Workshop : Irrigation & Water Saving / Harvesting in Mediterranean Climates
Next dates: Sunday, October 5th 2025
Miguel COTTON — Orchard of Flavours' founder — assembling irrigation system
Our Junior Garden Steward, Milan NEPALI, working on a new infiltration trench, for passive water harvesting
Miguel COTTON and Milan NEPALI reviewing the different parts that make up the irrigation systems in the botanical garden
The Food Tree Academy tent, under one of our old Carob trees
Workshop participant assembling an irrigation system
Deep irrigation pegs providing well spread-out watering to a food tree
Dror AVITAL explaining the inner workings of "the Brain", from where we manage all irrigation at the Orchard of Flavours
A half-moon shaped planting bed, allowing for infiltration of water in this gently sloped landscape
Workshop participants following a class with the help of our provided manuals
Miguel COTTON holding an irrigation system dripper
Guided tour of the Orchard with the founder, Miguel COTTON
Infiltration trench in the Coco Zone of the Orchard of Flavours
Another half-moon bed at the Orchard
Miguel COTTON addressing the class in the Food Tree Academy tent
Preparing the area to install the flexible water tank (for emergencies)
Laying down the flexible water tank on the Orchard's highest spot
Flexible water tank, installed and full
Miguel COTTON leading a guided tour of the Orchard during a Workshop
The founder explaining a few concepts during a tour of the botanical garden
Group photo with one of our classes
A few fruits from the Orchard
Miguel COTTON leading a tour of the Orchard during a workshop
Shared lunch is served! A great opportunity for relaxing a bit and hanging out with like-minded folks
Sprinkler watering lush green plants and trees under a blue sky with clouds.
đź“ť Apply for this workshop
Our latest workshop at Orchard of Flavours is designed to equip you with the knowledge and skills to optimize water use in your garden.Whether you're creating a thriving food forest, maintaining a productive orchard, or simply want to learn sustainable watering practices, this workshop will teach you everything from the basics of plant physiology to advanced irrigation techniques.
Dive deep into passive water harvesting, learn how to design and install fertigation systems, and discover how to tailor water quantities for different trees. Join us to ensure your garden stays lush and productive, even in the driest of seasons!
Facilitators:
Âş Miguel COTTON, founder of the Orchard of Flavours (Pomar dos Sabores) Botanical Garden
Âş Dror AVITAL, plant biologist & Orchard of Flavours scientific advisor
Location:
Âş Orchard of Flavours Botanical Garden, in Tavira, Portugal
Âş Google Maps: https://goo.gl/maps/4Qeg8gR1EeUr4pvL8
Time:
9:30 AM —> 4:30 PM
Number of participants:
Âş For quality reasons, limited openings: maximum 18 people per workshop
Language:
Âş English (and possible translation to French)
Price:
Âş 110 EUR contribution per person for the workshop preparation and facilitation
Âş Any extra donation will be used in the development of the Botanical Garden
º If you’re not satisfied, you’ll receive a full refund
Payment conditions:
Âş 50% when booking (non-refundable)
Âş 50% at the Orchard
If you are an Orchard of Flavours member, please use this code to access the discounted price for this workshop: FRUITLOVER20
If you aren't a member yet, learn all about our Membership Program, and join us!
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Introduction
Basics of Plant Physiology
Passive Water Harvesting Techniques
Water Sources
Water Quality and Management
Irrigation Techniques
Types of Drippers
Irrigation Installation Methods
Fertigation System Design and Installation
Water Quantities for Different Trees
.
—> Complete Table of Contents for this Workshop (PDF Download)
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Bring:
a notebook and a pen
sunblock and a hat
comfortable clothes for working in the garden
water bottle
some food for a shared picnic
In case of rain:
we will go ahead with everything as planned
we have a backup plan to do the workshop in a very nice sheltered area.
The orchard has got ample parking spaces and two dry toilets.
If you have any questions, please feel free to write us an email! miguel@orchardofflavours.com
đź“ť Limited openings
Miguel COTTON, Orchard of Flavours’ founder and workshop instructor
Dror AVITAL, Orchard of Flavours’ scientific advisor and workshop instructor
Some of the highlights of our “Food Forest & Island of Fertility” workshop, at Orchard of Flavours Botanical Garden, in Tavira. Notice the different subject, but know we put all our effort into every workshop.
đź“ť Apply for this workshop
A few comments from previous workshop participants:
“It was very interesting to get to know the "Orchard of Flavours" project, both the theoretical aspects and the practical! It is an especially interesting initiative to the region of Algarve (even if limited to areas where irrigation water is provided to farmers). The workshop gave me a good vision.” — Guida, Portugal
“I want to thank the whole team, and mention that it is rare to find a place like this, where scientific knowledge is offered for a symbolic value, and where the interest behind it is not monetary but environmental education. Wonderful!” — Eliseu, Portugal (Terra da Alma)
“Thank you so much for the course! I have greatly enjoyed it, it was very interesting, useful, hands-on. Most of my questions were answered in details. The structure of the course was very organized, easy to follow, duration of the course was ideal. I would absolutely recommend this course.” — Tatiana, Russia
“Many thanks again for a very informative and inspiring workshop. I thought your delivery of information - both on paper and in person - was both very professional and comprehensive. On a personal level, I appreciated the generosity, openness and kindness that you both brought to the workshop generally, and to us as individual novice gardeners.” — Bryony, UK
Curious about our other Food Tree Workshops?
Discover what else we are teaching at the “Orchard of Flavours Academy”
Master eco-friendly pest control techniques, like using natural predators. Gain the practical skills to protect and care for your garden, orchard or Food Forest!
The founder of the Orchard of Flavours edible botanical garden as well as two propagation specialists will tell you all their secrets about plant propagation.
The Cocoon Food Forest is a powerful solution to help your food trees thrive! Transform your garden with our proven technique!
If you have any questions, please feel free to write us an email! miguel@orchardofflavours.com