Ouseko by Philippa Wood

Ouseko by Philippa Wood permaculture, sustainable garden design & organic food forests For orders, info or if you just want to say hello pls email [email protected]

29/05/2026

I've waited a year before planting anything at our house in Spain to observe the seasons, light & weather patterns. The winters can be very wet here & the summers are hot & dry. So now I start to plan drought resistant plants in pots with bougainvillea for colour & jasmine, lavender, rosemary & wild sage for their fragrance. All low maintenance, native Mediterranean plants that need less water & will thrive in the heat. I also love olive trees - small ones look lovely in pots 🌿🌸

Even though we live in the tropics we haven't seen rain since October & this is my garden now. πŸŒΏπŸŒΊπŸƒI start most of my ga...
22/04/2026

Even though we live in the tropics we haven't seen rain since October & this is my garden now. πŸŒΏπŸŒΊπŸƒ

I start most of my gardens from scratch, from soil that's degraded, compact & rock hard. Over time they grow into abundant food forests that keep thriving in the rain, heat, drought & boiling hot sun. We have a well in the garden & I water no more than twice a week, either early morning or late evening. Never in the middle of the day!

What's my secret?
The soil is now so rich in organic matter & nothing is left bare. Thick mulch of dried leaves, banana stems, wood chips & coconut husks cover every last inch of soil, so it stays moist underneath & no water evaporates. I lay compacted cow dung instead of grass which keeps the garden cool, settles the dust, keeps mosquitos away & provides a smooth surface so I can walk barefoot around the whole garden.

Permaculture isn't magic. It's just efficient design, working with nature rather than against it, saving energy & water 🌿πŸͺ·

Μ‡gn

"The real power of gardening: as a mode of expression that keeps on giving, as an act of collaboration that's endlessly ...
10/04/2026

"The real power of gardening: as a mode of expression that keeps on giving, as an act of collaboration that's endlessly surprising. The disappointments are legion, but that's why it's so enriching as a process. You're a participant, rather than a dictator or a king, surrounded by the buzz of fellow citizens of many different species. I don't know the antidote to war, but I can't help thinking the world would be far more peaceful if we could all grasp the pleasure of that." Olivia Laing, author of The Garden Against Time 🌿πŸͺ·πŸƒ

You don't need a large space to start your own kitchen garden. Just some basic raised beds, healthy fertile soil, bamboo...
03/04/2026

You don't need a large space to start your own kitchen garden. Just some basic raised beds, healthy fertile soil, bamboo & a watering can 🌱🌿

In small spaces companion planting is key. Pair veggies that complement each other, like:

- Tomatoes + Basil (repels pests, enhances flavor)
- Chillies, Coriander, Marigolds (mutual pest protection)
- Radish + Cucumbers (radish deters pests, cucumber shades soil)

Use vertical space with trellises for climbers like beans or peas. Intercrop fast-growing greens (lettuce, spinach) with slower-growing veggies (brinjal, broccoli). Keep soil fertile with compost and mulch. Maximize your space, and watch your mini jungle thrive! πŸŒ΄πŸƒ

04/03/2026

The Majestic Elephant Ear Fig Tree in India 🌳

The Elephant Ear Fig Tree (Ficus auriculata) is an extraordinary sight in India's tropical landscapes...

*Why we love it*
- *Gigantic leaves*: Huge, ear-shaped leaves that give it a tropical vibe πŸƒ
- *Supports biodiversity*: Provides food for birds, insects, and animals 🐝
- *Medicinal uses*: Used in traditional medicine for its healing properties πŸ’†β€β™€οΈ

*Where to spot it:*
- *Kerala & Karnataka backwaters*: Thrives in the lush greenery
- *Western Ghats*: Found in the tropical forests

Nature's giant! 🌿 Have you ever seen one of these beauties?

Recent Work 🌱We planted this tropical courtyard just four months ago to create a green sanctuary & corridor in the centr...
01/02/2026

Recent Work 🌱
We planted this tropical courtyard just four months ago to create a green sanctuary & corridor in the centre of the house, visible from every room & open to the sky πŸŒΏπŸŒΈπŸƒ

Μ‡gn

One of the best parts of a project is the follow up. Going back to the site 3-4 months later to check on the health of t...
29/01/2026

One of the best parts of a project is the follow up. Going back to the site 3-4 months later to check on the health of the soil & plants. This one was started in September & already the plants are thriving in soil that needed alot of help & nutrition. Scroll all the way along to see before, middle & after 🌿🌸🌱

13/01/2026

🌱 Growing banana trees in your garden can be a total game-changer! Not only do they add a tropical vibe, but they've got some amazing benefits too 🌿

*Benefits:*
- *Fresh fruit*: Homegrown bananas are the best! 🍌
- *Shade and privacy*: Large leaves provide natural shade and act as a screen
- *Air purification*: Like other plants, they absorb CO2 and release oxygen
- *Soil health*: Add organic matter when leaves & trunks decompose
- *Attracts wildlife*: Birds and insects love them!

In India, you can grow varieties like Dwarf Cavendish or Red Banana. Plus, they're pretty low-maintenance & grow really fast 🌟

Want tips on growing a banana circle?

Our first cold Christmas (outside India) in 15 yrs & our very first Christmas in our new home in southern Spain was ever...
11/01/2026

Our first cold Christmas (outside India) in 15 yrs & our very first Christmas in our new home in southern Spain was everything & more I could have wished for. Family, friends (old & new), mountains, ocean, pristine nature, clean air, bright blue skies, hikes, dinners, lunches, love, laughter, deep sleep. This is what I call luxury. Despite all the chaos around the world, I'm hopeful 2026 will be a big leap forward into the year of the horse 🐎 🌱🌿πŸͺ·

01/01/2026

Happy New Year! πŸŒ±πŸŒΈπŸ¦‹πŸžπŸŒΏ

Address

337/1 Bokeachi Aradi
Arpora
403510

Telephone

+919168799748

Website

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Ouseko by Philippa Wood posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Business

Send a message to Ouseko by Philippa Wood:

Shortcuts

Share