This is no easy task fight against heat, drought, poor soil, and wildlife predation. Some examples of success: Geoff Lawton’s Greening the Desert Project. His project in the Dead Sea Valley of Jordan demonstrates the transformation of arid land into a productive oasis through permaculture techniques. Key is integrating organic matter and fostering soil life that rejuvenates degraded landscapes. Also is Andrew Millison’s How an Abandoned Village was Reborn in the Spanish Desert. In this video, permaculture instructor Andrew Millison explores the restoration of La Junquera, an abandoned village in Southern Spain. The project shows the application of permaculture design to revitalize the land, emphasizing the importance of soil health and water management, along with community involvement. Permaculture teaches that successful restoration begins underground—with the soil life. Mycorrhizal fungi form essential networks that connect plants, improve drought resistance, and unlock nutrients. But these fungi need organic matter to thrive. Clay, biochar, and hydrogel help with water retention, but without compost or decomposed plant material, the microbial community can’t take root. As Lawton says, “You can’t grow a plant until you grow the soil.” Additionally, timing matters. In Texas for example, late spring plantings often face scorching temps before roots can establish. Germination waits for favorable conditions—which can be mimicked with clay-sealed seed balls, another tried-and-true technique. Mulching and drip lines implement important strategies. Also adding 10-20% inoculated compost, green manure plants, or even shaded nursery beds could make a major difference. We need the brave visionaries—those brave enough to fail, adjust, and try again. Desert greening is a marathon, not a sprint. As Millison says, “Permaculture is not just a technique—it’s a long conversation with the land.” With gratitude and hope for every desert visionary, Lynn