This is a horticultural project that strives for a sustainable vegan and drug-free lifestyle; raising herbs, vegetables, fruit and nut bearing trees, and cactus. We apply only organic methods and techniques. Our neighbors also have a laboratory for sustainable living and the native arts right next to us and we cooperate on some projects, so there are daily opportunities for connecting with them and their resources as well.

We are developing 11+ acres, where we are growing 10 different species of cactus. Our plans are to continue revegetating the land with cactus, as well as planting a variety of native, nut, fruit, and other desert adapted trees and shrubs.

There are also plenty of opportunities for contributing to an expanding organic garden project, which includes three greenhouses, an orchard, a variety of outdoor vegetable and herb gardens, as well as growing the moringa tree, also known as the miracle tree.

Southwest/ Sonora Desert

We are happy to teach what we know about gardening in the desert, while providing guidance and other resources on organic gardening and related topics. (books and literature and a computer available for further research on the web)

As we're located in the Sonoran desert, we structure our work schedules and methods around the heat. When it starts to get hot - late spring through summer and into the fall - we like to take advantage of the early morning and late afternoon/early evening for working, staying flexible so we work in harmony with the weather and temperatures. In the hottest hours we are dedicated to greenhouse or indoor work, or just taking that as personal time spent indoors. Needless to say, if you plan on spending time here in the summer, you might want to consider how adaptable you are working in 100+ degrees F. There are plenty of tricks for working through the heat: plenty of pure cold water, limeade (lime, salt, water), a brimmed hat, plenty of sunscreen, hosing yourself off regularly with the garden hose sprayer, and wearing appropriate clothing. The first week might be challenging, but then you learn to work with the heat as people have done here for hundreds of years.

English, Spanish

We offer comfortable accommodations for our work-exchangers (our neighbor’s fully furnished home which consists of 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, full kitchen, heating and cooling, washing machine, internet, and views of Baboquivari Peak and mountains in almost every direction including the Sierrita and Tucson Mountains.

We offer all the amenities above in exchange for 30 hours per week. We would ask that workers be willing to stay a minimum of 1 week, and if we both agree, as long as you are willing.

We love our gardens and are passionate about our work, continuing to be amazed at how fast the days fly by.
If you think we would be a good fit for what you are looking for, we look forward to hearing back from you!