One Year in Mallorca

A little over a year ago, I took the big step and settled in Mallorca so I could devote myself fully to the Son Selva project. Although I've also spent a lot of time on the island over the past three years, it feels different to me. There's no other home anymore. I haven't regretted this decision for a second. I feel comfortable here and am looking forward to the future.

The past year brought some ups and downs:

Packed and loaded

Since I had already organized transport from Switzerland, I asked my friends for donations of materials. I desperately needed gardening tools and other equipment. And I wasn't disappointed! With all my belongings and a whole host of useful tools, I set off for my new future last May. Many thanks to everyone who contributed, and especially to Raimond Husy and Aurel Witzig for their generous donations and entrusting me with their old and beloved tools.

The Container

Now that I had more and more tools, I also needed a safe place to store them. Buying a 20-foot container was a good decision, but delivering it was a real challenge. Not only did a few branches get blown up in our driveway, but I also had to clear the entire path to our property from the village of branches that had been hit by the high truck.

Now the good thing is up, and I finally have a place that I can lock up safely. Here, too, I was surprised by two generous donations. Many thanks to Carmen Creson and Francisco Pladano for the financial injection and the donation of a smaller container, which I now use as a workshop.

Vegetable Garden Without Moving Crows

My neighbors thought I was crazy when I told them I wanted to plant a vegetable garden too. The soil here was far too poor, they said. I proved them wrong (although I must admit the soil quality still has a lot of room for improvement) and planted a garden using the no-dig method. With lots of cardboard, a thick layer of compost, and a nice fence protecting the garden from the pigs, tomatoes, chard, and much more are now growing.

Lucky piggies

The biggest change last year was certainly the purchase of our two pigs. Wendy and Wanda came to us in July and have been literally plowing their way through my property ever since. They have an important job: plowing, loosening the soil, and weeding and fertilizing on the side. Keeping these two rascals in check isn't easy. They've escaped through several different types of gates and have since become known throughout the neighborhood. Apparently, I'm the only one whose pigs willingly follow me when I pick them up from my neighbors' fields. I'm continuing to work on "training" them so they don't do more harm than good.

The No-Dig-Garten, still brand new and a bit too clean for my taste.

Wendy (the hairy one) and Wanda (the bald one) working on the next plan to escape the fence.

First trials of rotational grazing.

Honey Harvest and Bee Disaster

Last spring, I acquired a beehive and received active support during the first year from the company that supplied me with the bees and the hive. Together, we harvested the first spring and fall honey in May and September. An incredible feeling!

To save money, I decided to take care of my new pets myself. However, my first solo attempt failed miserably and even became life-threatening! I made a major mistake and didn't properly fasten the legs of my suit. This, combined with my inexperience, led to the bees pouncing on my socks and stinging me. After about 40 bee stings, I was finally able to free myself from the suit and get to safety. However, the high amount of bee venom led to symptoms of poisoning, a visit to the emergency room, and three days where I could barely walk. All in all, a blessing in disguise, I'd say. The doctor was amazed that I was even still conscious. I learned my lesson, albeit the hard way.

The first events

At Easter 2025, the time had finally come: We held our first retreat! Tents were purchased, workshops were planned, cleaned up, and a lot of advertising was done. The effort was worth it! The first retreat was a huge success, and our guests were just as happy as we were. It's a very special feeling to be able to share my oasis with others and to see how they find peace here and enjoy nature and the animals with me.

I'm looking forward to another year full of positive events and hopefully without any major accidents!

The bees are super friendly, as long as you know what you're doing.

Our tents are ready for the first guests!