4 minute read
The Making of an Oasis
At the start of each day, when the first rays of sunlight embrace the arid foothills of Mount Kenya, Peter Loupe and his dedicated team of gardeners step into their sanctuary of green and blossom. His hands, seasoned with great devotion, birthed an oasis that whispers tales of resilience and beauty. Once a desolate expanse, this land now stands as a haven, adorned with flourishing gardens that defiantly blossom against the formidable odds imposed by its arid past. Peter’s touch has transformed Segera into an oasis, a living testament to nature’s capacity to renew itself through skilled hands connected to the earth.
Peter prides himself on being the longest-serving member of the Segera team. Prior to joining Segera in 2009 as a gardener, Peter would frequent the ranch as a young boy to play football with friends during the holidays. He owes his knowledge and gardening skills to Madam Gisela, a landscaping designer who spearheaded Segera’s Gardening works between 2009 and 2014. She trained and later appointed Peter as the head gardener before she left.
Like a proud parent, Peter shares the story of each plant. He has witnessed every seedling sprout into a triumph of bulbous succulents, towering palms, and fruit-laden trees. “Everything came from hands,” says Kofi. It took 18 gardeners to landscape seven acres, aided by 150 women from the local community. Together, they spent three years planting everything by hand. Much thought was given to not only the type of plant but also the location of planting each seedling. This would ensure they have enough space to flourish in years to come. Peter explains that the majority of the plants in the garden do not require lots of water, which works perfectly with Laikipia’s climate.
Every significant moment in Segera has been commemorated by a tree. Peter would plant a tree in honor of the people of Segera (without their knowledge). As he walks through the garden, he gestures toward these trees. Each one tells a story—of special visits, birthdays, and incredible milestones within the larger Segera family. “To people, these are just trees. To me, these are lasting memories intertwined in roots and branches,” adds Peter. Like living scrapbooks, these trees capture the shared moments and stories of Segera.
Over the years, Peter’s gardening team has left a lasting mark. Many staff members across different departments began their journey right here on Segera as gardeners. “The discipline and patience nurtured in gardening cultivate excellent skills applicable in all aspects of life,” asserts Peter. The garden, it seems, not only grows plants but also the qualities that blossom into valuable skills for individuals across diverse endeavors.
Peter’s botanical expertise runs deep, delving into the profound intricacies of flora. He expansively explains the medicinal value of almost every plant growing in the garden. Constantly enriching his gardening acumen through books and online resources, he remains devoted to expanding his knowledge. With an experimental spirit, he meticulously observes which plants thrive best in the environment. His explanations of each plant are candid and thorough, encompassing its name, distinctive features, medicinal attributes, and the precise moment it took root in the garden.
Nestled just a few minutes away from the enchanting botanical gardens is a hidden gem—a picturesque orchard adjacent to the staff village. In this quaint garden, a harmonious blend of fruit trees and vegetables thrives under Peter’s expert care. Positioned discreetly at the corner is a substantial compost pit diligently turned to produce nutrient-rich manure. This organic elixir is a culmination of waste from both the staff and guest kitchens, illustrating Segera’s commitment to sustainability. Not content with conventional methods, Peter is currently engrossed in a fascinating experiment involving a miniature wormery project. As a staunch advocate of permaculture, he embraces the philosophy wholeheartedly, embodying its principles in his daily cultivation endeavors.
