Early Morning Permaculture Tour of Zaytuna Farm

After a struggle to get back home to Australia and two weeks in quarantine before reaching Zaytuna, Geoff enjoys an early morning, and he takes us on a walk to some special spots around the property. Possum (the dog) waits on the speed bump that sends water to Paradise Dam, and just as we set off, Latifa (Geoff’s young daughter) sneaks up on her way to milk the cows.
Our first stop is a new house site. Of late, Geoff has been doing lots of permaculture designs for house sites, townhouses, subdivisions, and real estate. This Zaytuna site has dams above and below it, three swales moving off of it, and Zone 1 garden spots right at the ready.
Below the house site, in the bottom pasture, Zaytuna’s three horses-Max (miniature), Jax (thoroughbred), and Shadia (part Arabian). A riding arena just off this pasture is where Geoff and Latifa ride together, building up their skills. A hill to east gets backlit as the sun comes up.
Moving along, the main crop beds are heaving with produce, some reaching its end and some just going in for the winter. There is pumpkin, corn, capsicum, potatoes, sweet potato (grows year-round), tomatoes, and cassava.
At the dairy, early morning activity is underway: Daisy gets breakfast while she is being milked. Here, calves get milk all day but are separated at night in order for people to get milk. The process also provides nighttime manure for composting. Next to the dairy is a long thin paddock where the dairy cows graze for about 30 minutes to “bag up” after morning milking before the calves are allowed to join them for breakfast.
Lastly, we visit Geoff’s favorite tree on the farm, an “island of life” he camped under when he first arrived. It’s a Ficus macrophylla, the “figs” of which aren’t suitable for people but beloved by animals. Geoff used to use the buttresses of the tree as a cupboard. Now, just below it, Fig Tree dam is only a few months old. It’s one of the lowest on the farm and will be used for wildlife, fish, and swimming.
Great to be home.
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About Geoff:
Geoff is a world-renowned permaculture consultant, designer, and teacher. He has established permaculture demonstration sites that function as education centers in all the world’s extreme climates - information on the success of these systems is networked through the Permaculture Research Institute and the www.permaculturenews.org website.
About Permaculture:
Permaculture integrates land, resources, people and the environment through mutually beneficial synergies - imitating the no waste, closed-loop systems seen in diverse natural systems. Permaculture applies holistic solutions that are applicable in rural and urban contexts and at any scale. It is a multidisciplinary toolbox including agriculture, water harvesting and hydrology, energy, natural building, forestry, waste management, animal systems, aquaculture, appropriate technology, economics, and community development.
#permaculture #permaculturedesign #permaculturetour

[@PaleGhost69]

I hope that one day we'll have homes and communities based on permaculture. I can't wait for it.

[@tesspaysattention]

We have to make it happen ourselves.

[@fainitesbarley2245]

Probably too many people. We have to feed the cities. A lot of the principles can be used in larger scale farming too. This place is stunning though.

[@harrishartman2]

Humanity will be strong when permaculture is going to be mainstream. Sharing is caring.

[@PaleGhost69]

@@fainitesbarley2245 You do realize that a small 1/2 acre food forest can produce over 80% of a family's food needs, right? Empty lots can feed neighborhoods. Not to mention that the transportation of our food is killing our environment and is a huge inefficient waste of money. I don't even have land to work and I'm providing my family with over half of our food with 15 minutes of work a day. People would rather waste their time watching a propaganda box than providing their own food.

[@git_t0v]

This is really achievable and I believe should start in suburbia!

[@jimcaaledualeh3104]

I just started the first permaculture farm in somaliland Africa. We have clay soil so we are starting with cover crops., And planning the water works based on the contours of our farm.

[@frenchcookerysnob8251]

Do you plan on doing videos ? I am very interesting in implementing regenerative agriculture solutions to the horn of africa

[@zerrinekinci9219]

Hi Jimcaale.I would love to see your progress on African soil. If you make videos I would love to see permaculture in Africa.

[@RichardFalkner]

Best of luck to you! May it become a beacon of success!

[@edmund6392]

Would love to see it as well. Planning on returning home to Africa and doing the same. Had enough in the usa.

[@SimpleEarthSelfReliance]

I'm down here in south Africa. Also a lot of clay and having some luck with cover crops and other means. Good luck and keep it going!

[@git_t0v]

Not even a minute in and you can see how much zaytuna means to him and how much he is really glad to be home.

[@marihan9259]

Yes geoff lawton is amazing

[@audreycermak]

Latifa is amazing! She makes milking a cow look so easy! And what lovely horses. 💖

[@SmallSeeds]

Yes!! We love the Zaytuna Farm Tour videos! Thanks for sharing, Geoff. People like you and the whole Permaculture movement give us hope for humanity.

[@jenniferspring8741]

Geoff looks SO happy🙂 very enjoyable video. Thanks so much for the early morning walk.

[@cholcombe973]

Seeing your farm really makes me happy and positive about the world!

[@iteerrex8166]

When you go visit your favorite spots, that means you had missed it a lot. Thanks for taking us along. Welcome home Mr Lawton and family.

[@ToonLeighporpeangfarmThailand]

Probably my favourite of all your many great videos to date. Thank you for your continued inspiration, you've changed our outlook on homesteading/ farmsteading. Kind regards Leigh & Toon 💖

[@drpk6514]

Interesting to see you here. I watch your videos a lot. Show us more of your goats ;)

[@yLeprechaun]

My God! No wonder it's your favorite. That is a gorgeous tree.

[@3Sphere]

I am building up a lot of context watching your videos and wrapping my mind around this Permaculture thing. Very exciting and I'm also very happy to see you so happy to be home Geoff, two years ago though it was now. But I'm catching up! You convey information so clearly and without BS and I'm very grateful for that!

[@cynthialouw2970]

And then the horses! Stunning!

[@jaymestevens9816]

This made my morning dealing with a bit of a shit storm and seeing you guys back home safe made me smile thank you.

[@NashvilleMonkey1000]

We're finding charcoal straw in our compost bin, it's amazing that the natural heat can be enough to make charcoal, without making fire. There were even a few nice sized pieces of plant roots that were charcoalized. The composting bin is always covered, and was left from last year, so it was an interesting surprise!~

[@dominicwalker9947]

Thank you for all you do. We must change our relationship with the land we dwell on.

[@zachlevacque8094]

You can tell by the tone in your voice how happy you are to be home!

[@cancio157]

Been a fan of yours since 2008 “greening the desert tours”. I always go back to your videos.

[@jamaicantillidie6626]

This was a pleasure to watch... THANK YOU!

[@ayla1316]

So glad you're all home safe. Lots of ❤ from California.

[@etiennelaliberte8413]

Hi Geoff, you looked so happy, it makes me happy for you as I am stuck in Mexico for another few weeks, flight canceled. I get your '' It feels good to be back home message''. I dream of building a team of action based educators like you do, thank you for expanding Bill Mollison's work!

[@sweetdweams]

Welcome Home sir. Your farm is just beautiful and a true haven in these times.

[@yLeprechaun]

Geoff has the greatest job in the World. What a beautiful home/farm.

[@happyhomesteaders3282]

Thank You Geoff, I appreciate your video. :)

[@adnanalhasan3746]

You're always inspiring me Geoff,, thank you

[@saucywench9122]

So glad you're home. You can always tell how much you missed it when you go walk around to your favorite spots.

[@briannacooper2628]

Maximus Horseus LOL best name for a little pony I have ever heard

[@AbundanceIowa]

Your intro background is so beautiful it almost looks like a green screen x)

[@Mindy56743]

You live in paradise. What a wonderful place to raise a family.

[@steeveedeee]

You’re living in a paradise. Very lovely

[@princessperibanu380]

Latifah's so chill and nonchalant and looks so capable. I bet it's been a wonderful life for her growing up in all that beautiful nature and playing with her horseys... :))

[@johnmulvihill2379]

She is a ten year old killer ready to go kill some ducks that is not notmal

[@MrMadalien]

@@johnmulvihill2379Me and my friends as a kid in countryside were constantly harassing and killing nature, it's just human nature... My young puppy dog right now is constantly destroying plants, killing bugs and anything that moves... At least this child is putting that intention to good use by killing something that can be eaten.

[@pusanghalaw]

Latifa's been a permaculturist since birth and she IS the future. Bill Mollison, Geoff Lawton, Latifa... YES!

[@PkSage89]

Incredibly lucky girl, shes getting what most children are missing.

[@B30pt87]

Thank you for sharing. It's beautiful!

[@marihan9259]

Oh hey Geoff We would love to see a video with your grandchildren that would be great

[@Malachowski96]

Glad you’re back home safe! Thanks for posting!

[@Mineiro96]

Happy to see you there again!!

[@AbsoluteHaven]

I'm surprised at how big Latifa is now. I remember when she was in a papoose carrier while you walked around the farm. Thanks for the morning show, Geoff, and be safe and healthy.

[@drpk6514]

Exactly my thought.

[@lewissmart7915]

Thanks Geoff, love seeing this stuff.

[@mortonvrose]

This was simply awesome. A dream.

[@tantrictami]

I love an early morning walk around thanks for taking us along.

[@farisasmith7109]

What a gorgeous tree. I love to see old trees like that. They have so much character.

[@felipevilches7128]

Beautiful place! Thank you Geoff.

[@everettmcdonald2088]

I thoroughly enjoyed this. I love early morning in the garden around the yard or at the park. Quiet time is important.

[@mmaximmo]

What a beautiful and inspiring visit, thank you Mr. Lawton!

[@chantaltulliez8066]

Thanks Geoff your farm looks so lovely a little paradise. Thank you for sharing...

[@BarbaraC02]

Thanks Geoff... really enjoyed the walk about. Lovely farm, so lush. Glad you're home safe and sound.

[@amosduggan]

Awesome. Great to see a morning stroll around the property! 👍🤠

[@seanburger1449]

Thanks Geoff, always a pleasure to see whats going on at the farm.

[@heinrichlorenzen3331]

Thank you Geoff, with love from Greece. Enjoyed the wallk as I have been there and seen your farm - thanks again.

[@SimpleEarthSelfReliance]

Thanks Geoff, always loves these. The inspiration is insane. I watch one video at a time, because I run outside to go work on my ground everytime I watch your stuff. One day I will be able to watch two in a row. I got LIKE number 737 - cheers to flying home!

[@andrewthorne6653]

Good to see your family back home, safe & happy

[@SugarCreekOffGrid]

Glad you made it home safe. Your happiness obvious in this video of your gorgeous farm!

[@EatAndBeEatenHAWAII]

Thanks for the tour.

[@TheGreenPond-nature]

Allahumabarik lovely. Glad you are home. JazakAllhukhairn for all your videos and info. I don't live on a farm, but am trying to sort my garden out. Am hoping to start minipermaculture /food scaping the front garden to encourage anyone who passes by too. InshaAllaah

[@thelandofmint]

Bless you Geoff and your family. (From a Suffi living a simple green life)

[@Grown-in-Tyrone]

So glad you got home at last!

[@peggyhelblingsgardenwhatyo7920]

Thank you Geoff, for sharing your heart ❤and home with us. Your daughter is adorable. She's going to be a leader someday 👍

[@TerraFyah]

Love seeing around your farm... thank you ❤

[@dariodrz]

I can really tell how happy you are to be back😉

[@kellyrad339]

What a beautiful first vlog back in Australia. The horses are gorgeous. The land looks stunning. Gardens awesome. 😍🌻🐝. Thanks for the Mini tour. Please make more in Australia xxxx

[@dylnthmsn420]

Glad to see you made it home Geoff!

[@teebarbarino]

Glad you're home safe and healthy.

[@anjalir75]

Thank you for making this video. It’s great.

[@JamezAdam]

This video was great to see new aspects of the farm! Looking forward to coming up to do the Permaculture cert!

[@bonniepoole1095]

Beautiful! Thank you!

[@JohnMarsing]

Glad to see you got home

[@49testsamiam49]

glad your back I like your potato planting thanks

[@601salsa]

Question..... have any of your neighbours ever applied permaculture to their lans as well after seeing the improvements to the farm?

[@andreywagner5046]

What a joy to watch, thank you.

[@mahmoudasran4177]

Hello Geof Let me tell you something you are so amazing in your given Never seen anyone so generous in giving I’m so happy to find you Thank you so much for the hard work And I started doing your way in Syria, Senegal and Flordia One day when you are not so busy I would love to talk to you

[@thenextpoetician6328]

Good to see you back home.

[@reneedla]

Thank you! So beautiful.

[@ny_depickers758]

Welcome back home. I ‘m sure you’re missed no only by family members but also by your beautiful animals. Thank you for the morning tour.

[@Goggelgoogler]

Wow, that’s were I want to live…. paradise☀️❤️

[@emilmoldovan1789]

Just lovely 😊! That’s the future!

[@NashvilleMonkey1000]

Good to see you back in your natural habitat! could hear it in your voice and see it in the dog's posture.

[@christopheplessis6466]

Geoff is back in the farm. Formidable.

[@drakekay6577]

WOW those bamboo clumps where beautiful! :D

[@nationofibrahim1302]

BismillahirRahmanirRahim Yaa Allah, with Barakah of the chosen one, makes sahara desert become green with food forest

[@kipperkopper6439]

i just straight up love you guys

[@ingeleonora-denouden6222]

It looks beautiful!

[@lizzieatherfold2293]

Glad you are home it's so beautiful there 😊 I am taking a permaculture course with shift Bristol I am in South Wales UK

[@teresasoler9539]

A huge thanks from Sweden! It’s nine o’clock here in Stockholm and I am going to gather some reed from the shore by the Lake Mälaren and bring it to my allotment. On the way there I will ask the local food store for cardboard paper. And finally I collect some gravel in a bucket. Sometimes I wish I had an allotment in a slope. I could then mimic Zaytuna farm 😊 in the way it’s formed with trenches, swales and ponds. But hey, I feel so lucky to have an allotment although it is totally flat and the soil consists of heavy clay. And lucky to have found such interesting stuff on your channel! I wish the whole world, and especially the governments and companies could apply permaculture on everything they do. If you can turn a desert into an oasis...

[@tanyareynolds1960]

Fabulous!

[@601salsa]

Congrats for making it home.

[@cetteenriquez5169]

I have 13 hec property in the Philippines hope I could make a wonderful permaculture like what you do

[@HFTLMate]

Awesome work!

[@pinkelephants1421]

And Jax isn't shy about letting you know that he's not impressed. "You went off and left me Dad. Where were you for so long." Horses have that subtle way of letting you know what they think, yet leaves you in no doubt as to what that is.

[@organicisland8552]

Superb video dear.

[@elenarf879]

Magic hours ✨🙏✨

[@needsomehike]

5:30 in the morning i am watching your video. :)

[@matthewcooper8170]

love horse good to have back at farm Lyn

[@joyridesham]

In these lockdowns I am going crazy in the city of London and wish to be near nature. You are lucky u live in such a beautiful place

[@drakekay6577]

I am so happy that we have not lost you to coronavirus. Your knowledge is so important right now. YOU have the tools to repair the world... :D

[@permacultisdruid3867]

Happy days🙂

[@SHANONisRegenerate]

I wish I could bring you with me to see a property Tomorrow Geoff! I've put in an offer and I think it has some amazing elements that make it a great property. Skin in the game!

[@gwynnethvanjaarsveld7030]

Please make some more videos from Zaytuna farm 💚

[@sohaibjavaid8403]

U r really nice person . Love to see your videos soon inshallah i will start permaculture and Appreciated your hard work . Love from Pakistan currently work and live in United Arab Emirates ❤️

[@goodlifehomestead6876]

I’d love to visit some day.

[@zerrinekinci9219]

I pray all the children of the world live a peaceful and skillful life as their friend Latifah. She gives me hope for future..💝💝

[@nananampandu623]

Well done for the great job. Planning on a permacultural demonstration farm deep in Uganda, East Africa. Lots of work and patience required as I will be doing it remotely for the bigger part of the year

[@Christodophilus]

I think that particular time of the day, is called, Magic Hour. :)