Where do you think this is located? In some tropics, hmm.... Actually this place is located in Mesa, Arizona. How is that possible? Well, from a permaculture perspective, it is given the right conditions. A microclimate can be created and thrive in such a place. During one of my many permaculture sessions, we went and toured a permaculture property on Saturday. The gentleman, Phil, turned his property using resources and principles of permaculture.

This is the bathroom facilities with full ammenities of a shower, toilet and sink. does not smell as he engineered it using natural systems.

This is his office space. Exterior is all of his dried bamboo/banana leaves with a natural building materials in the inside. The leaf debris actually keeps the structure cool even during the hot months of the summer. So without AC, it is comfortable in there.

Here is the kitchen. This is what I call a kitchen!! I think I want an outdoor kitchen someday.

Grows his own bananas and lots of them. Just imagine picking this fruit for a morning delight. The flower is beautiful too.

Phil raises his own goats. Very friendly. Milks them and does kill one or two a year for food source. There are chickens too but they were out and about among the bamboo forest foraging away.
Outside of his acre enclosure of bamboo/bananas haven, is the rest of the property that is compromised of gardens, as above, pecan trees, date trees and yes, a papya tree.

This was more of a tropic permaculture demonstration. They get their water from the irrigation. But the trees are fairly strong and hardy themselves past a certain age. The family sells dates, bamboo fencing, bananas (trees/fruit), banana leaves for folks who make banana leaf tamalaes, and other edibles when in season