From Abandoned Field to Flourishing Food Forest
The site was once a coconut and cocoa field, left abandoned for years. Over time, weeds overtook the area, climbing up the trees and turning the land into a dense, overgrown jungle. The owner aimed to revitalize the space into a productive food forest while preserving as many existing trees as possible. Unfortunately, a few trees had to be removed to allow sunlight to reach the ground. It was a worthwhile trade-off, as the increased light made it possible to grow a wider variety of edible plants.
With so many large trees, we can expect an abundance of falling leaves—pure gold for any gardener. However, to turn them into an even more valuable resource, they need a little help from good ol’ manure. That’s where the chickens come in. Known as tireless workers, they scratch, turn, and mix leaf piles, making the composting process much easier. Plus, their nitrogen-rich droppings are a natural fertilizer. And really, who wants just a bowl of salad for breakfast when you could have a sunny-side-up egg melting over warm toast?
Since the land is spacious, the owner also plans to add a few goats. As natural shrub-eaters, they’ll be a great help in trimming overgrown branches and keeping the garden neat and tidy.
