Panama, Casco Antiguo
Casco Viejo, San Felipe


Here is an exciting project on the move: transforming Casco Antiguo into an organic garden. Our friend and organic specialist Spencer Woodard is already working on it, and I have to say it´s fascinating. I love all green stuff, a tree hugger myself (I used to work for ANCON and then for the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute in Panama, plus all sorts of eco trips I do every now and then) I´m a great fan of turning anything green, but this friend of ours is really passionate about it.

His idea is to introduce in the parks at the plazas and other forgotten green areas small, designed, organic gardens. They could have themes as "exotic plants" or "edible leafs from Central America" or just serve as community gardens where to teach children about nature and practical life. Well run, an organic garden could produce enough to balance the diet of a number of families, so I think it might be a good project for the local community and a great example for other places to reproduce.

Here are some pictures of the plants he already has ready. He had "saril" which is a fruit we Panamanians love to use for "chicha" on Christmas. I´m not sure why not the rest of the year, but traditionally this spicy and refreshing drink is only made in December. He also had a plant where the leaves are rich in Omega 3, for those who follow the last discoveries in nutrition and health, apparently Omega 3 is important for your general wellbeing. All grown in a backyard! It could even be arranged for most of this to grow on a balcony.

In no particular order, here are some shots of his "vivero"...