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Consumers are becoming increasingly curious about where their food comes from, particularly products with exotic origins such as chocolate. Thus, the opportunity to visit a working cocoa farm where the entire process from tree to bar is tangible, appeals to many tourists. In addition, agri-tourism sites provide a rich educational opportunity for local children.

So if you happen to be sitting on an old family estate or farm with agri-tourism potential, and don’t know where to begin, contact us. We would be happy to discuss your options.

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The establishing of a nursery and propagation schedule is the most important phase of any size tropical landscape project. Aspects of a nursery include the greenhouse, propagation beds, and finished area. When constructing the nursery important points to consider are light, air, and drainage, all of which are site specific. These three areas are crucial to the success of the propagation of nursery stock plants to supply the demands of the landscape project. The problems associated with too much or insufficient amount of these include rot, leggy weak growth, sunburn, and desiccation. Applications to ensure proper balance of light, air and drainage include shade cloth, ranging from 35% to 80% and dependent on the exposure. Placement of the green house should be such to ensure ample airflow.

Propagation beds should be constructed with ample drainage, and the soil composition should provide sufficient drainage, which depends on the amount of water, and the two previous described aspects, light and airflow. The propagation beds should be constructed to also provide enough area for the successful growth of the propagation stock plants, and is dependent on the specificity of the planting scheme. The final aspect of the nursery is the finish area. This is the area outside the greenhouse, which is the staging area for the landscape installation and for hardening off the finished propagated plants. The establishment of a successful nursery and propagation schedule will ensure adequate volume of nursery stock for installation, and will provide an established or finished look to the planting schemes of the landscape design.

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The truth is however that carefully planned landscaping can increase the value of your home. An attractive yard will portray the image of a well kept and looked after home.

Attractive landscaping need not be expensive. A modest well planned landscape can be just as powerful (and sometimes more powerful) than a pricey but undisciplined landscape design.

Well planned placement of trees and shrubs can actually save you money in utility costs. Trees placed in appropriate positions can provide tons of cooling during the hot summers that you will not have to pay for. And if these trees are deciduous they will allow the warming rays of the winter sun to help warm your home.

Tree placement can save you money now and when you sell your home they can increase your home’s value. Landscaping – if well designed – is definitely an asset.

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