25/07/2022
Permaculture: the new lifestyle at Waaipoort — Rosendal
We often we hear the term “permaculture”, but many people aren’t really sure what it means, so here’s a short definition: “Permaculture, or permanent (agri)culture, means working with natural forces — wind, sun, and water— to provide food, shelter, water and for other needs with the minimum of labour and without depleting the land. Permaculture is a holistic approach based on traditional agricultural practices.”
The Eastern Free State is known for its many beautiful farms, all surrounded by picturesque sandstone mountains and set in a rolling landscape which makes living here very desirable. People are also attracted by the numerous beautiful drives along sandy roads lined with Lombardy poplar trees, which, in autumn, turn golden in contrast to the richly-coloured cosmos flowers near them.
A group of like-minded individuals recently seized the opportunity to live on a community farm outside Rosendal. Most of them are business people who were tired of the corporate world and wanted to live off the grid and be self-sustaining.
Members of the group come from diverse professions — from a soil scientist to an accountant — and, pooling all their knowledge, have created a permaculture farm at Waaipoort.
As you drive up the dusty road to the farm, it is difficult to imagine how anyone could contemplate farming here, such is the current state of soil erosion and overgrazing. Although the farm is beautiful, it has been dreadfully abused. But then, as you drive in through the gate, you see large furrows carved into the fields filled with water. On top of the furrows, which I later learned are called swales, orchards and food gardens have been planted.
When you arrive at the homestead, you are greeted by friendly dogs and the welcoming faces of everyone who comes to greet you and you realise immediately that they are very happy to receive visitors.
After a thought-provoking introduction, we were taken to the nursery where Yvette gives a most interesting talk on the veld flowers and medicinal plants that grow in the area and on the farm.
The nursery is full of black bags where hundreds of indigenous and water-wise plants are being cultivated for the farm and also for sale. After a brisk walk up the mountain, you are shown how these plants grow in nature and you can see everything from wild potatoes to plants that will alleviate a snake bite. All the water for the farm comes naturally from springs in the mountains and, as the overflow of water cascades down the mountain, it has formed its own eco system.
You will also see egg-shaped structures that are being built to serve as water reservoirs. Asking Yvette why they are egg-shaped, she explained that with this shape there is no waste of space inside, so they are perfect for maximum storage.
Two things that really impressed me were the seed bank that is being built on the farm and the way that compost is being made. And, as I walk around and see the geese with their goslings splashing in puddles and the chickens foraging, I don’t doubt for one moment that you will get free range eggs here!
As we sat on the veranda, I was served ice-cold kombutcha and stone-ground homemade bread with and jam and organic cheese and I reflected that you simply have to admire people like these, who turn their backs on corporations, GMOs and processed food and live together with but one goal — to respect the earth and to live healthily.
I was also introduced to so many different types of food, especially the fermented type that Caroline makes, ranging from kimchi, sauerkraut and vegetables.
Not wanting to show my ignorance, I shyly asked about kombutcha and Michelle was quick to tell me that they make it all the time. She told me that it is made from a blend of green and black tea, to which you add sugar and a “scoby”. She explained that “scoby” is actually an acronym —Symbiotic Culture of Bacteria and Yeast — which is left to ferment. It becomes an alcohol, but the alcohol then disappears, and you are left with a wonderful, refreshing drink.
The long-term goal at Waaipoort is to teach communities to be self-sustaining and to feed themselves. The co-owners feel that it is time for mankind to realize how fragile our environment is and to practice good living standards and I was left feeling that it’s definitely time for me to re-think where I fit into the food - source chain.
Waaipoort offers courses and workshops on permaculture, either on the farm or elsewhere in the country — I just wish that more people and corporations would adopt their system for agriculture and for living.
Written by Gavin Boy 082 920 5551. For accommodation Victoria House
