Kyle Smith's 5-Day Oasis Design: Water-Wise Dryland Gardening

A five-day intensive workshop titled "Oasis Design: A 5-Day Immersion in Water-Wise & Dryland Gardening" is scheduled to take place at A Quinta da Lage in São Luís, Portugal, from June 16th to June 20th, 2026. This course, led by Kyle BR Smith, focuses on practical, hands-on permaculture techniques specifically tailored for Mediterranean and dryland climates.

Unlike a traditional Permaculture Design Certificate (PDC) which emphasizes theoretical principles, this workshop is designed to provide participants with actionable skills and knowledge derived from seasonal observations and real-world application. The timing of the course in June is significant, as it coincides with the period when the challenges of the Mediterranean climate, particularly water scarcity, become most apparent, allowing for direct observation of plant needs and stress signals.

The curriculum is structured to equip attendees with the confidence to implement water-wise gardening strategies. Key learning objectives include understanding how to interpret plant stress signals caused by heat, enabling timely and appropriate interventions. Participants will also learn methods for "engineering coolth," which involves utilizing elements like shade, mulch, and strategic garden layouts to reduce ambient temperatures in planting areas by several degrees.

A core component of the immersion is designing for scarcity, focusing on prioritizing water usage to ensure the survival and productivity of the most valuable crops even when water resources are limited. Furthermore, the course will cover the creation of microclimates through the strategic use of windbreaks, aspect, and "sun traps," thereby expanding the range of plants that can be successfully cultivated in arid environments.

The workshop is classified under "Growing Food" and will be conducted face-to-face at the venue. The cost for participation varies based on accommodation preferences: 420€ for those bringing their own caravan or tent, and 480€ for dormitory accommodation. Private cottages, rooms, and bell tents are also available, with pricing and availability requiring direct inquiry. The course fee contributes to supporting both the facilitators and the ongoing regenerative projects at A Quinta.

The venue, A Quinta da Lage, is located at Herdade da Lage Castelão, 7630-436 São Luís, Portugal. Interested individuals can find more information and register through the provided Eventbrite link or the course website. The course runs from 11:00 on Tuesday, June 16, 2026, to 17:00 on Saturday, June 20, 2026. There are no apprentice teacher positions available for this specific course. The contact email for inquiries is events@aquinta.org.