Frequently asked questions.

Orchard of Flavours is a living collection of subtropical and Mediterranean-climate food trees grown with education, conservation, and climate resilience in mind. Whether it’s their fruits, nuts, leaves, flowers, or bark, all plants found here provide some kind of edible product.  It is run as a not-for-profit entity and is accredited by Botanic Gardens Conservation International. It covers about 2 hectares and was started in 2019.

A Mediterranean climate is defined by hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters — perfect for growing drought-tolerant food trees like figs, olives, and pomegranates. It’s found in five main regions: the Mediterranean Basin, California (USA), central Chile, southwest Australia, and South Africa’s Western Cape.

Due to climate change, more areas — especially in central Europe, the Americas, and Asia — are developing Mediterranean-like conditions, making this climate increasingly relevant for future farming and food resilience.

We are based in southern Portugal’s Algarve region, near Tavira. Visits are by appointment, from Wednesday to Saturday, from 9.00 to 12.30 AM and from 2.00 to 4.30 PM, or during special open days. Check out our Visits page.

Unlike ornamental gardens, we focus on edible, drought-tolerant, and climate-adapted trees — from Avocado to Zanzibar apple  — and we share all our data open-source. The garden was started in 2019 and now has 500+ different food tree species and varieties and over 1000 planted trees. 

During your visit, you’ll have the opportunity to taste seasonal fruits, edible leaves, and flowers, all with the guidance of our staff. Please note: no self-picking is allowed unless a sign on the tree clearly indicates otherwise.

Yes! We offer private guided tours and self-guided tours, as well as consultations and workshops.

We welcome collaborators — from local volunteers to university interns and global partners. Find out how to get involved.

We occasionally share seeds, cuttings or seedlings. But this is not our core objective. You can find all our providers on the Subtropical Plant Nurseries page.

Our botanical garden is a non-profit association for the benefit of the community. You can donate, become a member or contribute in kind. Your contribution greatly helps develop the Garden and build an open source knowledge hub. Learn more.

We are firmly results-based, using the best available science and technology, and we never dismiss any technique that is effective and non-harmful.

While we are not affiliated with any specific movement, you’ll find real-life examples of many permaculture practices throughout the garden, along with numerous implementations inspired by syntropic farming. Read more.

This orchard was born from my love for a papaya named Juliette, quietly growing against a sun-warmed wall in Tavira. She was my favorite fruit — delicate, tropical, improbable — and yet, she thrived.

That single tree was a sign: if a papaya could grow here, then anything is possible.

Papayas are fragile — my horticultural holy grail. They need warmth, care, and protection. But when they flourish, they whisper something deeper: limits are often just ideas we’ve accepted.

From that fateful whisper, this orchard was born. We believe it’s time to face the reality of climate change, while continuing to try to slow it down — and start adapting, experimenting, and finding real solutions.