Evelyn Bishop

We would like to create our first hugelkultur bed on our wet tropics farm located in Panama. There are two locations I'm studying for this project. One area has fallen palm trunks that have been decomposing for about 2 years. The other area has a fallen hardwood tree, called Makano (Diphysia americana) that has left many large branches on the ground for maybe about a year. The area I'm most interested in designing first is the area with the palm trunks. Is there any reason why palm would not make a good base for a hugelkultur bed? I appreciate your responses. Pura Vida, Evelyn

This is a great thread for anyone looking for permaculture places in Costa Rica. Please add more as you find them.

I visited Punta Mona last week and I'm so happy I finally made it out there. It's at an "end of the world" kind of place, raw, beautiful and isolated. The food was off the hook.

Pura Vida, Evelyn

Thanks for your feedback Andy. Actually, that wasn't what I was thinking at all, so I appreciate getting your ideas that are completely different from my original train of thought. I'd love to know more about sharefarming. Here in Panama, it's typical for a farmer to outright rent their fields, and I haven't seen any evidence of sharefarming, yet. But this is an idea I will keep in mind and share with other likeminded people here. I like the community aspect of it.

To expand a little on what I was thinking, it is more like a traditional artist-in-residence, where a person comes for a specific time to complete a specific project. There are often requirements attached that require the artist to perform certain duties, like give a community workshop, or present their work at the end of the residence. I see this as a way for people to present projects based around permaculture principals to be co-created with us on the farm.

So to refine the question a little, if any of you wanted to execute a project, or study something particular on a tropical farm, (say butterflies, or medicinal plants), what key components or framework would support you best during your residency? What requirements or guidelines would you expect the farm to request? What length of time would you need to complete your work? Would something like this interest you?

I want to leave this broad and open, because, as Andy's comment shows, we all think differently and all thoughts have value. Thanks again for your input. Pura Vida

I can add that I am currently working with lime plasters on adobe block surface. It is a labor of love process, but I am thrilled with the results.
It takes a bit to get the hang of it, and you do want to be properly protected because it is very irritating when it gets on your skin.
If I can answer any specific questions about my process with lime plaster, just ask. I'm always interested in learning how others prepare and apply it as well, so do share your results later.

In the meantime, here is a quick video (1minute) on our lime plastered walls in progress. It's a facebook page that is totally PUBLIC so anyone can access it. Also, there are lots of construction shots here of this adobe construction.

Pura Vida,
Evelyn

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=709322142431367&set=vb.241412745888978&type=2&theater

Update: it's been a couple of months and we've made great progress with the adobe farmhouse. We have finished up the lime stucco and are now working in earnest on the lime plaster. It looks great. And the interior of the adobe farmhouse is fresh and cool, even on hot, humid days. We've got more cool projects planned, so if your an earth builder heading to Panama, be sure to stop in and say hello, and if you want to help out, your welcome to get your hands dirty. Our next project will be raising a traditional Guaymi-styled two storied thatched rancho. Fun stuff!

What do you think is important in a farming residency or internship?

As we plant the seeds for future opportunities at Art Farm Panama, I want to know what you see as important to such a program.

I've been gleaning other programs online, but would love to have a discussion about what makes a kick ass program.
Have you had experiences that were either great or horrible? Care to share? I would love to learn through your experiences.

I appreciate any thoughts you have to share.
PuraVida,
Evelyn

"Most people in Latin America are doing permaculture...... unintentionally."

Absolutely. Here in Panama, I'm surrounded by excellent examples of permaculture all around me. However, no one calls it "Permaculture" they call it "living". No one has taken a Permaculture class, they have learned from their parents, who learned from their parents who learned form their parents. And here is where I get conflicted... with all the talk about Permaculture Design Courses and Permaculture Standards, and Permaculture Rules, is there room for just practicing permaculture with a little p instead of the big P.

Sorry if this is a bit off topic.
Pura Vida,
Lyn

Greetings from Art Farm Panama,

We are excited to be 75-80% finished with the adobe farmhouse construction here in Chiriqui Panama and are looking for some experienced earth builders to assist us with the final details.

Our biggest challenge has been finding any builders here in Panama that have a willingness or desire to work in materials other than concrete and cement block, so I wanted to put out a call here on Permies for anyone traveling through the area who may like to work with us for a couple of weeks from January - March 2014.

Tasks at hand are:
1. Lime renders and limewash for exterior adobe walls
2. Lime renders, earth renders and limewash for adobe interior
3. Wooden ceiling installation of tongue and groove "laurel" boards
4. Installation of earthen brick tile interior floor

For photos and more about the project, we invite you to visit our public page at http://www.facebook.com/artfarmpanama

Art Farm Panama is an evolving, tropical eco-inspired destination retreat center and sustainable permaculture farm set on 16 acres in Northwestern Panama. Our aim is to cultivate meaningful creative experiences through interdisciplinary retreats, residencies, and farming opportunities that encourage inspired playfulness and the delight of discovery. Come play with us.

If you have interest, please contact us at fincalasheliconias@gmail.com or through our facebook page.
Pura Vida and Gracias

While researching, I read that coconut oil might be an option. Anyone have any thoughts on this?

I did find a source for Linseed oil (Acete de Linaza) from a central american brand called "Sur". It's pricy, $37/gal.

I'm in the process of building an adobe farmhouse in Panama and will be laying earthen floors in several of the rooms.
My challenge is that Linseed Oil is not something I've been able to find here in Panama, and I'm now searching for alternatives.

What are some known alternatives to linseed oil?
Beeswax?

I'm really not sure what to use. Thanks in advance for any suggestions.