This perspective of permaculture is something we value greatly and strive toward here at Islaverde. As we consider topics for the workshops we host it is something in the forefront of our minds and an underlying theme we try to focus on in as many diverse ways as we can.

Just recently, as part of our “Healthy Sundays” gatherings, we hosted a practical course on how to grow your own herb garden led by the botanist, farmer and dreamer Paquot Jean-Baptiste. It was a great opportunity for adults and kids alike to get their hands dirty and enjoy the beauty of working with the earth.

As the day progressed we learnt everything you need to know about creating personalized herb gardens that cater to spaces as specific as even a window shield. Of course an important part of any herb garden is what you are planting and Paquot was sure to inform us about the many different applications of the herbs we can add to our plots. His expertise included information on the placement of herbs to ensure they get adequate sun, shade and water.

In addition, he described the importance of considering which plants will be growing next to each other such that they facilitate and not interfere with each others growth. It was also really great to learn about the specifics of mixing soil and the importance of organic compost and mulch in our plots. By the end of the afternoon we had learned all we needed know to go off and make our own herb gardens a reality.

And of course I must mention that half way through the workshop we took a break to enjoy a marvelous brunch prepared for us in Islaverde’s Slow Food Café – always a highlight for me at our workshops!

Here is why we think everyone should have their own herb garden…

Herbs can be used for a variety of things and in a variety of ways: For cooking, tea, medicines, potpourri and controlling pests. They can be used dried or fresh. Depending on the herb and the intended application you can use the leaves, stems, roots or seeds

Each plot can be specialized according to the plants’ use: Culinary here, medicinal there, or mixed for aesthetic reasons.

They are easy to grow: Herbs can be planted directly in an existing landscape with flowers or vegetables, or contained in pots or a raised-bed garden. Many herbs can be grown together with other species in the same container. They can also be grown indoors or outdoors.

Most herbs require no fertilizers

Insect pests and diseases rarely trouble herbs

While it lives, an annual herb provides your family with taste, smell, sight, texture and emotional experience as well as adding nutrients to your diet. How many garden plants can do all that?

Passalid beetles can be found in rotting logs. A bole taken up by “Bess bugs” can be recognized for the presence of holes on the cortex tree.

And if we go into the trunk, we will detect series of well-measured conducts where passalids spend, almost, all their adult-life eating timber.

Ecologically, Passalidae has a crucial role in nature: degrading wood, and recycling organic matter.

There are more than 600 species of Passalidae worldwide. However, Passalidae variety increases in tropical areas. In Central America, Guatemala has the highest diversity of passalid beetles. According to an article sponsored by Universidad del Valle de Guatemala, in Atitlán Lake surrounding,  there are 10 species of passalids (Passalidae).

… Just simple ingredients combined and formed by expert hands and prepared just the way you like it. You chose- pesto made with basil from our garden, roasted red pepper sauce, green bean and fresh chili, or classic homemade tomato sauce. If you’re looking for something more, add grilled veggies, chicken, meatballs, or grilled tofu to personalize your plate.

 Of course the most important ingredient is “AMOR”!

Our famous fettuccini is made from scratch-no preservatives or colorants–so it’s as healthy as it is delicious.

Our kitchen staff were trained by an Italian customer to use this hand-crank machine to create delicate strips of pasta that we then hang to dry.

The philosophy of SlowFood teaches us to take our time…

           Once  noodles are dry they’re  ready to be cooked for your plate!

…for a result worth waiting for!

Provecho . Bon appétit . רווח .  Enjoy . smakelijk eten . बॉन एपेतीत . bon profit . 个饱 .

Islaverde

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Las mariposas inician su vida en un huevo, que es puesto en plantas hospederas que le darán alimento.

2. ORUGA

La oruga sale del huevo, se alimenta y cambia de piel para burlar a sus depredadores.

3. CRISÁLIDA

La oruga tarda 4 días en tejer su capullo. Dentro de ella las células de la oruga se disuelven hasta convertirse en un ser alado.

                                                           4. MARIPOSA ADULTA

Luego del largo proceso, el saco de la crisálida se abre y emerge la mariposa adulta

Una vez concluida la etapa de procreación, la mariposa volará hasta agotar sus energías, cumpliendo así, su ciclo de vida.

Aerial-Silk has become the hobby of the Islaverde girls during this rainy season. But, it’s been taking us a lot of time and effort to get the hang of it!

They brought the kids… so the workshop became an all age class making it more fun and interactive!

Before anything they told us that we needed to warm-up and stretch so we wouldn’t hurt ourselves … so we had a warm-up Yoga class.

Nadja and Mia were the first ones to attempt it…they tried really, really hard.

 They were really good sports! Give them a year and I’m sure they will impress us all!!! and who knows??? Maybe one day, they’ll become the cirque do solei girls we all dreamed of once upon a time!

 Now it was time for Ile & Mariu…

They are really good!

  We were so happy that they came to share their skills with us!

Then it was our turn…

We gave it all we had and let me tell you. “It’s not as easy as it looks!”  Guess it will take us some time to catch up, but we will!

Alex you are going to touch the roof before you leave ; )

Here in Islaverde we love the performing arts, and like I said before, there was a time we all dreamed of joining the circus and traveling the world.

Here are more pics of the fun day we had. Taller de tela

Remember Life is for accomplishing your dreams.

Forallthewanderlustouttherelikeus…

Keep on dreaming! Islaverde

At Islaverde we adore our animals. Let us introduce you to them-

 Beltxa: The name “Beltxa” translates to black in Basque from his owner’s home country of Spain. He may look like a bear, but this beautiful Akita is the most docile of the whole bunch. Most certainly the king of Islaverde, you will generally find Beltxa napping on the terrace or enjoying his reign under the shade of a fruit tree.

Sanka: A golden retriever with a love for the water and a noble heart. Sanka plays the role of  our playful younger sibling and our trusted night-watch, but his preferred activity is to leap off the dock for a stick.

 He is also well known for accompanying our manager in her kayak in the morning and  surprising local fishermen along the way!

 Ruby: While only a temporary visitor, little Ruby has quickly become one of the gang.    A rescue dog from Antigua, her name is short for “la Rubia” or “blondie” and she lives  up to this princess reputation. Ruby loves kids and attention and is a favorite of our  youngest guests. 

Umpa: The rumor is that the cat once called “Mr. Umpa” might be pregnant with kittens- oops. Now known as “Lady Umpa,” she gets plenty of pampering. Cute and very cuddly, many a guest has wanted to take Umpa home with them!

Coca: The second of our feline friends and possibly the father of  Umpa’s kittens! Coca is extremely friendly and loves to sit with us  in the office or curled up on your lap at night. 

All the animals of Islaverde welcome you with open  paws! You never know who will be waiting for you at reception when you arrive!

If you’re looking for a new companion or to help animals in need  in Guatemala, please consider adopting  or sponsoring a dog or cat from one of these local rescue  programs: Unidos para los  animales, Antigua; Mayan  Families, Panajachel http://www.mayanfamilies.org/SponsoraDogorPuppy.

Well…Our friend Dana from Mexico, who is a super Yoga Instructor! Will be doing community yoga classes EVERYDAY, from 8:30am to 9:30am. at our beautiful studio to keep us well balance and in peace in this wonderful rainy season!

Come join us! And don’t forget to bring  your yoga mat!     Donations are welcome : ).

breathe.feel.love,  IslaVerde