced and sustainable, further enhancing the connection to the environment. Stone, clay, and other natural materials are used extensively, ensuring that the buildings are not only visually cohesive with the surroundings but also environmentally responsible.

The use of traditional building techniques, such as mud-brick construction, pays homage to the region’s cultural heritage while providing practical benefits like natural insulation against the desert’s extreme temperatures. This thoughtful integration of materials in the Old town ensures that the development maintains a timeless aesthetic.

Beyond the physical structures, the landscaping and urban planning of AlUla are designed to complement the natural topography. Pathways and open spaces are carefully aligned to preserve the existing flora and fauna, allowing visitors to experience the beauty of the desert without disrupting its delicate ecosystem.

Street Plants of AlUla

I’ve been travelling the region building a portfolio of native plants that can be used for Xeric Polyculture (see more on that here) and arriving in AlUla I was immediately struck by the use of native plants in the landscaping. The planting schemes and choice of plants further reinforce the connection to the environment, creating a sense of continuity between the built and natural worlds.

AlUla’s landscaping serves as a model for how modern infrastructure at scale can coexist with and enhance the natural environment, rather than overshadowing it. It’s also relatively low maintenance, enhances biodiversity and with many of the plants grown from seed from wild natives, it’s a great way to preserve and expand the genetic stock of the countries native flora as well as provide dignified work to nursery growers in the region.

I’ll be going into much more detail regarding the use of native plants for Xeric Polycultures but for now here is a list of Arabian natives that have been used in the AlUla landscape.

Inspired and encouraged by the use of native plants in the area, I was absolutely delighted to discover the Palm Oasis. While I’ve encountered a few oases during my travels across Saudi Arabia, none have matched the scale and accessibility of this one. Unlike others that often require a 4x4 or leave you wondering if they’re private property, the Palm Oasis in AlUla is openly welcoming to all, inviting exploration and connection with its natural beauty.

Discovering Daimumah: Where Ancient Heritage Meets Regenerative Farming.

Nestled in the heart of AlUla, lies the Daimumah Farm Project—a modern agricultural oasis that beautifully bridges the past and the future. For travelers seeking a excellent example of regenerative landscape, Daimumah shows how the land that once sustained ancient kingdoms is now being used to sustain the present and future.

What looks like a monoculture of Date Palms from the distance is in fact a thriving polyculture landscape with Citrus, Mango, Guava, Pomegranate and Olives, to name but a few of the fruit trees, growing within and around the Date Palms, not to mention the variety of herbs and vegetables grown within the gaps of the food forest.

Walking through the farm, you’ll notice the careful balance between productivity and preservation of the old settlement. The crops are grown using organic methods, and the land is managed with a deep respect for the surrounding ecosystem.

It’s a refreshing reminder that agriculture doesn’t have to come at the expense of the environment and perfectly demonstrates how producing resources for humans can enhance biodiversity and be healthy for the ecology. A lot of the food produced on the farm ends up on the tables of the many restaurants in the area. From a few walks around I identified the following crops growing.

Daimumah is more than just a farm—it’s a symbol of hope and renewal. It shows how a region with such a rich history can embrace innovation without losing sight of its roots. For travelers, it’s an opportunity to witness the beauty of a regenerative landscape and to be inspired by the resilience of both nature and humanity.

Whether you’re a nature enthusiast, a history buff, a polyculture gardener or simply someone who appreciates good food and fresh air, this hidden gem promises an unforgettable experience. The contrast between the lush greenery and the golden desert, especially so with the shifting light during sunset and sundown is truly magical!

Polycultures within the Palm Grove

There are patches in the Oasis where the Date Palms are grown solo with a few native Acacia trees around the edges. Each palm is planted inside a 3m wide dish that is filled with water periodically. It will be interesting to see how the productivity of the Date Palms in the polyculture areas compare.

The entire Oasis can certainly be considered a polyculture, a mosaic of polycultures. A few that caught my eye were Banana, Fig and Jujube under Dates with large gaps for annual vegetable production and perennial herbs around the borders.

Nitrogen fixers are also included within the planting, the most common around the heart of the Oasis being Acacia retinodes - Willow acacia, a native to Australia, Pithecellobium dulce - Manila tamarind from Central America and the local native Acacia gerrardii - Grey Haired Acacia. I also saw a few young Moringa oleifera and the native Moringa peregrina planted next to fruit trees in the area where the Heritage Trail starts from South Entrance.

In the past the irrigation was supplied from a manually operated well (that can still be seen in various places around the oasis) but nowadays an electric pump is used to draw the water. In some areas drip irrigation has been installed in other areas the old system of flood irrigation is used with water flowing into bed areas through large diameter pipes.

With water flowing, birds singing, dragon flies buzzing around and healthy plants growing, the area is a delight to walk around. There are well marked trails for biking and hiking that pass through the Palm Oasis and connect to many of the main attractions in the area.

Regenerative Landscape Design - Online Interactive Course

Want to learn how to design, build and manage regenerative landscapes? Join us on our Regenerative Landscape Design - Online Interactive Course. We look forward to providing you with the confidence, inspiration, and opportunity to design, build and manage regenerative landscapes, gardens, and farms that produce food and other resources for humans while enhancing biodiversity.

You can access the course material at anytime and join the live sessions and interactive forums that run from May - Oct every year. All members of the Bloom Room receive a 500 EUR discount. To take up this offer all you have to do is become an annual subscribers to our Substack and register here with the promo code BLOOM.

I look forward to you joining !

Wildlife In AlUla

The AlUla valley is a great place to see some of the magnificent mammals that roam these lands. The Reem Gazelle - Gazella marica, with its delicate frame and elegant horns, is one of the most captivating sights in AlUla’s desert landscape. Watching these creatures move gracefully across the golden sands feels like witnessing a living piece of the region’s soul—a reminder of how life thrives even in the harshest environments.

They’re not alone here; the Arabian Oryx - Oryx leucoryx , with its striking white coat and long, dagger-like horns, and the Idmi Gazelle -Gazella gazella, smaller but equally resilient, also roam these lands. Seeing them in their natural habitat, especially after learning about the efforts to bring them back from the brink of extinction, is humbling. It’s a testament to AlUla’s commitment to preserving its natural heritage.

Indigenous to AlUla and critically endangered, the Arabian Leopard - Panthera pardus nimr is among the rarest of mammals, with fewer than 200 adults living in the wild. I did’nt get a chance to see one of these magnificent creatures but I hear they are reintroducing populations back into the wild around the national parks.

There are a surprising amount and variety of birds in the area, including Arabian Partridge – Alectoris melanocephala, Desert Owl – Strix hadorami, Lappet-faced Vulture – Torgos tracheliotos, Arabian Green Bee-eater – Merops cyanophrys, Brown-necked Raven – Corvus ruficollis and Pharaoh Eagle-Owl – Bubo ascalaphus.

Plants of Interest

Driving in from Tabuk in the North it’s flat and stark on a straight road for about 2hrs which makes the approach to AlUla even more spectacular. My introduction to the area and my first stop was to marvel at the Umbrella Thorn Acacia - Vachellia tortilis (formerly Acacia tortilis) a resilient and iconic tree that thrives in the arid landscapes of AlUla.

Adapted to extreme drought, the tree survives the harsh climate through deep taproots that access groundwater and small, feathery leaves that minimize water loss. Its distinctive umbrella-shaped canopy provides vital shade and shelter for wildlife, livestock, and travelers, while its presence helps stabilize sandy and rocky soils, preventing erosion.

Ecologically, the Umbrella Thorn Acacia is a cornerstone of the desert ecosystem. It supports local fauna, including birds, insects, and small mammals, which rely on its leaves, flowers, and seed pods for food.

Other native Acacias in the region include - Gum Arabic Tree - Vachellia nilotica, Red Acacia - Vachellia seyal, White Thorn Acacia -Vachellia flava, Acacia ehrenbergiana - Senegalia ehrenbergiana, Acacia gerrardii and Acacia raddiana.

Look closely into the crowns of some of the Acacia trees and you may see some dark clusters or red flowers. This will be Plicosepalus acaciae -Acacia Mistletoe a parasitic plant belonging to the family Loranthaceae.

It is specifically adapted to grow on acacia trees, from which it derives its name. It’s native to arid and semi-arid regions, particularly in the Middle East and parts of Africa, where acacia trees are prevalent. As a hemiparasite, Plicosepalus acaciae attaches itself to the branches of its host tree using specialized structures called haustoria, which penetrate the host's vascular system to extract water and nutrients. However, unlike full parasites, it retains the ability to photosynthesize, producing some of its own energy through its green leaves.

The plant is characterized by its small, leathery leaves and clusters of tubular flowers, which are often brightly colored, attracting pollinators such as birds and insects. After pollination, it produces small berries that are dispersed by birds, aiding in its propagation to new host trees.

It plays a role in the ecosystem by providing food and habitat for various organisms. However, it can also be considered a pest in some areas, as heavy infestations may weaken or even kill host trees, particularly in already stressed environments like deserts.

Jujube - Ziziphus spina-christi is one of the the few natives growing in the area that will probably grow well in our gardens back in Shipka being hardy to USDA zone 5-10. It’s also a very drought-resistant tree that thrives in the arid environment of the AlUla valley. It can grow up to 10–15 meters tall, has a gnarled trunk, thorny branches, and glossy green leaves. It produces fragrant yellowish-green flowers and small, edible fruits called jujube or nabq, which turn reddish-brown when ripe and are valued for their sweetness and nutritional benefits.

I noticed the larger fruiting Ziziphus mauritiana growing among the Palms in the oasis (see Polyculture photo above) and it looked in great condition under irrigation.

Ecologically, Ziziphus spina-christi plays a vital role in the ecosystem. Its deep root system allows it to survive in poor, rocky soils, making it highly resilient to drought. The tree provides food and shelter for wildlife, including birds and insects, and helps prevent soil erosion. Culturally, it has been used for centuries for its medicinal properties, edible fruits, and durable wood. It also holds religious and symbolic significance in some traditions, often associated with resilience and endurance. As mentioned above, it’s great to see this resilient native used so frequently in the landscaping of the area.

Dye Plants

Here is the list of some popular plants used for making dye, that I refereed to earlier. If you know some other plants used for Dye let us know in the comment section below.

Probably the most famous dye plant is Henna - Lawsonia inermis a native to North Africa, the Middle East, and South Asia and well renowned for its natural dye, lawsone, found in its leaves, which is used for temporary body art (mehndi), hair dye, and fabric coloring.

Culturally significant in Hindu, Muslim, and Jewish traditions, henna is often applied during weddings and festivals for good luck and protection. Medicinally, it has antifungal, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory properties, treating skin conditions, wounds, and headaches. Henna thrives in hot, arid climates and is drought-resistant. I found the plant growing under Date Palms in the wonderful polyculture oasis.

What makes AlUla truly special is its ability to surprise you. One day, you might be marveling at a 2,000-year-old inscriptions at Jabal Ikmah, and the next, you could be wandering through a modern art installation or marveling at one of the super sleek new architecture projects. It’s a destination that defies expectations, blending ancient traditions with innovative visions for the future.

Some Travel Tips

The best time to visit AlUla is during the cooler months, from October to April, when the weather is perfect for exploring. When i visited in January it was cold at night and early morning, so best bring something to wrap up in.

A lot of the sites in the area you can explore independently and there are no entrance fees for many of the attractions , however for Safari, the Tombs, Dadan ancient city and Maraya along with some of the restaurants you need make reservations and you will not get past various checkpoints without a reservation.

There is a handy app , Experience AlUla you can use to book places and make payments. The whole city is more or less cashless so make sure you have visa, google pay, apple pay or one of the local payment networks mada, SADAD, Esal or Sarie.

If you prefer to explore places in solitude, go in the morning or during the day. Just before sundown and into the night most places are bustling and it’s incredibly beautiful at night.

Accommodation at the resorts is relatively expensive but there are some comfortable options that you’ll find on Agoda around the outskirts of town but you will need a car to get to and from a lot of places. Uber works and there are plenty of car hire options in the area. The old town that run parallels with the Polyculture Palm Oasis is a no car area and is a great place to wander around on foot. There are also courtesy electric buggies for the elderly and disabled.

Development in the area is still ongoing, but unlike the Neom region—which still feels like one massive construction site filled with trucks, JCBs, and cranes (more than you could imagine exist on the entire planet)—the progress here is much more subtle. In fact, the ongoing development is hardly noticeable. The city is part of the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 project so I’m sure over the next 5 years there will be new things to discover and hopefully equally in harmony with what is already here and has been for millennia.

That’s all for now. Thanks for reading :)

Support Our Project

If you appreciate the work we are doing you can show your support in several ways.

• Become a member of the Bloom Room. A $70 annual subscription to our Substack provides you with access to live sessions, design tutorials, a members forum and more, see details here.

• Make a purchase of plants or seeds from our Nursery or Online Store

• Joining us for one of our Practical Courses or Online Courses

• Comment, like, and share our content on social media.

We offer a diversity of plants and seeds for permaculture, forest gardens, and regenerative landscapes including a range of fruit and nut cultivars. We Deliver all over Europe from Nov - March. - Give a happy plant a happy home :)

Welcome to our Online Store where you can find Forest Garden/ Permaculture plants, seeds, bulbs, and Polyculture multi-packs along with digital goods and services such as Online Courses, Webinars and eBooks. We hope you enjoy the store and find something you like. It's your purchases that keep our Project going.

You can also find our full list of trees. shrubs and herbs for forest gardens on our nursery website.

Avenue plantings are common across the city streets with La Rambla (more of a very long plaza than an actual street) (left photo) probably being the most famous, planted with Platanus orientalis. In fact, La Rambla was one of the first areas of the city with a record of being planted with trees. In 1702 and 1703, 280 poplars were planted, which were cut down shortly after and replaced with alternating poplars and elms which were eventually replaced by the Planes.

Magnolia grandiflora - Southern Magnolia is used frequently and sometimes interplanted with Prunus cerisifera 'Nigra' - Purple Plum. These evergreen trees originally from the southeastern United States look right at home in the city and are utilized by bikers to keep their bikes out of the high summer sun.

While digging around for some info on Barcelona's street trees I found this image that shows that wide roads with multiple rows of trees have been a feature of the city since the earliest designs.

Cross-section of fifty-metre-wide streets. Historical Archive of Barcelona

Although many of the streets are not quite this wide, spaces have been allocated for plants more often than not and this makes the majority of the city very pleasant to stroll around, even during the heat of summer. I usually feel like a rat in a maze in cities that are predominantly laid out on a grid but the green spaces within the roads and the many small parks and leafy plazas work really well. Here you can see an example of the polyculture plantings in beds., beside the road. Ficus carica cv. - Fig under Stone Pine in the image of the right and Yucca under Prunus cerisifera 'Nigra' - Purple Plum on the left. A non-fruiting Morus alba - White Mulberry features heavily around the plazas and parks too.

Hackberry - Celtis occidentalis is a very popular street tree in Barcelona. Here you can see them lining the streets of Casa Milà.

The fruits of these plants are edible and have a very sweet tasting black/dark brown shell when fully ripe but are mostly composed of a large round seed

Sant Martí

The district of Sant Martí has some of the best street plantings I've seen in a city. A lot of the planting is probably no more than 10 years old as the area has developed from old industrial to modern residential.

The planting schemes in Provençals del Poblenou include a diversity of herbaceous perennials arranged in sunken beds and graded to capture rainwater runoff from the surrounding area. The result is both functional and beautiful

My favorite example is the pavement planting around an Industrial section of the neighborhood. A succession of flowering herbaceous perennials many of which look great even after flowering during the senescence phase. The herbs are planted between thorn-less Gleditsia triacanthos - Honey Locust trees 8 m apart.

I did not have time to identify all of the plants but at a glance, they appear to be native Mediterranean herbaceous perennials and selected for wildlife-attracting properties.

It really is amazing how transformative plants can be. Most people would probably not consciously notice the plant diversity but almost certainly they will feel the comfort of this planting scheme that softens the concrete grids and rectangular high rise blocks

I spent a considerable amount of the time in the narrow streets of Gràcia, where I was staying. Even within these narrow streets, you can find trees planted, mostly Prunus cerisifera 'Nigra' - Purple Plum, Ligustrum lucidum, and Citrus spp. Along with the majority of balcony plants and street planters, it's quite charming.

Many streets have planters, most planted with Ruscus aculeatus - Butcher's-broom or Asparagus spp. but a few of them are populated with polycultures.

There is an excellent list of trees suitable for growing in Barcelona, from Street Tree Management in Barcelona (pg 49). Although the list is specifically for guiding street tree selection it will probably be useful for all growers in and around the coastal areas of Cataluña. The table lists the Latin nomenclature, the common name in Catalan, Spanish, and English, the size of the tree, its preferred placement (street, open area, or park), the permanence of the leaves (evergreen or deciduous), and its suitability in Barcelona as a street tree planted in tree pits. The tree form and cultivars are also provided.

Regenerative Landscape Design - Online Interactive Course

Want to learn how to design, build and manage regenerative landscapes? Join us on our Regenerative Landscape Design - Online Interactive Course. We look forward to providing you with the confidence, inspiration, and opportunity to design, build and manage regenerative landscapes, gardens, and farms that produce food and other resources for humans while enhancing biodiversity.

You can access the course material at anytime and join the live sessions and interactive forums that run from May - Oct every year. All members of the Bloom Room receive a 500 EUR discount. To take up this offer all you have to do is become an annual subscribers to our Substack and register here with the promo code BLOOM.

I look forward to you joining !

Park Guell

I cannot think of a place on earth where one person's art is so prolifically on display, all the time, everywhere as Barcelona, the artist being Antonio Gaudi of course. Even as you fly into the city La Sagrada Familia stands proudly, clearly visible. Above Gracia, on the mountainside, you can find a park designed by Gaudi and where he eventually lived. Nowadays it's teeming with tourists but vast enough to escape the city and enjoy the plants and view from the high ground.

There are a wide variety of plant species in the gardens, including olive trees, oaks, pine trees, carob trees, brooms, magnolias, wisteria, and aromatic plants, such as rosemary and lavender. The park's woodland is predominantly dense areas of Aleppo pines, sometimes mixed with stone pines.

Agapanthus and Pistacia lentiscus are used for ground cover under the Olives and Pines. The Pistacia lentiscus, when coppiced and kept trimmed, does a great job at ground cover especially so on dry slopes, and probably produces a good deal of biomass too.

Woven into the garden are various buildings and structures that give the place a theme park vibe. Musicians set up around the structures, some solo, some in bands. There was a fantastic flamenco band playing in the shade under the arches during my visit.

Gaudí's pioneered hallmark mosaic design technique, called Trencar is evident throughout the garden. Trencar, equivalent to “to break” in Catalan, creates mosaic forms and shapes by putting together broken ceramic tiles, plates, and cups. It was first used by Gaudí, for decorating Park Güell.

In 1906, Gaudi moved into the house in Park Güell with his elderly father and niece. The house on the mountainside has a great view of the city, overlooking La Sagrada Familia, another of Gaudi's masterpieces, started in19 March 1882, and is due to be completed in 2026.

A very important part of any garden is spaces where organic matter can be accumulated, composted, and reapplied back onto the soil as a mulch. Having these deposit areas spaced evenly across a site and, strategically placed to reduce the distance traveling back and forth, will make it much more comfortable to manage the garden. Making areas big enough to comfortably move around with whatever machinery is required and, large enough to store over the maximum quantity of expected biomass, is a good design. Park Guell has a few of these spacious deposit areas with various piles of organic matter and mulches in different stages of decomposition.

That’s all for this post.

Support Our Project

If you appreciate the work we are doing you can show your support in several ways.

• Become a member of the Bloom Room. A $70 annual subscription to our Substack provides you with access to live sessions, design tutorials, a members forum and more, see details here.

• Make a purchase of plants or seeds from our Nursery or Online Store

• Joining us for one of our Practical Courses or Online Courses

• Comment, like, and share our content on social media.

We offer a diversity of plants and seeds for permaculture, forest gardens, and regenerative landscapes including a range of fruit and nut cultivars. We Deliver all over Europe from Nov - March. - Give a happy plant a happy home :)

Welcome to our Online Store where you can find Forest Garden/ Permaculture plants, seeds, bulbs, and Polyculture multi-packs along with digital goods and services such as Online Courses, Webinars and eBooks. We hope you enjoy the store and find something you like. It's your purchases that keep our Project going.

You can also find our full list of trees. shrubs and herbs for forest gardens on our nursery website.

The city offers a pleasing combination of comfort, grandeur, and open spaces, with a relaxed and friendly atmosphere among its inhabitants. Although I typically dislike grid layouts, in this case, the flat terrain of the Eurasian Steppe complements the city's impressive Starwaresque architecture, accentuated by the expansive skies. The River Ishim, flowing through the city with parks and gardens along the banks, adds a serene touch to the overall ambiance, especially so during the long summer evenings.

The climate here is extreme continental climate with hot summers, featuring occasional brief, but hard, rain showers and long, very cold, dry winters (Dfb on the Köppen climate classification system) I’m not sure I would like to spend a Winter here given the 6 months of snow and bone chilling winds, so I’m told, but the summer is pretty glorious.

Common Street Trees of Astana

Tree planting in the steppe comes with it a range of challenges. In some places the water is too high, there are high levels of soil salinity, the continental climate with swings of -40C in winter to +40C in the summer, low precipitation with a an average 150-250 mm/year and to top it all off, wicked winds from all directions. Nevertheless, Astana offers a wonderful opportunity to witness the profound impact trees can make in a city, not only aesthetically speaking but also providing a cooler and more comfortable environment.

As you explore the city, you'll notice how the more recently developed areas, especially around the periphery, have been adorned with newly planted trees. However, it becomes evident that these areas are noticeably warmer compared to the parts of the city where trees planted 30 -20 years ago, have flourished.

Elms feature heavily around the city both as trees usually Ulmus parvifolia - Chinese Elm) and as hedging, Ulmus pumila - Siberian Elm, that is often tightly trimmed. All plants in the Ulmus genus have edible seeds, called samaras with Siberian Elm reportedly being one of the tastiest.

Poplars are popular, populating parks and promenades, including, Populus simonii - Chinese Poplar and Populus alba and Populus nigra ‘Italica’. Betula pendula, Pinus sylvestris and Sorbus aucuparia are also used extensively along with Salix pentandra - Laurel Willow.

Interestingly, Salix species present a valuable option as an emergency food source, offering sustenance in times of need. While it may be ambitious to attribute culinary excellence to these plants for humans, their young shoots and inner bark are indeed edible and can be consumed either raw or cooked to provide nourishment.

Probably the most unique street tree I came across was a species of Apple , possibly, Malus sieversii, a wild species of apple from the southern regions on Kazakhstan and often considered the parent species of all apples and the many 1000s of cultivars that exist in the world today.

Hedging Plants in Astana

Elaeagnus angustifolia - Russian Olive hedging is relatively popular along the streets around the banks of the Ishim River. This is a great biomass plant and can probably be trimmed a few times a year, providing plenty of nitrogen rich mulch for establishing soil in other areas. This is valuable biomass given how shallow the soils appear to be in the parks around the City.

Caragana arborescens - Siberian Pea Tree is planted often around the city and generally kept trimmed as small free standing shrubs but also used in hedging. These are sun loving plants but on the North side of the river they appear to do well under the Acer negundo - Box elder avenues trees. I’ve never seen Acer negundo - Box elder as large as this before and the trees have obviously been pollarded in the past so were probably taller before cutting.

Golden Currant - Ribes aureum var. villosum hedges seem to be relatively common in Kazakhstan as I’ve seen them in every city so far, and the majority of them are full of fruits.

This is an interesting choice for hedging and after seeing so many successful examples here, is something we’ll be planting in our gardens in Shipka. The fruits are a little sweeter than Ribes nigrum, the leaves smaller and lighter and the flowering more obvious with bright yellow flowers emerging in the spring.

Ribes nigrum - Black Currant tend to rot from the center over time so do not make great hedging unless you prune out the old growth on a regular basis. I’ll probably include them along with Mahonia aquifolium, Elaeaguns x ebbingei and  Chaenomeles speciosa to make a partially evergreen edible polyculture hedge.

Herbaceous Plantings

I’m not a huge fan of mass annual planting but it seems plenty of people are and lots of attention is given to formal annual beds around the center and in the parks. One great thing about these planting schemes is that they provide a ton of regular and dignified work both for nurseries and gardeners.

Hydrangea paniculata hardy to USDA zone 3 , seems like a great option for cold climates and tolerates the high summer heat too. These plants do particularly well on very acid soils with a pH around 4.5. The flowers contain up to 4.06% rutin, a naturally occurring flavonoid in many foods.

Wild City Plants

It’s always interesting to observe the wild plants that grow around a city and the majority of the time (within similar climate zones) it’s the same species but you’ll always find a few unusual species. The wild plants that grow in an area are an excellent example of what you should be growing if you are looking to cover poor soils and build biomass above and below the soil. Wild herbs growing within the city of Astana included Cannabis sativa, what I think is Welted Thistle - Carduus acanthoides, a prostrate (variety or sub species possibly) Saponaria officinalis and various nitrogen fixing legumes that I've yet to identify. The invertebrate activity is pretty good given how strong and frequent the wind is and the lack of large tree cover.

I think the C.sativa is a feral strain, with very low THC content, perhaps escaped from local hemp production that the Kazakh government has been experimenting with recently to avoid paying the higher prices of paper import.

There are lots of bare patches of soil within the city parks and green spaces and many spots that are obviously struggling. This is partly due to climatic factors with, high temperatures, low precipitation and strong winds but primarily due to shallow soils the plants have initially be set in and poor layout and grading that facilitates rainwater runoff. From my casual observations it was obvious that the areas with deeper soils, with slight depressions, where soil, biomass and water would naturally accumulate, were performing remarkably well with many beneficial volunteer plants established and lots of invertebrate activity.  

Regenerative Landscape Design - Online Interactive Course

Want to learn how to design, build and manage regenerative landscapes? Join us on our Regenerative Landscape Design - Online Interactive Course. We look forward to providing you with the confidence, inspiration, and opportunity to design, build and manage regenerative landscapes, gardens, and farms that produce food and other resources for humans while enhancing biodiversity.

You can access the course material at anytime and join the live sessions and interactive forums that run from May - Oct every year. All members of the Bloom Room receive a 500 EUR discount. To take up this offer all you have to do is become an annual subscribers to our Substack and register here with the promo code BLOOM.

I look forward to you joining !

The Astana Botanical Garden

The Astana Botanical Garden was built in 2016-2018 and opened to the public on July 2, 2018 making this the youngest Botanic garden I have ever visited.  It covers an area of 92 hectares, 63 hectares of vegetation the rest bike lanes, pathways, monuments, fountains, lakes etc.

Large sections of the garden are planted with one species of tree or shrub in rows and it appeared like these parts of the garden had been established as experiments. Indeed a little googling revealed the garden was built to serve as a scientific research center to test the viability of species that are good for growing in the Steppe, as well as for public utility, that garden certainly gets a lot of. 

Species of interest within the Botanic Garden include a range of Amelanchier spp. including Amelanchier ovalis, Amelanchier sibirica, Amelanchier lamarckii and Amelanchier canadensis. These are a great choice for continental climates seeing as the plants can tolerate very cold conditions of winter and are drought-tolerant during a hot summer. They are also relatively pest- and disease-free. All of the plants i noticed seemed healthy although the fruits were shriveled presumably from the heat and lack of water. Viburnum opulus grows very well, a deciduous shrub native to Europe, northern Africa, and parts of Asia, belonging to the Adoxaceae family. The fruits are edible but more suitable for the birds given the bitter taste and fiddly fruit.

Aronia melanocarpa - Chokeberry  was probably the most heathy looking and abundant fruiting shrub in the gardens with a bumper crop of berries on all of the plants.

Shepherdia argentea - Silver buffaloberry from Elaeagnaceae was also producing large amounts of fruit and is a plant I have been on the look out for, for many years The taste is very similar to Elaeagnus umbellata. A native to central and western North America, it is extremely cold- and drought-tolerant, making it a popular choice for landscaping in harsh climates.

It was the first time I’ve met Malus niedzwetzkyana, commonly known as the Red Crabapple a tree species that hails from Central Asia. Its striking features include dark red to purple foliage and a magnificent display of vibrant pink blossoms in the spring that attract pollinators and human admirers alike. This small tree also produces the tiniest apples, that are edible but probably best left to be enjoyed by the birds given their tiny size.

What appears to be an experimental perennial herb garden can be found around the central area. Many of the herbs we grow for wildlife in our gardens such as Tanacetum balsamita  -Alecost , Allium spp. and Tanacetum vulgare - Tansy   can be found growing here and aside from the wild patches of Welted Thistle - Carduus acanthoides, it was the highest invertebrate activity I came across.

Around the garden you can find plenty of pergolas of various sizes with Parthenocıssus trıcuspıdata - Boston Ivy growing up strings

In the center there is a large pond and a greenhouse with eight laboratories, a seed bank, and a herbarium fund. It’s going to be really impressive visiting this garden again in 5 or 6 years , given the "S-curve" growth pattern of the majority of plants in the garden, the contrast will be intense.

Welcome to our Online Store where you can find Forest Garden/ Permaculture plants, seeds, bulbs and Polyculture multi-packs along with digital goods and services such as Online Courses, Webinars and eBooks.  We hope you enjoy the store and find something you like.

It's your purchases that keep our Project going!  Enter Our Store Here

The Grand Mosque of Astana

It’s probably impossible not to be captivated by the awe-inspiring beauty of The Grand Mosque of Astana, a magnificent architectural masterpiece, and even more magical given its location right on the southern edge of the city, where urban life seamlessly merges with the vast steppe. I wonder whether the architects and builders of this incredible structure had in mind how awesome it would appear with the vast backdrop of the widest skies of Kazakhstan.

As an appreciator of all religions and attempting to see the best and worst in all of them equally, I feel it safe to say that if there is one thing (very generally speaking) the West misunderstands the most about the East, it’s Islam. I think that was true even before the relentless post-9/11 barrage of propaganda. I can't remember the last monumental church I was in where you hear laughter and children play freely.

The immediate area surrounding the mosque is an expanse of decorative paving, and fountains with very young trees (the project was completed last year) and herbaceous perennial borders including one of my favorite edible perennials Hemerocallis fulva - Orange Daylily. The whole South of the city is perfect for biking or scooting with open roads and very little traffic. In fact the whole city is great for bikes and scooters with dedicated lanes everywhere, but its not so great for walking around given the spaciousness of everything.

As the sun sets in the west of the city it highlights the magnificent expanse of the Steppe. Looking over the horizon, I imagine our ancient ancestors setting up fires for the night, gathering the children and preparing the evening meal. I also imagine the new city skyline 30 years from now.

When contemplating the Nomadic culture of this region, that dominated the past for so many millennia, it’s interesting to consider that nowadays only an estimated 0.4% of the worlds population practice nomadic pastoralism (mostly in the arid and semi arid regions of Africa) and that in 2023 “digital nomads” surpassed nomadic pastoralists, making up 0.5% of the population. It seems pretty obvious to me that the number of “digital nomads” is almost certainly going to grow and perhaps exponentially at some point. I wonder what long term consequences will result from this? Instinctively, I believe mostly positive but not without some darkness before a dawn. Perhaps in a 100 years or so it will be a contingent of the digital nomads to unite others in common purpose and collectively achieve a shake up as vigorous as their nomadic ancestors did.

Support Our Project

If you appreciate the work we are doing you can show your support in several ways.

• Become a member of the Bloom Room. A $70 annual subscription to our Substack provides you with access to live sessions, design tutorials, a members forum and more, see details here.

• Make a purchase of plants or seeds from our Nursery or Online Store

• Joining us for one of our Practical Courses or Online Courses

• Comment, like, and share our content on social media.

We offer a diversity of plants and seeds for permaculture, forest gardens, and regenerative landscapes including a range of fruit and nut cultivars. We Deliver all over Europe from Nov - March. - Give a happy plant a happy home :)

During this post we’ll take a look at some of the hidden treasures the country offers including the mangrove ecosystems of the Brunei Delta, hiking trails through the rainforests around the capital, wreck diving in the South China Sea and some of the marvelous plants I met along the way.

Let’s start with a little geography and a super brief history of the country.

Geography and History

Brunei is a small, oil-rich nation located on the northern coast of Borneo, the worlds third largest island in the Pacific Ocean which is shared by Brunei, Indonesia and Malaysia.

The earliest evidence of human settlement in the region dates back to the Neolithic period. The Dusun were among the earliest groups to settle in the region and are one of the largest indigenous ethnic groups in Brunei today, contributing significantly to the country's cultural heritage. Hinduism, Buddhism, Indian, Chinese, Javanese and Malay cultural influences were an important part of the regions development before the arrival of Islam in the 15th century. Islamic influence ushered in a era ruled by a powerful sultanate centered around the city of Bandar Seri Begawan that established strong trade relations with neighboring kingdoms and empires, including China, the Malay Archipelago and beyond.

During the colonial period, European powers sought to establish a presence in Brunei and in the 16th century, Spain and Portugal attempted to colonize the region, but their influence was limited. In the 19th century, Brunei came under British protection and eventually became a British protectorate.

There is a beautiful mural in the lobby of the Empire Hotel that illustrates Sultan Bolkiah's lavish reception to the first Europeans to visit Brunei in 1521, when the remnants of Ferdinand Magellan's fleet sailed into Brunei Bay on the homeward leg of their circumnavigation of the world.

The country was held under a brutal occupation by Japan during World War II and following the war, Brunei regained its independence from Britain in 1961. The discovery of significant oil reserves in the 1960s transformed Brunei's economy, making it one of the wealthiest nations in the world. The country is currently a constitutional monarchy with a focus on Islamic values and environmental conservation. The capital of Brunei is Bandar Seri Begawan often shortened to BSB.

Brunei River

One of the most impressionable aspects of Brunei is how beautifully integrated the place is with pristine natural habitat. A boat trip that leaves from the waterfront in the center of Bandar Seri Begawan exemplifies this perfectly. First passing through a traditional water village called Kampong Ayer, around just a few bends of the river you are seemingly transported into the heart of the wilderness where crocodiles roam the waters and proboscis monkey munch on leaves in the tree canopies.

Brunei is home to a variety of mangrove species, many of which can be found along the banks of the Brunei River and in other coastal areas The most common species are Rhizophora apiculata - Bakau minyak characterized by its red-brown roots, which often look like stilts. Avicennia alba -Api-api has grey-green leaves and pneumatophores (breathing roots) that stick out of the mud. Bruguiera gymnorrhiza - Berembang has distinctive, knee-shaped roots that help to stabilize the plant in the soft mud. Cerbera manghas - Nyireh laut is known for its poisonous fruits, that are used to make fish poison.

The Palm-like plants you can see in the above video are also mangrove species, Nypa fruticans - Nipah Palm. While not a true palm, it shares many characteristics with palms. It has large, fan-shaped leaves that can grow up to 9 meters long. The fruits, which are about the size of a tennis ball, are enclosed in a large spiny husk, are edible. Sap from the inflorescence can also be extracted and is boiled down to produce a dark, sticky sugar with a distinctive flavor and used to make alcoholic beverages.

Estuarine crocodile - Crocodylus porosus is the largest living reptile in the world and a formidable predator found in the Brunei River and other coastal waterways. These crocodiles are known for their aggressive nature and their ability to survive in both freshwater and saltwater environments. It’s relatively easy to spot the crocodiles during a short a boat trip from the center.

While the crocodiles are primarily associated with estuarine environments, they can also be found in freshwater habitats and occasionally on some of the beautiful sandy beaches.

The specific bird species found in Brunei's river and estuaries can vary depending on the season and the particular location. However, the area is generally known for it’s rich birdlife and offers excellent opportunities for birdwatching.

The star of the show is Proboscis Monkey - Nasalis larvatus that you can see clustered in groups along the river banks eating young leaves, unripe fruits, and seeds. The mature males, recognizable by their elongated nose, will often be seen alone.

The monkeys play a vital role in the ecosystem by dispersing seeds. I wondered whether the consumption of too many leaves can cause stress and hinder tree growth. Certain spots where the families hang out the trees seem to be almost completely defoliated. There were no signs of dead trees around so presumably it’s not a problem.

On the way back from the river trip into the Mangrove the boat passes through Kampong Ayer, a town built on the river on stilts, an architectural style similar to the settlements that have been traced back to the eighth century. The water village incudes housing as well as police & fire stations, schools, government buildings and everything you’d expect to find in a town with everything connected via walkways.

Hiking Around the Capital

Much like the way virgin forests have been obliterated in Europe and America to make way for grains and grazing, much of Southeast Asia’s forests have been cleared to make way for Oil Palm - Elaeis guineensis plantations. Plantations started on Borneo during the late 19th century but really picked up the pace within the last 50 years. The expansion of plantations to meet global demand for palm oil is having a significant negative impact on the region’s biodiversity and ecosystems. For example, orangutan populations have declined dramatically due to habitat loss from palm oil plantations.

Due to Brunei's abundant fossil oil reserves and its long-standing respect for wildlife, the country has not felt the need to clear its rainforests for agriculture. As a result, its rainforests are likely among the best preserved in Borneo, if not the world. Just a short walk from pretty much anywhere in the country you are likely to end up in primary forest, the most biodiverse form of rainforest where trees have never been logged or disturbed by human activity. One such place is the Tasek Lama Recreational Park.

Tasek Lama Recreational Park is a short 10 minute walk from the center. It starts off as a landscaped park and leads to various trails within the surrounding forests with resting areas and watchtowers that provide an opportunity to get into the canopies.

There is a section of the trail that veers up the slopes and circles back around to the entrance. The roots meander over the slopes creating intricate patterns and providing staircases through the forest with ropes conveniently placed for the very steep parts.

It was on this trail that I encountered my first Pitcher plant in the wild. These unique plants have evolved specialized pitcher-shaped leaves that attract, trap, and drown insects, providing a source of nutrients. No idea of the species, there more than 50 recorded carnivorous pitcher plant species on Borneo.

There are many more trails around the city, just type “trails” into google maps to locate them. I think most of them are well marked and all within 10 -15km or so from the center.

Bukit Patoi

On the way out of the country I stopped off for a last hike up the Bukit Patoi trail, that is located on the road towards Malaysia just after the Brunei bridge. This trail provides a small taster of what you can expect to find deeper in the rain forest and is inhabited by some of the tallest trees in the world, including a tree from Fabaceae, Koompassia exceisa - Tualang.

The tree has a smooth and slippery trunk discouraging sun bears - Helarctos malayanus from climbing up the tree making these trees an attractive hiving spot for giant honey bees Apis dorsata.

Another incredible tree growing in these forests is Castanopsis corallocarpus known locally as Berangan or Malay Chestnut, highly valued for their timber and edible nuts. The trees have the most incredible buttress roots that were so vast it was impossible to get a photo of the entire base of the tree. The photo below shows a small section that was around 2m high that stretches out for 6m or so like a solid fence.

One of the most fascinating aspects of this destination is its unique geological formations. The hill is composed of sandstone, which has been sculpted over millennia by wind, water, and erosion. The result is a stunning array of rock formations, including towering cliffs, hidden caves, and unusual rock formations that resemble ancient sculptures.  

Along the 1800m trail to the top there are excellent infographics providing details of the plants and their role in the ecosystem.

As you make your way through the jungle occasionally you will hear the canopies rustle vigorously and the sound and sight of fruits thudding to the ground. Possibly Gibbons, Langurs or Long-tailed macaques all of which inhabit the area.

At the top of trail is a gorgeous view of the surrounding area accompanied by an astonishingly loud wild symphony, the unforgettable sound of a vigorous ancient rainforest.

Scuba Diving

There are couple of dive centers in BSB and some interesting dive sites just off the coast to the south of Brunei bay including a number of wreck dives. You need advanced certification to visit most of them as the depth exceeds 30m but I was more than happy with my first wreck dive, Dolphine Wreck, a relatively shallow wreck at 18m suitable for the entry level certified. The wreck is home to a variety of marine life with schools of fish around and within wreck.

It’s probably one of the most memorable dives I have made and although the visibility was bad due to recent and ongoing stormy weather and, the surge was quite strong, the variety of shoaling fish around and within the wreck along with the barnacle and coral growth claiming the sunken ship as home was wonderful to witness. Here’s a short video from the dive. Thanks to @rasonable.ramil from @oceanicquestdive for a great dive.

UBD

The UBD Botanical Research Centre is Brunei's first botanical garden, located within University Brunei Darussalam campus and serves as a crucial hub for research, education, and conservation of the nation's rich flora. The garden houses over 500 plant species, many of which are native to Brunei and Borneo and researchers at the garden study plant ecology, taxonomy, and ethnobotany and display the plants along with information throughout the garden and greenhouse. It’s well worth a visit if you are in the area. The garden includes a section dedicated to stingless bees with three species housed in hives in the garden. I’ll be writing a post specifically about these incredible organisms in the near future.

To arrange a tour of the garden email - office.brc@ubd.edu.bn. The staff are extremely knowledgeable and enthusiastic about their work at the garden.

Regenerative Landscape Design - Online Interactive Course 

Want to learn how to design, build and manage regenerative landscapes?  Join us on our Regenerative Landscape Design - Online Interactive Course. We look forward to providing you with the confidence, inspiration, and opportunity to design, build and manage regenerative landscapes, gardens, and farms that produce food and other resources for humans while enhancing biodiversity.

You can access the course material at anytime and join the live sessions and interactive forums that run from May - Oct every year. All members of the Bloom Room receive a 500 EUR discount. To take up this offer all you have to do is become an annual subscribers to our Substack and register here with the promo code BLOOM.

I look forward to you joining !

Plants of Interest

Queen Sago - Cycas rumphii is a species of tree-sized cycad in the family Cycadaceae. It is native from Borneo and Java in Indonesia to Papua New Guinea. A Bruneian delicacy called Ambuyat is derived from the cycad starch interior trunk of this plant.

Mix the starch with with boiling hot water and you get a tasteless gluey substance which is eaten using two-pronged bamboo sticks, called chandas, in a twirling motion to get the starch into a ball.

The Ambuyat is then dipped in sour sauces made from local fruits such as Binjai - Mangifera caesia, and various other spicy dips including Sambal Tempoyak made from fermented Durian - Durio zibethinus. In the Malaysian states of Sarawak, Sabah, and Labuan, it is sometimes known as Linut.

Cyrtostachys renda - Lipstick Palm - If driving into Brunei from Malaysia across the Labu Temburong Border you will immediately notice this plant growing on the edges of the Mangrove forest that the new road/bridge crossing Brunei Bay passes through. These plants grow in lowland peat swamp forest, especially in coastal areas, but more rarely occur in peat swamps in uplands from 0 – 500 m above sea level.

It’s a striking tropical plant, its most distinctive feature being a vibrant red crownshaft which resembles a tube of lipstick. This bright red color contrasts beautifully with the slender, green trunk and feathery, green leaves. The overall effect is one of elegance and exotic beauty that has earned this plant a place as common ornamental in the tropics

Ziziphus spp. - It’s always a pleasure when you find an interesting plant in an unsuspecting location, in this case a fine specimen of Ziziphus in the car park of a Supasave store.

Borneo is a hotspot for Ziziphus species diversity. Recent studies have identified 13 species of Ziziphus growing on the island, including several endemic species, making Borneo the island with the greatest known diversity of Ziziphus species in the world. I’m not sure what the photographed species is but there are five Endemic species: Ziziphus borneensis, Z. cuspidata, Z. domatiata, Z. puberula, and Z. ridleyana. The fruits of some Ziziphus species may be toxic if consumed in large quantities so I just tried a few of the fruits that ripen yellow/orange. I’m still here and they tasted pretty good. The bletted softer fruit was sweeter with the crisper, but ripe, fruits holding a tinge of bitterness.

Mata Kuching - Euphoria malaiense - is a cousin of the Longan (Dragon Eye Fruit) and one of Borneo's unique tropical fruits. The taste is somewhat similar to Snake Fruit - Salacca zalacca  but it is sweeter and more juicy.

The fruit is incredibly satisfying to open, breaking the skin with a little pop and a gentle squeeze to release the succulent little sphere. Mata Kuching translates to Cat’s Eye Fruit in English and when you open the fruit it’s obvious why. The plants appear to require full sun to fruit well and can often be seen growing in the residential gardens around the city often along with Mango - Mangifera indica.

Rhodomyrtus tomentosa - Myrtle-leaved rose, is a flowering plant native to Southeast Asia that can be grown as a shrub or a small tree. Within its native range, R. tomentosa is a quick-growing early successional species and sprouts prolifically after a fire. The plant produces small, round berries that are edible when ripe with a sweet, slightly tart flavor and can be eaten fresh or used to make jams, jellies, and wine.

The plant has various traditional medicinal uses in Southeast Asia. Different parts of the plant are believed to have properties that can treat various ailments. Being relatively low-maintenance it’s also a popular ornamental plant, often used in gardens, parks, and landscapes and is admired for its attractive flowers and foliage.

The Dipterocarps - Not a species but an entire family well worth a mention is Dipterocarpaceae that comprises 16 genera and roughly 700 species. Its members can be found throughout the tropical regions of the world, though they hit their greatest numbers in the forests of southeast Asia and specifically Borneo. Brunei’s untouched forests are an excellent place to get up close to these magnificent organisms, well.. get up close to the huge buttresses. The canopies of some species can grow to 80m breaking high in the sky and you’ll need a telescope to see the leaves and flowers.

Not all the species are giants and many dipterocarps live out their entire lives in the forest understory but all provide fruits, pollen, nectar, and habitat for a myriad forms of life and as a family, serve as the backbone to the forest ecosystem. The wood of the taller species is highly sought after and dipterocarp forests have taken a huge hit with many species within this family threatened with extinction. Fortunately these magnificent plants and the ecosystems they are intrinsically linked too, have a safe haven in Brunei!

That’s all for now, thanks for reading!

Support Our Project 

If you appreciate the work we are doing you can show your support in several ways.

• Become a member of the Bloom Room. A $70 annual subscription to our Substack provides you with access to live sessions, design tutorials, a members forum and more, see details here.

• Make a purchase of plants or seeds from our Nursery or Online Store 

• Joining us for one of our Practical Courses or Online Courses

• Comment, like, and share our content on social media.

Welcome to our Online Store where you can find Forest Garden/ Permaculture plants, seeds, bulbs, and Polyculture multi-packs along with digital goods and services such as Online Courses, Webinars and eBooks.  We hope you enjoy the store and find something you like.  It's your purchases that keep our Project going.

You can also find our full list of trees. shrubs and herbs for forest gardens on our nursery website.  

It's immediately striking as you exit Baku that you are in a desert. As you can see from this previous post on Baku street plants and parks, it is a stark contrast. 

Equally striking is the attempt to regreen the region with vast areas of young trees planted as part of a 30 million tree reforestation plan that started in 2004. The planting is focused on the Absheron peninsula and Gobustan region surrounding Baku. The trees that I  saw appear to be doing very well and much of the highway borders have also been planted out with a polyculture of 4-8 rows of trees and shrubs including Nerium oleander, Cupressus sempervirens and Pinus sp. among others.

About 64 km southwest of Baku just off the coastal road heading inland you enter Gobustan National Park, an extraordinary tapestry of ancient wonders. It's hard to believe when looking over the rugged landscapes and weathered rock formations that in the past the area was a lush forest but not so difficult to believe why our ancient ancestors would have choose this location to settle. The high ground provides excellent 360 views of the surrounding area, the terrain provides great rainwater catchment potential and the sea is nearby.  

The museum before the park is very good and provides a great overview of the area and the petroglyphs of this UNESCO World Heritage Site. The oldest petroglyphs are thought to be around 40000 years old. Included in the carvings are boats (right) which is a pretty good indicator that this technology was around during the prehistoric period.  

As well as the prehistoric rock art, natural forces have produced some great work, enhanced by the tree, shrub and herbs growing among the rocks.  

Hippophae rhamnoides - Sea Buckthorn appeared to be the dominant shrub species in the area, growing along with a variety of herbs

Wild Ficus carica cv. - Fig is also very common. Interesting to see the prostrate habit of the figs in this area, in response to the windy conditions probably. The large fruits were soft and ripe but completely tasteless on a number of the plants I tried. 

There are hundreds of figs growing in the area, not so common is Elaeagnus angustifolia - Russian Olive (left) 

Punica granatum - Pomegranate is also common growing within the crevices of the rocky terrain. 

The Punica granatum - Pomegranate were full of bees and hoverflies. I did not mange to get a photo of the hoverfly but it was much larger than the hoverflies that frequent our gardens. The bee is a Wool Carder Bee  - Anthidium sp. and seems common here and especially keen on pomegranate nectar/pollen. 

Other flowering plants in the area include Eryngium spp. possibly E. amethystinum (right), a perennial plant with purple flowers and spiny leaves and the low growing evergreen shrub Ephedra distachya was looking comfortable at the base of the rocks.  The red fruits of Ephedra distachya (left) are edible with a sweet but rather insipid flavor according to pfaf.org

Pretty sure the below plant is Lycium ruthenicum - Black Goji Berry based on the flower and the taste of the fruit. It was in the Gobustan Archaeological site garden so it could have been planted. It does not seem to be common to this region. Like it’s Balkan relative, Lycium barbarum - Goji Berry, the flowers and fruit appear on these plants at the same time and throughout the growing season.

That’s all for this week, thanks for reading !

Support Our Project 

If you appreciate the work we are doing you can show your support in several ways.

• Become a member of the Bloom Room. A $70 annual subscription to our Substack provides you with access to live sessions, design tutorials, a members forum and more, see details here.

• Make a purchase of plants or seeds from our Nursery or Online Store 

• Joining us for one of our Practical Courses or Online Courses

• Comment, like, and share our content on social media.

Regenerative Landscape Design - Online Interactive Course 

Want to learn how to design, build and manage regenerative landscapes?  Join us on our Regenerative Landscape Design - Online Interactive Course. We look forward to providing you with the confidence, inspiration, and opportunity to design, build and manage regenerative landscapes, gardens, and farms that produce food and other resources for humans while enhancing biodiversity.

You can access the course material at anytime and join the live sessions and interactive forums that run from May - Oct every year. All members of the Bloom Room receive a 500 EUR discount. To take up this offer all you have to do is become an annual subscribers to our Substack and register here with the promo code BLOOM.

I look forward to you joining !

We offer a diversity of plants and seeds for permaculture, forest gardens, and regenerative landscapes including a range of fruit and nut cultivars. We Deliver all over Europe from Nov - March. - Give a happy plant a happy home :)

We’ll look at some weird and wonderful plant encounters, incredibly productive polycultures of the region, amazing wildlife reserves in the area, including a site still recovering from a vast volcanic eruption 300 years ago with lava rock beaches and 2m deep ash soils, a world class marine reserve, a jungle reserve home to the smallest primate on the planet and some incredibly wild and isolated beaches.

The Area and the Route

I spent a few weeks in the area, starting the journey in Tongkaina, opposite Bunaken Island just north of Manado and made my way around the coastline over to Batu Angus opposite Lembeh Island and than crossed back overland to Manado.

Bunaken National Marine Park - Scuba Diving

My first port of call was Bunaken National Marine Park for some scuba diving. The place is a jewel in the crown of Indonesia's rich marine biodiversity.

The island, just a short boat ride from the mainland, is renowned for its stunning coral reefs, teeming with an incredible variety of marine life and is a diver's paradise, offering crystal-clear waters, dramatic drop-offs, and an abundance of colorful fish, turtles, and other exotic creatures.

With its position at the heart of the Coral Triangle, Bunaken boasts an astonishing diversity of corals, making it a hotspot for underwater enthusiasts and scientists alike. Coral is as bizarre and mysterious as it looks. Despite its plant-like appearance, coral is actually composed of millions of tiny invertebrate animals called polyps. These polyps create intricate carbonate structures by secreting an exoskeleton near their base. Over countless generations, the colony gradually builds a massive skeleton, often reaching several meters in size.

Only the outer layer of a healthy coral reef is alive. Dead coral sections provide a foundation for other marine organisms to colonize. The complex skeletal framework of coral reefs offers a home for a vast array of marine life, forming a delicate and interdependent ecosystem

For diving I can totally recommend Thalassa Diving Resort and the Four Fish Guesthouse is a very warm, welcoming and comfortable place to stay with delicious home cooked food. There are also some great spots to stay on Bunaken Island.

Pulisan Beaches

Following the coastal road east from Manado the area is more reliant on local economic activities of fishing , farming and mining than tourism although there seem to be many governments incentives to develop eco-tourism in the area that appear to be gathering momentum.

Pulisan probably houses the finest beaches along the coastline in the area with a selection of wild beaches you need a boat to get to. You can hire a traditional fishing boat a.k.a. lipa-lipa or jukung with a captain for half a day or a full day from the main beach in Pulisan. It’s around $9 for half a day and $13 for a day and you just ask around where the fisherman hang out in the afternoon for a next day hire.

The beach I visited does not appear to have a name but it’s the one to the East of the Bantu Mandi diving spot marked on google maps.

A Fisherman lives on the beach on 2 week shifts mainly catching lobster in nets. A troop of Black Macaque - Macaca nigra visits the beach everyday to gorge on fruit from the Coconut and Tropical Almonds - Terminalia catappa. Although I only saw the monkeys in the trees, I was told they will come to the beach and have a swim after eating.

The waters are filled with a beautiful array of exquisite coral and all sorts of aquatic animals. The rock pools are full of a various species of crabs, rock-climbing goby and some type of short and stubby reptile (looks like a skink) darts around the dark rocks on the hunt.

I was told that large resort developers have their eye on the area but have recently been blocked by locals that would prefer to protect their piece of paradise. Good luck to them!

Many of the homestays that show up on google maps in the area are not finished or are not operating but I can recommend a nearby place called Pondok Wisata Noah with delicious food and homemade Cheptikus or asking around in the nearby villages where a local will most likely help you find a place.

Tangkoko Nature Reserve

Not far from Pulisan is one of the oldest nature reserves in Indonesia, with the first conservation area established in 1919. It now extends 8,718 hectares and protects at least 127 mammal, 233 bird, and 104 reptile and amphibian species. Of these 79 mammal, 103 bird, and 29 reptile and amphibian species are endemic to Sulawesi.

One of the specialties of the reserve is Spectral tarsier - Tarsius spectrumgurskyae. At sundown you can watch them come out of the deep folds of a Ficus benjamina buttress. A family of three that use the roost we were watching head out at dusk to begin their nocturnal insect hunt. Before they venture out they survey the surroundings for pythons and owls that prey on these tiny primates. When all is clear they will screech out the signal. If they discover their roost has been rumbled they will find a new spot before dawn.

The reserve also runs a research program into the behavior of the endangered Celebes crested macaque - Macaca nigra following various troops of the monkeys around the park on a daily basis and training up local guides that go onto work in the area. The guides in the park are very knowledgeable about the flora and fauna of the area and it was great tour run by the team at Renny's Tangkoko Safety Stop. It’s also a comfortable place to stay and just a short walk across the river to get to the main gate of the park.

Mount Tongkoko and Batu Angus Reserve

A dramatic backdrop to Tangkoko is provided by Mount Tongkoko and Batu Angus, a stratovolcano that last erupted in 1880. The reserve bears the stark imprint of this volcanic activity, with a vast lava flow cascading down the eastern flank of the mountain and into the sea, a striking testament to the region's dynamic geological history.

There a still vast patches of black ash but grasses that look and feel like Pampus have dominated the area. Pathways have been laid through the grasses with various watchtowers and shelters to rest and enjoy the view over the hills.

Deep volcanic earthquakes have been measured from 2002 - 2019 but it's peaceful and quiet for now. Such an amazing place that opened up my eyes to a whole new are of study, post eruption plant succession. It looks like the Cycads don’t mind the volcanic ash soils and are one of few trees growing through the dense grasses.

So bizarre that the earth around here spits out extremely hot giant rocks from time to time.

The tracks lead to a beach area where the massive lava flow from Mount Tongkoko Volcano entered the sea some 300 years ago. There are a few kiosks offering snacks and coffee and small restaurant in the park. It was the first time I've seen Sea lettuce Tree - Scaevola taccada and Padanus sp. - Screw pine as well as Tamarix sp. - Salt Cedar growing along the coastline in Sulawesi. Perhaps they were planted when the reserve was established.

The beautifully bizarre lava rock beach has waters full of aquatic spectacles for the snorkeler including some incredible coral formations and mini walls/ ravines that can be explored easily free diving and snorkeling from the surface.

It’s probably easier to enter the water from the opposite side that leads to the choppy waters of the Lembeh Strait that separates the islands of Sulawesi and Lembeh. The Lembeh Strait is known by some divers as “the best muck-diving site in the world” and is famous for its wonderful, photogenic underwater critters.

Weird and Wonderful Plants

Whenever in the tropics the sheer multitude of plants you come across is incredible and here are just a few of the weird and wonderful plants I came across during the trip.

Amorphophallus paeoniifolius - Elephant foot yam - I stumbled across this plant in the dense understory of a forest whilst surveying a potential plot just outside the village of Likupang. At first glance, from a distance, it appeared to be some kind of fungus growing on an old piece of Bamboo. A google search later revealed it to be a tropical plant native to Southeast Asia, renowned for its edible tubers. In fact it's a staple in many Southeast Asian, South Asian, and Pacific Island cuisines.

The plant boasts a unique appearance with a single, giant, umbrella-like leaf and large underground corms resembling an elephant's foot. Cultivated widely for its nutty-flavored corms, it also holds medicinal importance in traditional Indian medicine. Unfortunately I did not get to witness the plant in flower, as quite a spectacle it is, but I did see many of the plants in the leafing stage often planted around the the edges of polyculture coconut/banana groves, more on that later.

Underground corms are harvested with a pick axe or by digging when the top is completely withered and fallen. The crop is ready for harvest in 8-9 months after planting with an average yield of 30-40 t/ha.

You can find a good guide on how to grow these plants here

Syzygium malaccense - Malay apple - My first encounter with the Malay apple was with a heady perfume of sweet fruit wafting through the air as I navigated a winding mountain road. Intrigued, I brought my scooter to a halt, only to find the roadway strewn with the fallen fruits of a nearby tree.

A native to Southeast Asia, the plant features glossy leaves, striking red flowers, and large, round, red fruits with a sweet, tart flavor. Beyond its edible fruit, this versatile tree offers shade, ornamental value, timber and attracts birds and butterflies with its vibrant blooms and is a food source for the endangered Sulawesi crested macaque - Macaca nigra

Interestingly this plant is thought to be one of the first plants intentionally carried and cultivated by the Austronesian people as they migrated across the Pacific. They are thought to have took these trees with them on their long journeys and planted them in new lands as they settled.

Regenerative Landscape Design - Online Interactive Course 

Want to learn how to design, build and manage regenerative landscapes?  Join us on our Regenerative Landscape Design - Online Interactive Course. We look forward to providing you with the confidence, inspiration, and opportunity to design, build and manage regenerative landscapes, gardens, and farms that produce food and other resources for humans while enhancing biodiversity.

You can access the course material at anytime and join the live sessions and interactive forums that run from May - Oct every year. All members of the Bloom Room receive a 500 EUR discount. To take up this offer all you have to do is become an annual subscribers to our Substack and register here with the promo code BLOOM.

I look forward to you joining !

White mangrove - Sonneratia alba are the dominant species of mangrove that populate the vast stretches of the coastline in Sulawesi and is one of the most resilient mangrove species, capable of thriving in environments with up to 50% seawater concentration. This incredible adaptability is due to specialized mechanisms that allow it to tolerate and even thrive in high salinity conditions.

White mangroves are often found in low intertidal zones near estuaries, where they face constant fluctuations in salinity. Their ability to withstand such harsh conditions makes them crucial for coastal ecosystems and protection. There are numerous Mangrove Parks in North Sulawesi that have recently become protected areas including Pantai Mangrove Maliamboa photographed in the background of the image below

The plants are used as locally for firewood and the wood is used in the construction of houses and ships. The sour fruits are used to flavor fish, and are sometimes eaten raw. The leaves are also eaten raw or cooked across Indonesia and Malaysia.

Clove - Syzygium aromaticum - Cloves are the dried flower buds of the Syzygium aromaticum tree, a tropical evergreen native to the Maluku Islands in Indonesia but now commonly planted and cultivated across the tropical regions of the world. Renowned for their strong, warm, and slightly sweet flavor, cloves have been a prized spice for centuries. This time of year the cloves are harvested dried on the streets and gardens of the villages in North Sulawesi with the fragrant aroma filling the air!

The aromatic compounds in cloves, particularly eugenol, give them their distinctive taste and scent. They are widely used in both sweet and savory dishes, from baked goods and curries to marinades and pickling. Beyond culinary applications, cloves have been used in traditional medicine for their potential analgesic and antiseptic properties.  

Historically, cloves were a highly sought-after commodity, leading to exploration and trade routes that shaped global commerce and geopolitics to this day. Major wars have been fought over this plant, most notably between the Dutch and English in the 1600s, over who would control the trade of this spice.

Clerodendrum paniculatum -Pagoda Flower - I was very grateful to meet this striking tropical shrub growing on the borders of a village forest garden.

Native to tropical Asia and parts of the Pacific, it's renowned for its tall, pyramid-shaped flower clusters that give it its name. These vibrant blooms, typically red or orange, attract a variety of pollinators, especially butterflies.

The plant can spread via suckers to form colonies and is harvested from the wild for local use as a medicine with an infusion of the leaves drunk as a purgative. The leaves are also used as a poultice for treating burns, wounds and ulcers. Most commonly nowadays it’s grown as an ornamental plant due to its showy appearance and relatively easy care. It prefers warm, humid conditions and well-draining soil.  

Cycas spp. - Cycads are plants I have often seen growing in amenity planting all across the tropics and as indoor plants but this is the first time I had to pleasure to meet these prehistoric beauties growing in the wild. I could not find much info on Cycas spp. of Sulawesi but they are relatively uncommon in Indonesia compared to other areas in pacific region with only 4 (or 10 according to some reports) species found growing in Indonesia.

Their fossil record dates back to the late Carboniferous period, which was around 300-325 million years ago. This makes them contemporaries of the dinosaurs although recent research has shown that the current diversity of cycads is actually quite young, with most species evolving only within the last 12 million years.

They seem to do well on the coastal rocks and cliff faces as well as in the under story of the woodland margins. I’d expect this to be one of first plants that will colonize the gold mines that operate in the area, once they have been abandoned.

Welcome to our Online Store where you can find Forest Garden/ Permaculture plants, seeds, bulbs, and Polyculture multi-packs along with digital goods and services such as Online Courses, Webinars and eBooks.  We hope you enjoy the store and find something you like.  It's your purchases that keep our Project going.

You can also find our full list of trees. shrubs and herbs for forest gardens on our nursery website.  

Tropical Polycultures

Indonesia's landscapes are a testament to the power of polyculture. Beyond the iconic rice paddies, polyculture farming dominates the countryside. Blessed with volcanic soils, abundant sunlight, and ample rainfall, the region provides ideal conditions for cultivating a diversity of crops. These factors combine to create lush, thriving polyculture systems that are a hallmark of Indonesian agriculture.

Here’s an example of a Polyculture Forest Garden typically found in the village gardens that combine three sometime four layers of fruit trees with annual and perennial crops in the understory. Cocos nucifera - Coconut tower over the understory and appear to grow much taller here in Indonesia than anywhere else I’ve seen them grow (perhaps it’s the cultivar or maybe just the ideal growing conditions here. Carica papaya - Papaya and Musa sp. - Banana will grow well under the Coconut and root crops such as Canna indica - Edible Canna and herbs such as Cymbopogon citratus - Lemon Grass along with vegetables Solanum melongena - Aubergine and Phaseolus coccineus - Runner Beans grow in the layer below.

Carica papaya - Papaya grow pretty much everywhere, like weeds I’m told. Most cultivars are dioecious having both male and female flowers on separate plants and require both plants to produce fruit. The leaves and flower buds feature often in Indonesian cuisine. They are slightly bitter but highly nutritious and are often added to a spinach side dish served with Fish. Its the male plants that produce the edible flower buds.

North Sulawesi's agriculture is primarily driven by smallholder farms focused on plantation crops, which account for about half of the agricultural land. Benefiting from favorable climate and fertile volcanic soil, the region produces a variety of crops, including spices like cloves, nutmeg, and pepper, as well as coconut, cocoa, coffee, and cashews, banana and limes.

Another common polyculture in the area is Cattle within the coconut groves. I saw the same practice in Sri Lanka on many occasions.

The most common breed used is Bali and it thought their domestication occurred around 3500 BC and to have originated from Banteng, a species of wild bovine found in Southeast Asia. 

Bananas are included in the understory of the Coconut palms along with the cattle and included around the perimeter of the coconut groves you can find the edible Amorphophallus paeoniifolius - Elephant foot yam mentioned above and some kind of Legume tree , probably grown for cattle fodder. Papaya and Mango are also commonly used for perimeter planting.

The odd Sugar Palm - Arenga pinnata can also be found within the Coconut groves. These palms thrive with more space due to their large, shade-casting leaves and are used for sugar production and to make a local spirit called Cheptikus. This spirit is frequently offered before meals at local eateries. The owner will insist you drink it in one go, while a small crowd watches your reaction to the fiery liquid. Little did they know my life in Shipka has prepared me for such a challenge, Rakia :)

That’s all for now !

Support Our Project 

If you appreciate the work we are doing you can show your support in several ways.

• Become a member of the Bloom Room. A $70 annual subscription to our Substack provides you with access to live sessions, design tutorials, a members forum and more, see details here.

• Make a purchase of plants or seeds from our Nursery or Online Store 

• Joining us for one of our Practical Courses or Online Courses

• Comment, like, and share our content on social media.

We offer a diversity of plants and seeds for permaculture, forest gardens, and regenerative landscapes including a range of fruit and nut cultivars. We Deliver all over Europe from Nov - March. - Give a happy plant a happy home :)

Want to learn more about Regenerative Landscape Design? Join The Bloom Room!

The Bloom Room is designed to create a space for more in-depth learning, for sharing projects and ideas, for seeking advice and discovering opportunities.

Ultimately, it aims to build a more intimate, interactive, and actionable relationship between members, a way for the Bloom Room community to support each other’s projects and learning journeys, and to encourage and facilitate the design, build, and management of more regenerative landscapes across our planet.

What you can expect as a member of the Bloom Room

As a member of the Bloom Room you can expect;

• Access to an interactive forum where you can ask questions,  direct what type of content you would like to see as well as share your own content and projects.

• Monthly live session featuring general Q&A and tutorials on design software for creating and presenting polycultures.

• Live session every month for members to showcase your projects, plans, designs, and gardens, with guest speakers from the community.

• Full Access to all of the content on Substack

• 500 EURO discount for on our Regenerative Landscape Design - Online Interactive Course.

• Future opportunities to join our Global Regenerative Landscape Design and Consultancy Service, with potential roles for those with the will and skill to join our design team.

• An opportunity to take part in the group ownership of a Regenerative Landscape. You will find more details on that here.