T U B E R O S A
July | 2014 | by Shabnam Tavakol
A recent trek to Colombia proved to be an educational and mystical kind of expedition. I feel truly privileged not only to be taken in under Latin hospitality for several days, but learned the ins and outs of a purely organic and sustainable farm by a passionate son and father duo.
During my stay on an organic flower farm, specializing in native flowers : Jasmine, Gardenia, and Tuberose, some of the world’s most precious perfuming flowers.This farm specializes in an ancient form of oil extraction called Enfleurage. To really translate across how much love and passion is in-fact poured into the soils of this farm, it is important I brief you on the background of how this fragrant oasis came to life.
Heart conditions are an undeniable and horribly unfortunate trauma that runs in the Garcés family. When Señor Garcés was diagnosed with various heart problems the doctors urged it was time to undergo open-heart surgery. The doctors stressed the importance of the environment in which señor would have to heal under. It’s safe to assume that under any significant illness we may endure in our lives, long term health is the ultimate goal. In order to achieve this we need sustainable solutions, not short term ones.
Naturally, being concerned for the wellness of his father, the wheels started turning. The doctors recommended a slow, stress free, HEALTHY lifestyle outside of the capital city of Bogotá. Searching their native country for a perfect resting place, Carlos was told about a small town on the countryside of Colombia that virtually has perfect weather conditions year round, moderate temperatures, and a peaceful culture. One trip out through the Andes and into the valley of Fusagasugá was all it took to know this was it.
A recent trek to Colombia proved to be an educational and mystical kind of expedition. I feel truly privileged not only to be taken in under Latin hospitality for several days, but learned the ins and outs of a purely organic and sustainable farm by a passionate son and father duo.
During my stay on an organic flower farm, specializing in native flowers : Jasmine, Gardenia, and Tuberose, some of the world’s most precious perfuming flowers.This farm specializes in an ancient form of oil extraction called Enfleurage. To really translate across how much love and passion is in-fact poured into the soils of this farm, it is important I brief you on the background of how this fragrant oasis came to life.
Heart conditions are an undeniable and horribly unfortunate trauma that runs in the Garcés family. When Señor Garcés was diagnosed with various heart problems the doctors urged it was time to undergo open-heart surgery. The doctors stressed the importance of the environment in which señor would have to heal under. It’s safe to assume that under any significant illness we may endure in our lives, long term health is the ultimate goal. In order to achieve this we need sustainable solutions, not short term ones.
Naturally, being concerned for the wellness of his father, the wheels started turning. The doctors recommended a slow, stress free, HEALTHY lifestyle outside of the capital city of Bogotá. Searching their native country for a perfect resting place, Carlos was told about a small town on the countryside of Colombia that virtually has perfect weather conditions year round, moderate temperatures, and a peaceful culture. One trip out through the Andes and into the valley of Fusagasugá was all it took to know this was it.
My time on the Garcés farm was special and sacred. I cannot share everything that happened but I will relay the important lesson I learned. Mother nature is simple and perfect. She feeds our every necessity for living day in and day out. The least we can do is treat her with the same kind of gentle nourishment. Sustainable and organic farming is a labor of love. The Garcés family taught me exactly what it’s all about.
Señor Garcés Guidelines to Organic Farming
1. Water
To start an organic farm, the main thing you need to understand from the beginning is the purity of your water source. Senor swears by rainwater and believes a region without rain is impossible to have a 100% organic farm. It can also be water from a natural source, such as a river or stream but rainfall is the best.
2. Compost
Compost is the second most fundamental component. Much like how we feed our bodies, organic / fertile soil is the food for your crops. At the farm they use a natural processes called composed solely by the “Red Californian worm”. All organic waste from the kitchen goes into the composting pile. The pile is ultimately transferred through 4 stages of “humus” production. Essentially what happens is the worms eat, digestive, and dispose of the feed or compost. What they pass through their bodies is the most natural and processed form of fertilizer, otherwise known at humus.
Señor Garcés Guidelines to Organic Farming
1. Water
To start an organic farm, the main thing you need to understand from the beginning is the purity of your water source. Senor swears by rainwater and believes a region without rain is impossible to have a 100% organic farm. It can also be water from a natural source, such as a river or stream but rainfall is the best.
2. Compost
Compost is the second most fundamental component. Much like how we feed our bodies, organic / fertile soil is the food for your crops. At the farm they use a natural processes called composed solely by the “Red Californian worm”. All organic waste from the kitchen goes into the composting pile. The pile is ultimately transferred through 4 stages of “humus” production. Essentially what happens is the worms eat, digestive, and dispose of the feed or compost. What they pass through their bodies is the most natural and processed form of fertilizer, otherwise known at humus.
The primary focus of this farm is actually the production of this humus. They were very passionate about caring for the composting boxes and the various uses of the fertilizer when it is in the final stage. Some important notes to have successful composting::
- Need humidity for composting. Dry soil is not nourishing.
- The wrist test. Water your compost at night. The next morning take a handful of compost in your hand and squeeze.
If water drips out it is too humid. If not you are ready. 1-3 drops is ideal.
- When you water the compost, water with sweet water. Natural sweetener of course. The worms love it!
- Protect the compost and your worm children from rats, birds, and too much sunlight! Keep covered with a sheet or
tarp.
- Put bits of newspaper in the compost. This keeps ph levels down and your worms feasting!
3. Fertilizers
Fertilizer ::: when you have your natural fertilizer you will be ready to start feeding your plants! Keep in mind, there is such thing as OVER fertilizing. Typically the ratio should always be 70% soil and 30% humus.
Liquid Ferilizer ::: is just as important as solid. The same ratio applies 30% solid humus and 70% water. Mix until dark murky color. This can be used to feed the plant from the roots or the leaves.
::: Only fertilize your crops every 3 months! You must switch off between the solid and liquid fertilizer. Depending on your farmlands seasons, it can go something like this:::
- Need humidity for composting. Dry soil is not nourishing.
- The wrist test. Water your compost at night. The next morning take a handful of compost in your hand and squeeze.
If water drips out it is too humid. If not you are ready. 1-3 drops is ideal.
- When you water the compost, water with sweet water. Natural sweetener of course. The worms love it!
- Protect the compost and your worm children from rats, birds, and too much sunlight! Keep covered with a sheet or
tarp.
- Put bits of newspaper in the compost. This keeps ph levels down and your worms feasting!
3. Fertilizers
Fertilizer ::: when you have your natural fertilizer you will be ready to start feeding your plants! Keep in mind, there is such thing as OVER fertilizing. Typically the ratio should always be 70% soil and 30% humus.
Liquid Ferilizer ::: is just as important as solid. The same ratio applies 30% solid humus and 70% water. Mix until dark murky color. This can be used to feed the plant from the roots or the leaves.
::: Only fertilize your crops every 3 months! You must switch off between the solid and liquid fertilizer. Depending on your farmlands seasons, it can go something like this:::
::: Jan – Solid Feed :: April – Liquid Feed ::: July – Solid Feed ::: Oct – Liquid Feed :::
::: Important tips :::
- Always press the soil, compacting into the earth. This will avoid fungus growing at the routes.
- Make sure to put a bit of extra soil at the very base of your tree and bush crops to make a mound affect. This will help when watering your crops to evenly drain and distribute the water!
- Create natural pesticides to keep harmful predators away.
- Never grow one singular crop in a condense area of land. Just like people, plants need friends too! They grow, thrive and harmonize much healthier together!
Señor Garcés