The changing seasons at Lake Atitlan arrive with a striking contrast. As the dry season draws to a close, dust swirls through the air, carried by strong winds sweeping across the lake’s surface. The valley shifts into a palette of burnt oranges, browns, and beiges—a canvas of parched earth longing for renewal. By late April, everything is thirsty: the tiniest microorganisms lying dormant in the soil, the trees standing brittle and bare, and migratory birds searching for lush valleys and dense forests.
For Silvere, this time of year is filled with a palpable sense of anticipation. While many seasonal visitors head north to escape the heavy rains, Silvere stands firmly rooted, eagerly embracing what is undoubtedly his favorite season: the season of abundance. Well before the first drops fall, he’s already plotting and scheming. Visits to local viveros(nurseries) become frequent as he carefully selects his diverse array of saplings—from dependable favorites to rare, exotic species ready to be trialed on our land.
A special ritual marks each day: a shared breakfast with our two-year-old son, Amael. They savor fresh fruit from the Sunday market, stripping each piece down to its core. Amael, with wide-eyed excitement, holds up each seed, shouting “¡Semilla!” as if he’s discovered a treasure. His joy in presenting these seeds to his papa is tangible—a symbol of potential and promise.
As we bid farewell to the rains once again, we take a moment to honor this past planting season—a season that thrived under Silvere’s proactive care. This year, he planted around 100 grafted trees, alongside countless seeds sown directly into the earth. When asked for an exact count of the seeds, Silvere simply shrugged with a grin, saying, “I have no idea.” Our guess? The seeds far outnumbered the grafted trees.
What We Planted
Silvere’s selection reflects a mix of food crops, support species, and unique finds. Each tree plays a role in our ecosystem, either nourishing the soil, feeding the community, or adding beauty to the landscape. Here’s a glimpse of this season’s diverse lineup:
- Tropical Fruits: Tamarillo, Remboutent, Nispero, Zopote, Maracuyá (passion fruit), Guanábana, Mangos, Lichis, Jaboticabas, Star Fruit, Jackfruit, Guava, Paposa (annona)
- Mediterranean Fruits: Peaches, Limón Mano de Buddha, Pomelos, Limes, Naranja, Mandarina, Limón Mandarina, Blueberry, Figues
- Tropical Tubers & Medicinals: Yuka, Malanga, Ginger, Turmeric
- Support & Companion Species: Pigeon Pea, Bobinsana, Plátano, Banana, Ice Cream Beans, Te Leaves Multicolor, Eucalyptus
- Nuts & Timber: Macadamia, Oak
- Unique Trees: Cacao, Bolivia Grande, Oak, Eucalyptus
Each sapling and seed has found its place within carefully pruned systems designed to enhance soil quality and promote continuous cycles of growth. Through regular pruning, the surrounding plant life enriches the soil, fueling photosynthesis and maximizing the potential of each tree.
At WuWei Village, we practice syntropic farming, cultivating rich, biodiverse beds layered with abundant mulch. Every “high-value” tree is supported by a variety of companion plants, which nourish and protect it, replicating the natural dynamics of a thriving rainforest.
Planting for the Future
When will we enjoy the fruits of Silvere’s labor? It depends. Some trees may bear fruit within months, while others will take years, even decades. Our vision extends beyond our lifetime; we plant not only for ourselves but for future generations. Each seed planted this season carries more than the promise of fruit—it holds the vision of a thriving, regenerative future.
As we nurture these young trees and steward the land, we are reminded that growth is a patient, collaborative process between nature and human care. With every passing season, we deepen our commitment to cultivating abundance not only for today but for generations yet to come. And so, we continue to plant, to prune, and to protect, trusting that the roots we lay now will support a flourishing forest long into the future.
