Succulent Garden - Peace Wadi, Jordan

Peace Wadi is a volunteer project located 5kms from the Jordanian King Hussein Bridge border crossing, linking Jordan to Palestine. By hosting international visitors, Peace Wadi aims to build a bridge of peace and understanding to neighbouring Palestine, which has been under Israeli military occupation since 1967.

Peace Wadi has been predominantly a Date plantation for 30 years, they are now introducing Permaculture practices to diversify and future proof their system. The farm hosts an annual festival to celebrate Khobaizeh (Common Mallow) a humble but nutritious Palestinian food. While staying here Rachel created a Succulent and Cactus garden as a drought-hardy and colourful welcome to the project and festival area. Thank you for the experience Abu Fares! And for all the help and company Abu Baker Gary, Zahara the donkey and the puppies.

The main challenge for this site is shifting historic practices of burning all ‘waste’ vegetation, especially Date Palm fronds. With extended periods of drought conditions ANY and ALL organic material should be returned to the soil, to shade the soil, build soil life, and retain soil moisture. The perception of ‘mess’ can be a difficult transition wherever people have not traditionally used mulch, also common in the west and traditional English gardens. It is essential to shade the soil, hold all moisture, prevent further evaporation and adding organic matter to feed soil life.