About me...
La Gomera, a Paradise
There, I have the privilege of living in tune with the cycle of nature, as self-sufficient as possible, in a community, in the Canarian way. I invite you to join me in immersing yourself in a world where people work together, live in harmony with nature and know how to make the most of its resources.
My name is Zdenka
Gardener, botanist and horticultural therapist. As a botanist, I have learnt to think systematically and in contexts, to categorise plants and to explore new things. As a permaculture gardener, I have learnt to care for plants, to work with nature and to enjoy its gifts. And as a horticultural therapist, I have learnt that contact with plants is good for people. And this is now my path: to share with you my knowledge, my love and my care for people and plants.
The Green Heart
My ‘green heart’ encompasses a love of nature, a curiosity about new experiences and traditional wisdom, a desire to protect the environment, and humanistic approaches to horticultural therapy. I want to share all of this with the people who visit our wonderful island.
What is the Gomera Rural Life Experience?
It’s an opportunity to experience rural life on La Gomera in an authentic and first-hand way. Gomera Rural Life Experience is an active experience – you are the one who creates, does and experiences something special. I only work with small groups, always responding individually to the participants’ needs. We work with – and not against – nature, and with – and not against – people. We place great importance on mindful communication and the conscious use of resources.
We use our own products and organic produce from the island
We try not to produce any rubbish
We support organic farming and biodiversity
We value traditional craftsmanship and heritage
We cultivate a mindful and appreciative attitude
What does «sustainable living» mean to me?
Most of the agricultural produce used in the workshops has been grown by us or in the immediate vicinity. Our house runs almost entirely on solar power. We try, as far as possible, to practise the circular economy and produce as little waste as possible. Keeping our ravine alive in cooperation with our neighbours is very important to us.
¿Why choose Gomera Rural Life Experience?
When I was travelling, it was always important to me to get as close as possible to real nature, real people and their real lives. That’s why I travelled on foot or by bike, and why I volunteered on various projects in different countries. I eventually settled in La Laja. Now I live a real life in the countryside, where mangoes and avocados grow and where I can be outdoors all year round. Here I grow organic vegetables, plant native trees and show people how we can find strength and vitality with and in nature.
FUNDED BY THE EUROPEAN UNION THROUGH THE KIT DIGITAL PROGRAMME UNDER THE NEXT GENERATION (EU) FUNDS OF THE RECOVERY AND RESILIENCE FACILITY
