Traveling Life

Winter has always carried a special kind of magic for me. When I look back at my childhood, I don’t remember just cold days and snow—I remember a world that felt endless, bright, and alive. Everything seemed bigger then. The snow was deeper, the nights were quieter, and even the simplest moments felt full of meaning. My parents didn’t have much money, but they knew how to turn ordinary days into unforgettable memories. One winter stands clearly in my mind. There was a lot of snow that year, the kind that covers everything and makes the world silent. I wanted a Christmas tree like everyone else, but my parents didn’t have the time or money to buy one. Instead of disappointment, my father offered me something better—an adventure. He took me with him to a friend who had a big pine tree in his garden. I was a very active child, always climbing and running, so when he told me we would climb the tree together to choose the best branch, I felt pure excitement. We climbed into the cold air, ou...

I planted my fig tree fifteen years ago, with a mix of curiosity and quiet courage. In Moldova, figs are still considered an exotic fruit, something you expect to see in warmer, southern lands, not in a countryside garden shaped by cold winters and strong winds. Yet I believed in it, and more than that, I wanted to learn from it. At the beginning, my fig was small and fragile, almost losing it after first winter. Every winter felt like a test. I protected it with care, covered it with my blaket in cold nights with -12C, and learned its rhythm year by year. It taught me patience. Some seasons it suffered, some branches froze, but every spring it returned with fresh green leaves, as if reminding me that life always finds a way when it is respected. Now, after fifteen years, my fig tree is strong and generous, this summer of 2025 I succeded to harvest 55kg of fresh figs. Its large leaves create a deep shade in the EcoCostel garden and its fruits ripen slowly, filled with sweetness and...

Winter is often seen as a quiet season in the garden, but for me it is anything but empty. I have been a professional gardener for over 20 years, and I’ve learned that winter is not a pause—it’s a different rhythm, one that feeds the seasons to come. When the soil rests under frost and snow, my hands are still busy. Winter is the time when I organize, reflect, and prepare. I clean and repair tools, plan new garden layouts, and review what worked and what didn’t in the past year. This is also the season when I sell seeds, sharing future harvests with people who, like me, believe in real food and healthy soil. Every packet of seeds feels like a promise waiting for spring. My winter days have their own simple joys. I watch documentaries and movies almost every day, often with a bowl of popcorn in my hands. These moments of rest are not wasted time—they inspire me. I read books about nature, ecology, and sustainable living, and I spend hours on YouTube searching for new ideas on regenerati...

Anyone with a garden can transform it into a peaceful oasis, I truly believe and know this, because I have witnessed it over and over again in last 15 years of my experience working and living this way. For many people, a garden is still associated with stress and hard work, as society largely views a wild garden—without strict order and structure—as something negative. I often meet people who feel pressured by their garden, believing it must be controlled, trimmed, and constantly maintained. Yet a wild garden, with its many different plants, trees, and habitats for animals, makes the garden vibrant and greener. These spaces are full of life. They awaken a deep, primal sense of trust in nature and freedom within us, grounding us and making us feel safe and at home. In contrast, orderly, straight, and rigidly designed gardens automatically trigger stress responses. They demand perfection and endless effort, keeping us busy instead of allowing us to rest and connect. This is why I offer ...

Late summer and early autumn are the most generous months in the EcoCostel garden. The land comes alive with color, flavor, and the abundance of fruits and nuts that ripen one after another. This natural cycle not only fills the table with seasonal delights but also provides a precious store of vitamins and energy for the colder months ahead. A Symphony of Fruits and Nuts In August and September, the garden transforms into a living pantry. Figs soften in the sun, apples grow sweet and crisp, grapes swell with juice, and red bright dogwood  berries  and  brown  bright  jujube berries add their tangy touch. At the same time, hazelnuts and Greek walnuts fall into baskets, bringing their earthy richness. Each harvest follows its own rhythm, ensuring that something fresh is always ready to enjoy. Preserving Nature’s Wealth The beauty of this season is not only in the fresh taste but also in the possibility of preservation. Dehydrated fruits and carefully stored nuts ...

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...

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...