Nestled in the cool shade of an immense rock face, almost covered by honeysuckle, overlooking an orchard fed by the softest splash of water - one would never guess that the tiny cottage is situated in rather arid conditions. From the heights where eagles lazily ride the winds overhead, one would see the barest splash of green. For miles around is only a landscape of rock and sand, cactus and thorn tree, dry riverbed and ruins of bygone generations. The homestead is hidden between sheer cliffs of rocky mountains. The shade thrown sheltering a surprisingly lush homestead. The carefully rationed water, especially precious in desert conditions; comes from a very deep, very old borehole causing a secret garden to flourish in semi-desert. Over many years the homestead has seen people come and go. Each planting trees but seldom staying long enough to enjoy the shade or the fruit, until now.
The new homesteaders come with vision and energy as well as many saplings. Their heart is not selfish but for community. And they plant to feed those in need - though there may as yet be no need.
One of their orchards is full of ancient apricot trees that are currently heavy with the delicious orange fruit. The invitation goes out for all to come and harvest. Armed with ladders, crates and hats we spent a morning picking apricots.
The new homesteaders are among the few in the valley who put up water tanks and a solar system. Their cottage is quaint. Tiny and minimalistic but sufficiently so, while their focus is on planting trees. The solar system is large enough to pump water to all the old orchards as well as the growing ones.
We were impressed to see the research that they put in before digging holes. Vineyards watered by gravity fed rain tanks and secure cages to protect the saplings from porcupines, kudu and baboons. Then there are the trees. Oh the variety! Fig and pomegranate and olive. Macadamia and walnut nut. Brazil and pistachio nut. Orange and persimmon and pear.
Just like this secret garden hidden in semi-desert so hope is hidden until our dream is realized.
“A seed hidden in the heart of an apple is an orchard invisible.” ― Welsh proverb
