Our Story

Gardens of Discovery

The charity Charis is driving the project to create Gardens of Discovery, an Ecological Centre, on Pátmos.

It has since grown and developed with the strong support of the Orthodox Church.

It aims to offer, within a living example of sustainable land use and livelihood, an educational hub for people in search of deeper awareness of learning to live in the oneness of life, delivering learning programmes for both the local community and island visitors, programmes relating to sustainable living and our connection with the earth.

To date, a little over €1.5M has been raised.

Location

At the heart of the Project are two key parcels of land adjoining the island’s holiest sites, which the project has acquired and begun to develop.

The Ecology Centre sits on a site of 7,500 m2 on the southern boundary of Chorá.

The land for the Lower and Upper Gardens was purchased, architectural designs submitted, and permits obtained for construction and restoration of boundary walls. The work of construction is now 75% complete.

Gardens of Discovery on Pátmos Ecological Centre

Both the Ecology Centre and St John’s Farm are located close to the island’s venerable monasteries and churches.

Foundations in place!

The land for Saint John’s Farm and Garden has also been purchased and is being maintained. Major tree renovation has been completed : some trees have been grafted to improve their productivity.

Extensive studies have been undertaken to inform the development of the site, including topography, vegetation and wildlife, hydrological features, land character and land use history.

Soil samples have been analysed, a terrace repair programme outlined and work begun. A more detailed study has been undertaken to inform the detailed concept and work programme; and detailed budgets for site development and production. Initial training and educational programme have been drafted.

As they are being developed, both properties are being landscaped, irrigated and managed in a way which follows the best available practices in water management, biodiversity, dry gardening and sustainable architecture.

Limited planting has begun

BARTHOLOMEW archbishop of constantinople

Plant Trials, Lavender shown here, are under way to determine best dry garden cultivars, according to site and soil conditions, for future production.

Irrigation is in place for new planting.

Construction begins!

Excavations for our Ecology Learning Centre began in Autumn 2016, after waiting 9 years for our permit

Excavations for foundations begin, and stone for building works is delivered from the local quarry.

Traditional terrace wall under construction.

Laying earthquake proof foundations

Foundations of the Upper Eco-Lodges

The Lower Eco-Lodges – looking up to St John’s Monastery

The interior of the Conference / Meeting Room

A View from the Lower Eco-Lodges to Prophitas Elias

The walls of our ecolodges were completed September 2023

Our Story Gardens of Discovery on Pátmos Ecological Centre

Next steps

The first stage of our development plan is to complete the Ecology Centre. So our urgent priority is to finalise the remaining 25% of work relating to the construction, utilities, boundaries, landscaping and signposting of the Ecology Learning Centre, as outlined in our prospectus.

Once complete, the Centre will be able to start its work – and generate an income to develop Saint John’s Farm and Gardens.

This is projected to cost a little over €500K.