Plant & Farm Guides
Practical guides based on real experience at Mavronero Farm. Explore plant cultivation, propagation, harvesting, traditional plant uses, soil management, and regenerative farming practices. Discover the techniques, methods, and observations we develop through our work with plants and ecological farming systems.
Lemon Verbena (Aloysia citrodora)
A refreshing citrus aroma Lemon verbena is an aromatic shrub known for the distinctive lemon-like fragrance of its leaves. Originally native to parts of South America, it is now cultivated in many regions of the world for its aromatic foliage...
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Sage (Salvia officinalis)
An aromatic herb with a long history Sage is one of the best-known aromatic herbs of the Mediterranean region. Valued for its distinctive fragrance and flavour, it has been used in traditional cooking and herbal preparations for generations. Its textured...
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Mountain Tea (Sideritis perfoliata)
A characteristic plant of the Mediterranean Mountain tea is a common name used for several aromatic plants belonging to the genus Sideritis, part of the mint family, Lamiaceae. These plants are associated with Mediterranean botanical diversity and have a long...
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Growing lavender from cuttings in the Mavronero nursery
Growing new plants does not always begin with seeds. Many Mediterranean herbs can be propagated from cuttings, allowing a single healthy plant to become many. During the summer of 2026, several cuttings of true lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) were planted in...
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White rockrose: a resilient native shrub of the Mediterranean
Built for Mediterranean conditions White rockrose (Cistus salviifolius) is exceptionally well adapted to environments where many other plants struggle. It thrives in rocky, sandy and nutrient-poor soils while requiring very little water once established. Its small, slightly hairy leaves help...
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Wild thyme (Thymbra capitata)
The beginning of thyme honey season One of the unmistakable signs that Mediterranean summer has arrived is the flowering of wild thyme. Across the rocky hills surrounding Mavronero, the first blossoms of wild thyme (Thymbra capitata) have begun to open,...
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Wild Mediterranean orchids at Mavronero
Within the Mediterranean landscape surrounding Mavronero, seasonal wild orchids emerge each spring as part of a broader ecological cycle shaped by soil conditions, biodiversity, climate, moisture availability, and long-term environmental continuity. These terrestrial orchids develop naturally among olive groves, grasslands,...
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How to propagate Dragon Fruit beneath olive trees
Dragon fruit (Hylocereus spp.) can be successfully cultivated beneath olive trees when the planting conditions are carefully prepared. The partial shade provided by mature olive trees creates a balanced microclimate that protects young plants from extreme heat while still allowing...
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How to propagate Pomegranate Trees from cuttings
Pomegranate trees can be propagated reliably from hardwood cuttings taken during late winter. This method allows growers to reproduce healthy trees with the same characteristics as the parent plant. At Mavronero Farm, we use this technique to expand plantings while...
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How to propagate Fig Trees from cuttings
Fig trees can be easily propagated from cuttings during the dormant season. This simple method allows new trees to grow from healthy branches without the need for grafting or complex equipment. At Mavronero Farm, this technique is used to reproduce...
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