We want to protect our stream banks and also capture nutrients that either pass through the soil or pass over the soil, due to run-off, before nutrients go into the stream. This stops eutrophication, the addition of nutrients to streams, rivers, waterways that can lead to an increase in algae forming. Whilst we do not use agro-chemicals, fertilizers or pesticides in the garden, we do add organic manures and compost to our coffee plants, which are on a slope.

In order to do this cuttings of Nacadero, Trichanthera gigantea, were brought to the garden and during agricultural classes and Bolivar Garden Weekends were placed in plastic bags with a good soil medium.  They were looked after and watered regularly.  When these cuttings had produced roots we  transplanted them to the river bank stream.

Another benefit of this is that they have provided a new habitat for other species and increased the biodiversity of the garden.

 

They are now growing very well and we are considering repeating the process for the rest of the river bank and the other side of the waterway.