The Garden Estate

Our project is a social sustainable agriculture farming project in Sri Lanka.

In 2011, we bought an 8-hectare piece of land in the Northwest of the island, in 2013 we were able to buy an adjoining 6.5 hectare lot. At that time a brownfield site, we have planted hundreds of plants (especially fruit trees and coconut palms), created a large lake and built a house in the meantime. Besides some wild birds, cows and dogs have found a home here.

The project was initiated by Suresh and Anne. Suresh grew up in Sri Lanka, but is living in Europe since many years. But now the project is funded by Suresh and couple of his friends and managed my Nissanka. The island is our second home. So far the project has been financed from our salaries.

We have found people on site, who work with us to turn the project into a green oasis.

Besides that we are surrounded by friends and family around the world, who follow our vision, share the same values as well as support and encourage us with ideas, practical help and advice.

The name of the project shall be our program. Usually estates in Sri Lanka are planted very densely and in mono-culture (e g only with coconut trees). We are working to create a large and diverse garden. Therefore, we have planted the big trees in further distances than usual, so in between remains space and light for mid and finally ground-level plants. For us a special source of inspiration for the design and management of the project are also the ideas of permaculture.

The project gives people work and feeds them. The land shall be used, but in a natural circle as possible. We need to give back, what we remove from the soil in form of harvested plants and fruits. We "feed" the soil with mulch, compost and In very rare occasions, we use selected fertilizers in very sustainable way to protect the harvest. We give the soil to drink, as we have created water reservoirs that keep it moist during the dry seasons. We revive the soil by letting live large and small animals in and on it. Since we do not use insecticides, we now observe a rich insect life, followed by numerous birds and some snakes.

Our project is adjacent to the largest national park in Sri Lanka – the Wilpattu Forest Reserve. Above all having a national park next door for us means tranquility and the view towards a huge forest.

My name is Suresh, I manage the farm with Predeep, Wasana and Aravinda. We have been given the opportunity to manage the farm and make a tranquil space for everyone living here including plants and the visitors, who visit and share their experience with us. We love looking after people, spending time with them and share my knowledge about the farm, animals and surrounding area. We would like to hang out with people, going for a walk after work to spot some while elephants and play some card games at home.