BY KITZIA KOKPELMANA
Nestled in the heart of La Ribera, Baja California Sur, Buena Fortuna Gardens stands as a testament to the beauty and resilience of nature. This 11-acre botanical oasis is home to over 2,500 plant species from around the world and serves as a sanctuary for 140 bird species, including two species of hummingbirds and three species of owls. What began as a dream is now a thriving Living Genealogy Seed Bank and a refuge where birds and other wildlife stay year-round, creating an ecosystem teeming with life and harmony.
Buena Fortuna Gardens was established by renowned botanist Gabriel Howard, known globally for co-founding the international organic seed company Seeds of Change, and Kitzia Kokopelmana, an artist, culinary alchemist, and passionate ecologist. Together, with a small group of friends, they formed a civil association and laid the foundation for this incredible botanical haven.
Over the years, the gardens have grown into a living library of edible, medicinal, and ornamental plants, preserving biodiversity and sharing its riches with the community. Since 2018 the project has been led by Kitzia Kokopelmana and Víctor Napenda, co-directors who have brought a fresh perspective, combining ecological preservation with cultural and artistic innovation. Víctor Napenda, a multi-talented artist and expert in bioconstruction, has added a dynamic layer to the gardens’ development, setting the stage for its next chapter.
While Buena Fortuna Gardens has long served as a hub for education, sharing seeds and knowledge with local and international schools through workshops, it is now evolving into something even more impactful. In 2025, the gardens will expand their reach with the launch of the Cocina Botánica line, a collection of gourmet organic products inspired by the abundance of edible and medicinal plants thriving within the gardens.
The transformation also includes the opening of the Seed to Palate Restaurant, which will provide a unique farm-to-table dining experience at the heart of Buena Fortuna Gardens. Visitors will savor dishes crafted from ingredients grown on-site, offering a culinary journey rooted in biodiversity and creativity.
In addition, Garden Gallery, a space dedicated to showcasing art inspired by nature, will debut in 2025, highlighting the creative connection between humanity and the Earth. Under the artistic direction of Víctor Napenda, the gallery will feature both local and international works, celebrating the intersection of sustainability, art, and innovation.
Every Friday, Buena Fortuna will also host its popular Gourmet Organic Market, offering fresh local produce, artisan cheeses, organic wines, craft beers, handmade crafts, and more. Visitors can enhance their experience by reserving a botanical tour with lunch, immersing themselves in the gardens’ beauty and history.
Beyond its botanical treasures, Buena Fortuna Gardens has become a destination for special events and workshops of the Wisdom Roots Academy. The gardens are also available by reservation, for private dinners with live music, temazcal ceremonies, and retreats focusing on wellness, sustainability, and creativity.
Wisdom Roots Academy Workshops include:
• Sustainable Practices: Organic gardening, bioconstruction, and mushroom cultivation.
• Cozina Botanika Culinary Alchemy: Learn to make mole, sourdough bread, dressings, and more.
• Wellness and Healing: Sound therapy, cacao ceremonies, and other holistic practices.
Buena Fortuna Gardens is more than just a botanical reserve; it is a community-driven initiative dedicated to education, biodiversity, and sustainability. From its humble beginnings to its current role as a hub for innovation and wellness, the gardens continue to inspire and nurture a deeper connection between people and the natural world.
For those looking for a unique destination that blends ecological preservation, cultural heritage, and culinary exploration, Buena Fortuna Gardens is a sanctuary where nature and humanity coexist in perfect harmony.
To explore this living paradise, join a tour, attend a workshop, or enjoy a farm-to-table meal at the new Seed to Palate Restaurant reservations and more information can be obtained by contacting Buena Fortuna Gardens: buenafortunagardens@gmail.com or Whatsapp 052 6241471086. ,
