From bare land to permaculture paradise
With a lot of love and patience Heike Vitzthum made from bare land a permaculture paradise possible
In just six years, Heike Vitzthum has transformed a humble plot on the slopes of Areeiro, Pico, into a thriving permaculture haven. Drive up the hill and you’ll spot a charming house, lush gardens and a little greenhouse built from recycled old windows — testimony to Heike’s creativity and reverence for nature.
Through the garden gate, a serene pond with water lilies welcomes you — the home of “Sushi,” a resident fish. A glance at “before and after” photos reveals the journey: once barren ground, now bursting with vitality.
Heike resurrected an old metal workbench into her planting table. The garden is rich with loquats, bananas, and local fruit trees. Raised beds host lettuces, radishes, strawberries — all nurtured by mulching, which retains moisture and protects the soil. The beds themselves grew from layers of pruned branches, fallen leaves and weeds. Around them, small compost piles and decomposing weeds feed the soil — ideal for growing potatoes.
Each bed is sprinkled with marigolds and calendula: visually beautiful and highly functional, they attract pollinators and deter pests. A cozy chicken coop rounds out the ecosystem, providing eggs and manure that return nutrients to the garden.
Reviving an old water reservoir
One of Heike’s most meaningful projects was renovating the property’s old rainwater reservoir — a legacy feature from a time before the island had a centralized water system. Once restored, it now collects precious rain during wetter months and supplies the garden in dry spells, honoring a more self-reliant way of life.
Heike works in harmony with Pico’s elements: the salty sea air, strong winds, and dry summer months. She uses hydrangeas to break wind, employs water-conserving strategies, and adapts with smart planting designs.
A vision of resilience and autonomy
A key motivation for Heike’s journey is self-sufficiency. On an island where most fresh produce must be shipped from the mainland, she wanted to grow her own fruits, vegetables and herbs year-round.
Born in southern Germany, Heike learned everything about bio-farming from her mother. Today, she leads the Facebook community “O meu Garden no Pico” , where she shares her experiences, offers insights and nurtures a growing network of permaculture enthusiasts.
Her garden stands as a living example: with patience, respect, creativity and collaboration with nature, a simple plot can become a thriving, regenerative ecosystem.
To follow Heike’s journey and stay updated
- Join the “O meu Garden no Pico” Facebook group
- Follow RevistaPico on Facebook and Instagram to get future articles about Heike and O Meu Garden no Pico
- Watch her interview on local television, where she dives into her permaculture story.
