A Visit Back to Eden

by | Feb 11, 2017 | Garden

During the 2016 Permaculture Convergence in Port Townsend we were invited to visit Paul Gautschi’s productive and sustainable garden, known to many as The Garden of Eden. It is without a doubt one of the most inspiring examples of growing organic nutrient rich food using easy and sustainable growing methods.

Paul walked us through the orchards and vegetable gardens sharing his evolution in the world of organic gardening. He noted that although he followed organic practices his soil needed to be replenished regularly with yearly rototilling, building the garden beds, weeding, extensive and costly irrigation, and constant and intensive labor.

In his frustration and longing to find a sustainable way to grow food he prayed to God for guidance. Soon afterwards he began to notice how nature grows plants without the need of human interference. Paul began to observe the native plants on his property and quickly realized that this was the answer to his prayers. He began to mimic nature by adding multiple layers of wood chips and compost to the gardens and orchards. He now has over 16” of wood chips that have broken down over the years. .

The end results are remarkable: no more rototilling, weeding, extensive irrigation, or back breaking labor. As the beneficial microorganisms began to break down the wood chips a soil full of  nutrients was created to provide a very rich environment for plants to grow and thrive. A great surprise to many of us visiting the property was Paul’s repeated testament to the low amount of water required by the plants due to its ability to retain water after years of layering the wood chips.
We wandered among the  low growing trees draping down like the ribs of an umbrella in awe of the thick and sturdy branches ladened with fruit. Paul encouraged everyone to taste the apples and pears that had fallen on the soft cushion of rich soil and to notice that this fruit had no bruising. As we bit into the juicy, crunchy, nutrient rich fruits to say they were “good” is an understatement. “Delicious”, “Exquisite”, “Wow!” were certainly words echoed by the group.

The vegetables, herbs and berries growing throughout the property is a feast for the senses. Who could have imagined the sweetness of the broccoli, the size of the arugula and strawberries, or the extra crunchiness of the carrot. Paul talked extensively about growing nutrient rich food which holds a high water content. It was amazing tasting the food grown on his land. It is definitely a garden worth emulating!!
For more information about Paul Gautschi and to learn about his film “Back to Eden” visit:
http://www.backtoedenfilm.com/
https://www.facebook.com/BackToEdenFilmOrganicGardening/

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