How We Built a Permaculture Garden in Sandy Soil (And How You Can Too)

Permaculture is about working with the land, not against it. It’s a system that utilises nature to its full potential while avoiding destruction and waste. At its core, permaculture follows a full life cycle that benefits people, soil, and food systems alike. Nothing is wasted, everything returns to the earth in a continuous, regenerative loop.

Here at Serenity Eco Guesthouse, this philosophy is brought to life in simple but powerful ways. Dry leaves are returned to the compost, all food waste is recycled, and even coffee grounds, paper, and cardboard are reused to help regenerate the soil. What might be considered rubbish elsewhere becomes a valuable resource here. If you want to come and see how things work, we have a free garden tour everyday at 10am, just come to our front office to sign up!

On the 20th of January, a few of us joined and were guided through the permaculture garden by Mida, a friendly and deeply knowledgeable gardener and handyman who has worked here for over 25 years. His passion for the land is infectious. He took us to the mushroom farm, created around three years ago. There, we harvested fresh oyster mushrooms that would later be used in the kitchen to prepare our meals, a truly full-circle moment, and very cool to witness.

The garden didn’t start out the way it looks today. It began with just a small patch of plants and a worm farm, which plays a crucial role in restoring soil health. The worm farm produces a nutrient-rich liquid solution, beneficial microorganisms, and natural fertiliser. Fed with organic kitchen scraps and fruit peels, the worms break down waste and transform it into fertile material that drains through holes in the wooden box below. Dry leaves are added as mulch, helping retain moisture and protect the soil from erosion.

Before 1999, the land at Serenity Eco Guesthouse was mostly toxic soil with little hope of producing the abundance of fruits and vegetables grown here today. Years of chemical use had left the soil depleted and lifeless. Growing food once seemed nearly impossible.

Through creativity, experimentation, and patience, we slowly brought the soil back to life. By eliminating toxic chemicals and focusing on natural regeneration, we proved that even damaged land can be healed. Today, much of the food served at Alkaline Restaurant comes directly from the garden, and we continue to experiment with growing and harvesting a wide variety of delicious produce.

Furthermore, we have a gray water system called Waste Water Garden, the waste water from showering will automatically go to the natural water filter. After the water is cleaned, it flows automatically to our garden, and the overflow is saved in a water tank. We save 900,000 Liters of water per year. Nothing is wasted here.

Our permaculture journey is a collaborative effort. We develop ideas together, test what works, and adapt as we go. There is no rigid formula, only observation, care, and a willingness to learn from the land itself.

How You Can Do This Too

You don’t need acres of land to start practicing permaculture. Begin small:

• Compost your food scraps

• Use dry leaves as mulch

• Start a worm farm, even on a balcony

• Avoid chemical fertilisers and pesticides

• Observe what grows well naturally in your environment

With time, patience, and intention, even sandy or depleted soil can be transformed. Serenity Eco Guesthouse is living proof that when we give back to the land, it gives back to us, many times over.