Torch Ginger: A Living Beacon at the Edge of GreenDreamerFarm

At the edge of our permaculture farm, where the soil is nourished not by synthetic inputs but by the quiet wisdom of nature, the torch ginger (Etlingera elatior) stands tall—radiant, resilient, and deeply rooted in tradition. Grown without chemical fertilizers, this plant thrives on the simple practice of chop-and-drop mulching, embodying the regenerative spirit we live by.

A Visual Symphony in Red

The torch ginger’s bloom is nothing short of theatrical, clusters of vibrant red flowers burst forth from thick, fleshy stems, some in full bloom, others fading gracefully—reminding us of the plant’s natural cycle and the beauty in every stage, from the image zooms in on a single flower, its layered petals forming a rosette with intricate symmetry, flanked by buds waiting to unfurl. These flowers don’t just decorate—they captivate.

Cultivation: Let Nature Lead

Torch ginger is surprisingly low-maintenance when grown in harmony with nature:

• Location: Plant in partial shade or dappled sunlight—edges of food forests or garden borders are ideal.
• Soil: Prefers rich, well-draining soil, but adapts well when supported by organic matter from chop-and-drop mulching.
• Watering: Keep the soil moist, especially during dry spells, but avoid waterlogging.
• Propagation: Divide rhizomes during the rainy season and replant directly into the ground.

Once established, torch ginger becomes a self-sustaining part of the ecosystem, offering shade, biomass, and biodiversity.

Benefits Beyond Beauty

This plant is more than ornamental—it’s a powerhouse of utility:

• Culinary Uses: The flower buds are prized in Southeast Asian cuisine, adding citrusy zest to sambals, curries, and salads.
• Medicinal Value: Traditionally used to aid digestion, reduce inflammation, and support circulation.
• Pollinator Magnet: Its nectar-rich blooms attract bees, butterflies, and beneficial insects.
• Biomass Generator: Regular pruning provides mulch material, feeding the soil and suppressing weeds.

A Symbol of Regeneration

At GreenDreamerFarm, torch ginger isn’t just a plant—it’s a symbol. It represents our commitment to working with nature, not against it. It reminds us that beauty, utility, and sustainability can coexist when we trust the land and let it speak.

火炬姜：绿梦农场边缘的活灯塔

在我们永续农业农场的边缘，土壤的滋养并非来自人工合成，而是来自大自然静谧的智慧。火炬姜（学名：Etlingera elatior）巍然屹立，光芒四射，坚韧不拔，根植于传统。这种植物无需施用化肥，只需简单的碎土覆盖就能茁壮成长，体现了我们赖以生存的再生精神。

红色的视觉交响曲

火炬姜的花朵绽放得美轮美奂。图片中，一簇簇鲜红的花朵从粗壮多肉的茎秆中绽放，有的盛放，有的优雅地凋谢——提醒着我们这种植物的自然循环和每个阶段的美丽。图片放大了单朵花的轮廓，层叠的花瓣形成一个对称复杂的莲座状花序，两侧是静待绽放的花蕾。这些花不仅能装饰，还能让人着迷。

种植：顺应自然

火炬姜与自然和谐共生，维护成本极低：

• 种植地点：种植在半阴或阳光充足的地方——食物森林的边缘或花园边界是理想选择。

• 土壤：喜欢肥沃、排水良好的土壤，但如果有切碎覆盖的有机质支撑，也能很好地适应。

• 浇水：保持土壤湿润，尤其是在干旱时期，但要避免涝渍。

• 繁殖：在雨季分株根茎，然后直接移植到地里。

一旦扎根，火炬姜就会成为生态系统中一个自我维持的组成部分，提供遮荫、生物量和生物多样性。

超越美感的益处

这种植物不仅仅是观赏植物，更是实用价值的源泉：

• 烹饪用途：其花蕾在东南亚美食中备受推崇，可为参巴酱、咖喱和沙拉增添柑橘的芬芳。

• 药用价值：传统上用于帮助消化、消炎和促进血液循环。

• 传粉媒介磁铁：其富含花蜜的花朵吸引着蜜蜂、蝴蝶和有益昆虫。

• 生物质发电机：定期修剪可提供覆盖物，滋养土壤并抑制杂草。

再生的象征

在 GreenDreamerFarm，火炬姜不仅仅是一种植物，更是一种象征。它代表着我们致力于与自然合作，而非对抗自然。它提醒我们，当我们信任土地并让土地发声时，美丽、实用和可持续性是可以共存的。

The Journey of a Permaculture Pumpkin

 

Photo 1	Photo 2	Photo 3
Photo 4	Photo 5	Photo 6

In the heart of our permaculture farm, where life buzzes with a quiet, natural rhythm, a new story unfolds with every season. This year, it's the tale of a remarkable pumpkin, a journey from a delicate flower to a magnificent, ripe fruit.

Our story begins not with a pumpkin, but with a promise—a beautiful, bright yellow blossom. This is the male flower (photo 1), its petals unfurling to greet the morning sun. It stands tall and proud, a beacon of golden hope, filled with the precious pollen needed to bring a new life into the world.

Nearby, a different kind of beauty emerges. Tucked among the broad, dew-kissed leaves, a smaller, more humble blossom appears. This is the female flower (photo 2), a tiny sphere at its base, hinting at the fruit to come. It patiently waits for a visitor, a pollinator to carry the golden dust of the male flower and complete the cycle.

But then, there's a moment of pure magic. A tiny, buzzing friend—perhaps a bee, a hoverfly, or another helpful insect—answers the call. We can see the magic of pollination in progress (photo 3), as the pollinator lands on the female flower, carrying the life-giving pollen from its male counterpart. This single act is the turning point, the moment of creation.

Pollination is a delicate dance, and sometimes, things don't go as planned. In the hustle and bustle of the farm, sometimes the timing isn't right, or the pollinator misses its mark. We see this in the failed pollination (photo 4), where the potential pumpkin, still so small and green, withers away. It's a gentle reminder that not every attempt leads to success, but it's all part of the natural balance.

The success of this moment is soon visible. The petals of the female flower gently close and begin to fade, a sign that its job is done. The small sphere at its base starts to swell, no longer a mere promise but a definite reality. This is our successful pollination (photo 5), the beginning of the pumpkin's growth, a testament to the thriving ecosystem of our farm.

From that small beginning, a transformation takes place over weeks and months. Nourished by the rich soil and the abundant life of the permaculture system, the pumpkin grows, day by day, gaining size and substance. It outgrows its humble beginnings, its skin changing from solid green to a beautiful mosaic of creams and deep greens.

Finally, we have the magnificent mature pumpkin (photo 6). It rests on the ground from 90 to 120 days, a heavyweight champion of the garden. Its deep ridges and speckled skin tell the story of its journey—of the sun, the rain, the soil, and the vital work of the pollinators. It’s not just a pumpkin; it's a celebration of life, a symbol of the harmony and resilience that is at the core of our permaculture farm. It’s a joy to behold, a harvest of hard work and natural wonder, ready to become a delicious part of our lives.

永续栽培南瓜的旅程

在我们永续农业农场的中心地带，生命以静谧自然的韵律嗡嗡作响，每个季节都有新的故事展开。今年，这是一个非凡南瓜的故事，它从一朵娇嫩的花朵蜕变成一颗硕果累累、硕果累累的果实。

我们的故事并非始于南瓜，而是始于一个承诺——一朵美丽的亮黄色花朵。这是雄花（图1），花瓣舒展，迎接清晨的阳光。它高大而骄傲地挺立着，如同一座金色希望的灯塔，充满了孕育新生命所需的珍贵花粉。

在附近，一种别样的美正在显现。在沾满露水的宽阔叶片间，一朵更小巧、更谦逊的花朵绽放。这是雌花（图2），基部呈小球状，预示着即将结出的果实。它耐心地等待着一位访客，一位传粉者，将雄花的金色花粉带到这片土地上，完成整个循环。

授粉是一场精妙的舞蹈，有时，事情并不会按计划顺利进行。在农场的喧嚣中，有时时机不对，传粉昆虫也会错失良机。我们可以看到失败的授粉（照片3），原本可能结出果实的南瓜，依然那么小巧翠绿，最终枯萎凋零。这提醒我们，并非每一次尝试都能成功，但这都是自然平衡的一部分。

然而，一个纯粹神奇的时刻出现了。一个嗡嗡作响的小伙伴——也许是蜜蜂、食蚜蝇或其他有益的昆虫——回应了它的召唤。我们可以看到授粉的神奇过程（照片4），传粉昆虫落在雌花上，带着雄花上赋予生命的花粉。这一举动是转折点，是创造的时刻。

这一刻的成功很快就显而易见。雌花的花瓣轻轻闭合，开始凋谢，标志着它的任务完成了。花瓣底部的小球开始膨胀，不再仅仅是一个承诺，而是一个确定无疑的现实。这是我们成功的授粉（照片5），南瓜生长的开始，也证明了我们农场生态系统的繁荣。

从这小小的开始，数周数月的时间里，南瓜经历了蜕变。在肥沃的土壤和永续农业系统丰沛的生命力的滋养下，南瓜日复一日地生长，个头渐长，肉质丰满。它逐渐超越了最初的朴素，表皮从纯绿色变成了乳白色和深绿色交织的美丽马赛克。

最终，我们迎来了硕大的成熟南瓜（照片6）。它在地上生长90到120天，是花园里的重量级冠军。它深深的脊线和斑驳的表皮讲述着它的旅程——阳光、雨水、土壤，以及传粉昆虫的辛勤劳作。它不仅仅是一个南瓜；它是对生命的颂歌，象征着我们永续农业农场核心的和谐与韧性。这是令人欣喜的景象，是辛勤劳动和自然奇迹的成果，即将成为我们生活中美味的一部分

Growing Lowland Strawberries (Japanese Sweet Charlies) in Sarawak.

The Guardian of Our Permaculture Garden

In the heart of our permaculture farm, where every plant has a purpose and every creature a home, a new guardian has risen. It's not a fierce beast or a watchful scarecrow, but something far more vibrant and alive: the Gac fruit.

It all began with a delicate, unassuming flower. It was a creamy, star-shaped blossom, its petals soft as silk, with a dark, mysterious heart. It seemed to appear overnight, a quiet testament to the life humming beneath the soil. It was a shy bloom, opening its face to the morning sun and folding inward as the day grew old, as if protecting a secret.

But that secret was revealed in time. Where the flower once stood, a small, green, spiky orb began to form. Day by day, it grew, taking on a more pronounced, pear-like shape. We watched it with a sense of wonder, this strange new addition to our edible landscape. It was a testament to the health of our soil, the abundance of our compost, and the balanced ecosystem we strive to create.

And then, the transformation was complete. The Gac fruit, once a prickly green promise, ripened into a fiery orange globe. Its vibrant hue stood out against the deep green leaves of the trellis, a beacon of health and vitality. Each spike on its skin seemed to catch the sunlight, making it a living jewel in our garden.

This fruit, known as the "fruit from heaven," is more than just a beautiful sight. It's a symbol of our farm's philosophy. It thrives in harmony with its surroundings, a testament to the power of a regenerative system. We didn’t force it; we nurtured the environment in which it could thrive.

Soon, we will harvest this incredible fruit and share its nutritional gifts. But for now, we simply admire it. It's a reminder that the most extraordinary things often grow from the most humble beginnings, and that the best harvest is one that honors the land that gave it life.

The 'Fruit from Heaven' and its Many Benifits

Beyond its striking appearance and symbolic importance on our farm, the Gac fruit is a nutritional powerhouse. It's often referred to as the "fruit from heaven" because of its incredible health benefits, a true gift from nature.

One of the most remarkable things about Gac fruit is its extremely high concentration of lycopene, a powerful antioxidant. It contains significantly more lycopene than even tomatoes, which are famous for it. This antioxidant is known to support heart health and may play a role in protecting against certain diseases.

Gac fruit is also packed with beta-carotene, the precursor to Vitamin A. Our bodies convert beta-carotene into this essential vitamin, which is crucial for maintaining healthy vision, a strong immune system, and glowing skin. The vibrant orange and red color of the fruit is a direct result of these carotenoids.

This fruit also contains a variety of other vitamins and minerals, and its pulp is used in traditional medicine for a number of ailments. Whether consumed fresh, as a juice, or as a supplement, the Gac fruit offers a potent dose of natural goodness.

We are so proud to be growing this incredible fruit on our farm, not only for its beauty and story but also for the nourishing gifts it offers. It's a testament to the fact that what's good for the earth is also good for us.

永续农业农场的守护者.

在我们永续农业农场的中心地带，每株植物都有其用途，每个生物都有其家园。如今，一位新的守护者已然崛起。它并非凶猛的野兽，亦非警惕的稻草人，而是更加生机勃勃、活力四射的生物：木鳖果。

一切始于一朵娇嫩低调的花朵。它呈奶油色星形，花瓣柔软如丝，花心深邃而神秘。它仿佛一夜之间绽放，静静地见证着土壤下生命的嗡嗡声。它羞涩地绽放，迎着朝阳，随着白昼的流逝而内敛，仿佛守护着一个秘密。

但随着时间的推移，这个秘密终将被揭开。在曾经盛开的花朵所在之处，一个小小的、绿色的、带刺的球体开始形成。日复一日，它不断生长，最终呈现出更加明显的梨形。我们满怀好奇地注视着它，这颗奇特的新花儿，为我们的“可食用景观”增添了新的色彩。这证明了我们土壤的健康、堆肥的丰饶，以及我们努力营造的平衡生态系统。

然后，蜕变完成了。木鳖果，曾经是带刺的绿色果实，如今成熟为一颗火红的球形果实。它鲜艳的色泽在棚架深绿的叶片映衬下格外醒目，如同健康与活力的灯塔。果皮上的每根尖刺都仿佛在捕捉阳光，使其成为我们花园中一颗鲜活的宝石。

这种被称为“天堂之果”的水果，不仅仅是一道美丽的风景，更是我们农场理念的象征。它与周围环境和谐共生，是再生系统力量的证明。我们没有强迫它生长，而是精心培育了它能够茁壮成长的环境。

很快，我们就能收获这种不可思议的水果，与大家分享它的营养。但现在，我们只是欣赏它。它提醒我们，最非凡的事物往往源于最卑微的起点，而最丰硕的收获是对孕育生命的土地的致敬。

“天赐之果”及其诸多益处.

木鳖果不仅外观惊艳，在我们农场具有重要的象征意义，而且营养价值极高。它常被称为“天赐之果”，因为它拥有令人难以置信的健康益处，是大自然的馈赠。

木鳖果最引人注目之处之一是其富含番茄红素，这是一种强大的抗氧化剂。它的番茄红素含量甚至比以番茄红素闻名的西红柿还要高得多。这种抗氧化剂被认为有益于心脏健康，并可能在预防某些疾病方面发挥作用。

木鳖果还富含β-胡萝卜素，它是维生素A的前体。人体将β-胡萝卜素转化为这种必需的维生素，而β-胡萝卜素对于维持健康的视力、强大的免疫系统和容光焕发的肌肤至关重要。木鳖果鲜艳的橙色和红色正是这些类胡萝卜素的直接作用。

木鳖果还富含多种维生素和矿物质，其果肉在传统医学中用于治疗多种疾病。无论是鲜食、榨汁还是作为补充剂，木鳖果都能提供强大的天然营养。

我们非常自豪能够在自己的农场种植这种神奇的水果，不仅因为它的美丽和故事，更因为它提供的营养价值。这证明了对地球有益的事物也对我们有益。

Click on the list below to download.

1.GAC fruits recipes

2. Sword bean recipes

3. Torch ginger recipes.

From Seed to Sweetness: The Journey of Our Purple Custard Apple

At Greendreamer Farm, where nature leads and we follow with care, every fruit tells a story. One of our most captivating chapters begins with a seed—small, unassuming, and full of promise. That seed becomes the purple custard apple, a fruit as rich in flavor as it is in meaning. Unlike the slow-growing varieties found in cooler climates, our custard apples thrive in Sarawak’s tropical warmth. With the right soil, sunlight, and a touch of patience, they go from seed to harvest in just one and a half years. It’s a rhythm that mirrors the pace of life here: steady, generous, and deeply connected to the land.

The Growth Timeline

Months 0–3: Germination & Seedling Stage The journey begins with germination. Within a few weeks, the seed awakens and pushes through the soil, forming a vibrant seedling. We nurture it with natural compost and gentle watering, letting the roots settle deep into our farm’s fertile ground.

Months 4–9: Sapling Development As the tree grows, it begins to shape its identity—broad leaves, a sturdy trunk, and a quiet resilience. By month nine, it’s standing tall, ready to take on the next phase.

Months 10–14: Flowering & Pollination The first blossoms appear, delicate and greenish-white. Pollinators—bees, beetles, and sometimes our own hands—help nature along. Each flower holds the potential for fruit, and we watch closely as they transform.

Months 15–18: Fruit Formation & Ripening The magic unfolds. Small green fruitlets emerge and slowly swell, turning deep purple as they ripen. Their skin softens, their aroma sweetens, and their creamy flesh becomes a symbol of everything we stand for: nourishment, family, and connection.

This timeline can shift slightly depending on rainfall, temperature, and soil health.

Why It Matters

This fruit isn’t just grown—it’s cultivated with intention. It reflects our commitment to natural farming, to honoring the land, and to producing food that feeds both body and soul. The purple custard apple is more than a harvest—it’s a celebration. Whether you’re biting into its velvety pulp or watching it ripen on the branch, you’re experiencing a piece of Greendreamer Farm’s heart. And that’s something worth sharing.

从种子到甜品：我们的紫色番荔枝之旅.

在绿梦农场，我们顺应自然，悉心呵护，每一颗果实都讲述着一个故事。我们最引人入胜的篇章之一始于一粒种子——小小的、不起眼的，却充满希望。这粒种子最终长成了紫色的番荔枝，一种风味浓郁、寓意深远的水果。与那些生长在凉爽气候下的缓慢品种不同，我们的番荔枝在沙捞越温暖的热带气候中茁壮成长。在适宜的土壤、阳光和一点耐心的呵护下，它们从播种到收获仅需一年半的时间。这种节奏与这里的生活节奏相得益彰：稳健、慷慨，并与土地紧密相连。

生长时间表

0-3个月：发芽和幼苗期 旅程从发芽开始。几周内，种子苏醒，破土而出，长成一株生机勃勃的幼苗。我们用天然堆肥和温和浇水来滋养它，让其根系深深扎根于农场肥沃的土地中。

第4-9个月：树苗发育 随着树木的生长，它开始塑造自己的身份——宽阔的叶子、坚固的树干和沉静的韧性。到了第九个月，它已经挺拔起来，准备迎接下一个阶段。

第10-14个月：开花和授粉 第一批花朵绽放，娇嫩的绿白色。传粉媒介——蜜蜂、甲虫，有时还有我们自己的双手——为大自然的繁衍添砖加瓦。每朵花都蕴藏着结出果实的潜力，我们密切关注着它们的蜕变。

第15-18个月：果实形成和成熟 魔法开始显现。小小的绿色小果实破土而出，慢慢膨胀，成熟后变成深紫色。它们的果皮变得柔软，香气变得甜美，柔滑的果肉象征着我们所珍视的一切：营养、家庭和人与人之间的联系。

这个时间线可能会根据降雨量、温度和土壤健康状况略有变化。

意义非凡

这种水果不仅仅是种植出来的，更是用心栽培的。它体现了我们对自然耕作、尊重土地以及生产滋养身心食物的承诺。紫色番荔枝不仅仅是一种丰收，更是一场庆典。无论您是咬一口丝滑的果肉，还是看着它在枝头成熟，您都在感受着绿梦农场的用心。而这份心意值得分享。

Overlooked beauty of the pineapple flower

Did you know the pineapple starts as a flower? Most people never notice it—but look closely and you’ll see a crown of tiny blooms in shades of pink and purple, each one a future fruit segment. It’s not just a tropical treat—it’s a botanical masterpiece in progress.

Next time you see a pineapple plant, pause and admire the floral phase. Nature’s design is wild, layered, and way more colorful than you’d expect.

被忽视的菠萝花之美.

你知道菠萝最初是一朵花吗？大多数人从未注意到它——但仔细观察，你会看到一顶由粉色和紫色的小花组成的花冠，每一朵都是未来果实的一部分。它不仅仅是一种热带美食，更是一幅正在发育的植物杰作。

下次看到菠萝时，不妨停下来欣赏一下它的花期。大自然的设计狂野、层次丰富，而且远比你想象的更加绚丽多彩。