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From Berry Bliss to Autumn Bounty: June & October at Ecocostel Garden & Guesthouse

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If you’re wondering when is the best time to experience the heart of nature, fresh flavors, and Moldovan hospitality at its peak, look no further than the months of June and October . These are the times when Ecocostel Garden and Guesthouse , nestled in the serene village of Roșu near Cahul, opens up its most abundant offerings of the year. Ecocostel is more than a guesthouse — it's a living ecosystem shaped by the principles of permaculture , where food grows in harmony with the land and seasons. And if you’re a fan of fresh fruits, rare herbs, natural juices, and a slow-paced, nourishing lifestyle, these two months bring out the very best of what this place has to offer. June: The Berry Awakening June marks the beginning of summer and the first great wave of harvest at Ecocostel. It's a month of color and flavor , dominated by an abundance of summer berries . Expect to find a wide array of strawberries, mulberries, currants, raspberries , and other unusual berries that are...

Sun, Soil, Nature, and Soulmates: Volunteering Life at EcoCostel in Moldova

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In a world that often feels rushed, noisy, and complicated, I chose a different path. I chose the countryside. I chose simplicity. I chose harmony. And through my small project, the EcoCostel Guesthouse in Moldova, I hope to share a glimpse of this dream with others. Volunteering at EcoCostel isn’t just about lending a hand — it’s about reconnecting with the earth, with each other, and with ourselves. Every morning starts with the soft hum of bees, the scent of fresh herbs in the air, and the warm sun rising over rolling fields. Days are filled with simple but rewarding activities: tending the gardens, helping with eco-friendly building projects, preparing fresh meals from the land, or just sitting under a tree, talking, sharing stories, and enjoying the moment. There’s something deeply relaxing about this life. No traffic jams. No endless to-do lists. No screens constantly buzzing for attention. Just real life — raw, beautiful, and incredibly rich. When you volunteer here, you becom...

How I Adopted Two Families of Bees — and How You Can Too

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If someone had told me a few years ago that I'd one day be a proud "parent" of two bee families, I might have laughed. I loved bees from a distance — admiring their golden fuzz, their dedication, their mysterious dances in the air — but I had never imagined inviting them to stay. Today, not only are two thriving colonies buzzing happily in my garden, but I've discovered an incredibly simple and natural way for anyone to welcome bees into their lives and help heal the planet. It all started with a handful of honey. Last spring, as May unfurled its green magic, I set out two empty beehives at the edge of my orchard. They were modest wooden boxes, nothing fancy, just well-built and clean — and inside, every two weeks, I placed a small spoonful of pure honey. I kept it simple, offering just enough to catch the interest of any wandering scout bees. It was an invitation, like leaving a light on in the window of a warm home on a chilly night. May turned to June, and the fl...

Bridging Worlds in Moldova: A Local's Perspective

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As a Moldovan resident, I frequently encounter travelers exploring Eastern Europe, many of whom develop a particular fascination with our country's unique charm. What begins as casual tourism often evolves into extended stays as visitors fall in love with our way of life. My journey as an informal cultural ambassador began organically. When travelers expressed interest in deeper immersion, I found myself naturally stepping into the role of local guide and facilitator. These connections have blossomed into meaningful friendships that enrich both our lives. One memorable experience involved a traveler who decided to establish semi-permanent roots in Moldova. His goals went beyond tourism—he wanted authentic cultural immersion through language acquisition, community integration, and meaningful local connections. When I mentioned a struggling family in need of support, he was immediately drawn to help. After learning about their situation with five children and no proper bathroom, he ...

The Ecocostel Garden: A Thriving Model of Sustainable Cultivation

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Nestled in a serene landscape, the Ecocostel Garden is a beacon of sustainable living, embodying the principles of permaculture, biodiversity, and regenerative agriculture. More than just a cultivated space, it represents a harmonious interaction between human ingenuity and nature’s wisdom. This article delves into the intricate details of the Ecocostel Garden , exploring its design, ecological benefits, and the guiding philosophy behind its development. The Vision and Philosophy At the heart of Ecocostel lies a vision of self-sufficiency and ecological stewardship. Rooted in permaculture principles, the garden seeks to create an ecosystem that not only provides sustenance but also regenerates the soil, conserves water, and fosters biodiversity. This approach moves beyond traditional gardening methods, integrating design strategies that mimic natural systems, ensuring resilience and productivity over the long term. The core philosophy revolves around three ethical pillars: Earth Car...

Eco Project Plan

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Embarking on a Sustainable Journey: My Vision for an Eco Project A few years ago, I embarked on an exciting journey towards sustainable living, experimenting and learning on a small scale. After years of dedication and hands-on experience, I believe it is time to take a significant step forward by launching a larger eco-project. I have managed to save 12% of the total budget needed to bring this vision to life. With a portion of these funds, I plan to purchase a larger piece of land in the village of Roșu, where I currently reside. My goal is to establish a thriving forest garden , a place where nature and sustainability coexist harmoniously. Through this initiative, I hope to connect with like-minded individuals and future friends who can support this project, both financially and through shared knowledge and skills. The Vision The heart of this project is the creation of a forest garden/ food forest . This endeavor will take years to develop, and every bit of support will be inval...

Wild Bees Experience

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How I Attracted Two Families of Wild Bees and Built a Thriving Apiary Few years ago, I set out on an exciting journey to invite not only travelers but also wild bees into my apiary, transforming my beehives into thriving homes for these essential pollinators. With minimal effort and deep respect for nature, I successfully welcomed two bee families into my apiary, contributing to the preservation of these vital pollinators. The Attraction Process So in month of April and May, I decided to experiment with a natural method to attract wild bees. I placed a small amount of honey inside my empty hives for a few weeks. After patiently waiting for about three weeks, the first bee family arrived and made one of the hives their new home. Encouraged by this success, I continued the process, and soon after, a second bee family arrived, filling another hive. Nurturing and Expanding the Colony Seeing the bees thrive brought me immense joy. Over time, they multiplied, and I was able to introduce a yo...

Cultivating Life: A Journey into Gardening

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Since the dawn of time, humans have felt an innate pull toward the land. Legend tells us that Adam was the first gardener, and from that moment forward, the desire to cultivate has lived within us all. At least once in life, everyone has imagined the satisfaction of growing food with their own hands. Yet, for many, gardening remains an elusive dream—either too complex, too time-consuming, or simply out of reach. This book is a guide for those who have never taken the leap into gardening, as well as for those who have tried and failed, believing the "green thumb" is something only others possess. Read Free Gardening Book Here The Lost Connection Modern life has distanced us from nature. The path to urbanization has led many to forget that our survival is intertwined with the earth’s rhythms. Yet, deep within, there remains a nostalgia for simpler times—a connection to the way our ancestors lived, growing their own food and depending on the land. Perhaps this is why so many o...

EcoCostel Garden: A Summer Haven of Sustainability and Relaxation in Moldova

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Nestled in the picturesque landscape of Roșu, Cahul, Moldova, EcoCostel Garden is an enchanting retreat that blends sustainability with relaxation. This permaculture haven, created by the dedicated Constantin Furtuna, offers a sanctuary for those seeking a peaceful getaway surrounded by nature. Whether you are a nature enthusiast, a permaculture practitioner, or simply someone looking to unwind in a serene environment, EcoCostel Garden provides the perfect summer escape. Read EcoCostel Garden Blog Here A Sustainable Paradise EcoCostel Garden is more than just a garden; it is a fully functional permaculture system that harmonizes with the natural environment. Over the past decade, Constantin Furtuna has meticulously designed the space to foster biodiversity, using ecological principles to create a self-sustaining ecosystem. The garden is home to a rich variety of trees, fruits, shrubs, flowers, vegetables, and herbs. From flourishing apple and cherry trees to aromatic lavender and rose...

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