Xochimilco: The Garden Islands of Mexico City

Mexico City is built upon a dried up lake bed. Acutally, it is built upon Aztec and Pre-Aztec ruins, built upon the ancient lake bed. One can imagine the environment that the first settlers of the region inhabited by visiting Xochimilco. In this neighborhood, on the outskirts of the city, the ancient lake has been preserved. Throughout the history of the area, the population has maintained and built up natural islands that existed throughout the lake. When the Spanish conquered the region of Mexico City, Xochimilco was a place of strong resistence because the Spainiards didn´t know what parts of the lake were deep enough for their boats or which islands were sturdy enough to walk on. The indigenous people used this knowledge to set traps and maintain control of the area. Eventually, the Spanish came in and dug defined channels between the islands to ensure passage of their boats. Though the Spanish succeeded in conquering the area, there is a large population of natives, with a great diversity of distinct ´kingdoms´ from the Nauhuatl language group. Throughout its history people have understood the environmental value of this area and it has been impressively preserved by both the natives and the conquerers.

Now, beautifully decorated boats are rented on the canals where tourists and locals go to explore the islands.

The islands are most famous for their gardens and greenhouses. There is an impressive diversity in growing techniques in this area so rich in water resources. Green houses and plant nurseries sell plants directly to the boat passengers.

Many greenhouses sell edible plants including citrus trees (not shown), peppers, passion fruit and strawberries.

Soil cultivation and direct agriculture are also a way of life on the islands. My guide listed more foods than I could copy down but among the ones I caught were: spinach, squash, all types of berries, apple, pear, plum, peach, avocado, and of course, corn, which I was able to catch a glance at as we floated by a small family garden.I also got to see some compost that the locals make both to sell to people in other parts of the city and for their own gardens.

As a student soil science, I was most interested in the incredibly diverse techniques to prevent the erosion of the islands by the moving water in the canals. Here below, are pictures of three very different techniques.

Another highlight for the boat tour contributing to the preservation of the environment in Xochimilco is an eco reserve for local wild life which represents unique reptiles and fish. This bodes well for the perservation of ethical agriculture though nobody in the area would mark their food órganic´.

After the boat ride, we walked to the local market. This woman sold me some spinach from her garden on one of the islands in Xochimilco. Though much of their food is still imported from other areas, Xochimilco has the most thriving local food system that I witnessed in the area.