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Are you looking to transform your balcony into a vibrant, self-sustaining oasis? If you've ever felt that creating a lush garden is only possible with vast amounts of land, think again! At Sleepy Mesquite, we believe that even small spaces like balconies, patios, or window sills can flourish with the right techniques. That’s why we’re excited to announce the launch of our Basic 5-Day Balcony Permaculture Course, available as a downloadable PDF for just $5. Whether you’re a se

Sleepy Mesquite as it looks on March 2025 As I sit here in my Subaru, parked at Wiley Well's Campground, I can’t help but reflect on this month’s journey to Sleepy Mesquite. March has always been a month of transition, marking the shift from winter's cold grip to spring's warm embrace. This month brought its own set of challenges and rewards, and I’m eager to share my experiences, thoughts, and the strides we’ve made. Rain in the Forecast The weather had been teasing me with

This month’s visit to Sleepy Mesquite was marked by companionship, steady progress, and the quiet persistence of winter in the desert. For the third time, Mark joined me out on the land, and his help was much appreciated. There’s something about working alongside another person that changes the rhythm of the day—tasks seem lighter, the hours pass more quickly, and the land itself feels a little less lonely. Mark had his own motives for making the trip, of course. He was eager

As I pulled up to the familiar stretch of desert that is Sleepy Mesquite, the landscape greeted me with its usual quiet resilience. The air was cool, the sky a pale blue, and the land seemed to be holding its breath—waiting, as I was, for the next chapter in its slow transformation. It’s been weeks since my last visit, and in that time, not a single drop of rain has fallen. The ground is dry, the plants stoic, and the changes are subtle, almost imperceptible. Yet, every trip

Returning to Sleepy Mesquite After a Year+ After more than a year away, my return to Sleepy Mesquite was filled with a mix of excitement and apprehension. The memories of my last visit lingered in my mind, especially in the wake of Tropical Storm Hilary, which had left its mark on the landscape and community. Apprehensions and Preparations As I planned my trip, I couldn’t shake the feeling of uncertainty. The aftermath of a significant weather event can be unpredictable, an

On August 2023 An other set back. This time mother nature caused me a lot of problems going forward. Tropical Storm Hilary hit the desert petty hard. In the fall of 2023 I was hoping to head out to the desert again mom's situation had improved a great deal and some time was getting freed out on the schedule. but than Hilary came and put a stop to it. Hilary before hitting California was a category 1 hurricane when it made land fall in Northern Baja California. The last time t

Permaculture is not just about gardening; it is a profound philosophy and a ethical and practical design system for sustainable, permanent and resilient culture. It's not limited to agricultural practices, but includes family, community, finances and our relationship with God and all that is around you. This post explores the core principles of permaculture, its real-world applications, and its benefits for individuals and communities. What is Permaculture? Permaculture is a

Shortly after the November trip, a series of unfortunate events took place that brought an end to my permaculture journey, for a while....

Returned to Sleepy Mesquite to make additional observations, repair damaged earthwork, and enjoy some camping with my friend Mark. Repair of earthwork The main focus of this trip was to make repairs on the earthwork that was damaged during this past summer's monsoon season. The least expensive way was to collect rocks in the desert and place them around the ends of the berm. So as I drove in, I stopped and collected as many rocks as I could hold in my vehicle safely, then pro

Designing The Site The first step was designing the site. I did that as my final design exercise. The final phase of my permaculture education was the FDE; I had to create a design for a piece of land. I had two choices: 1. Pick from a list of properties that the course provides, with all the research on the property already done for me. 2. Choose my own site to design and do all the research on it myself. I chose the latter. I wanted to get as much experience under my belt a

Sit a spell and let me tell you about how Sleepy mesquite came about. Yes, that's me, the founder and owner of Sleep Mesquite Permaculture, as I appeared in 2004, just 3 years after purchasing the 20-acre parcel seen in this picture. My camera was of poor quality at the time. If you're wondering what I'm doing, this is my second visit to the property. I am just sitting there thinking to myself, "I have land, now what?" I have been asking that question for 20 years. And durin