There are masked men with Machtes in my Yard!

Panama boasts not only breathtaking landscapes and vibrant cultures but also a unique gardening tradition that might surprise you. It's not uncommon in this tropical paradise for yard maintenance to be included in the price of your rent, ensuring your surroundings remain a lush haven. When I moved to Panama, I quickly learned that gardens here aren't just gardens – they're meticulously curated landscapes tended to by skilled individuals in a distinctive way.

Picture this: it's 7 AM, and I'm just starting my day with a cup of coffee in hand. As I gaze out of the window, I spot three men donned in authentic Panamanian gear, effortlessly working in my garden. Admittedly, I wasn't caught off guard – I knew these gardeners were scheduled to tend to the landscapes today. However, what did catch my attention was the man who stood out with his mask, machete, boots, and the most captivating hat I've ever seen.

These guys take their work seriously, and they are fully equipped to handle the terrain. Forget about lawnmowers or riding mowers; The uneven and rocky terrain of Panama's landscapes isn't suitable for such equipment These are replaced by the machetes and Industrial weed wackers of Panamanian gardeners. 

The town of Boquete is a testament to this unique approach to gardening. Here, you'd rarely spot a traditional lawnmower, as the landscape simply doesn't allow for it. Instead, these gardeners rely on their industrial-strength weed whackers, often accompanied by rubberized aprons, safety glasses, gloves, and, of course, their ever-present machetes. It's a sight to behold as they meticulously sculpt the grass with weed whackers and use their machetes for precise trimming and weeding.

Witnessing their work in action is awe-inspiring. They've developed a technique where they skillfully use the machete to delicately remove weeds from the soil, a process known as "reading." This dedication to detail and mastery of hand tools is unparalleled.

Comparing this to my past experiences in Florida, where a man with a riding mower would breeze through my yard in under an hour, these Panamanian gardeners leave no leaf unturned. They craft your garden as if it's a work of art, all with hand tools and their trusty weed whackers. When they finish, you're left with a landscape that feels ready for a magazine photoshoot.

What truly sets these gardeners apart, aside from their unique tools and techniques, is their profound knowledge of plants. They're not just there to maintain; they're there to nurture. They understand each plant's needs, knowing exactly what to prune and when to fertilize. It's 

not just fruit trees they're familiar with; they possess a wealth of knowledge about edible plants and their various uses.

I remember a particular instance when I asked a gardener to trim an encroaching bush. He swiftly and efficiently accomplished the task, handing me the cuttings. He simply uttered one word, "te." It was just them that the fragrant aroma hit me that I realized he was letting me know that I should take the cuttings and use them to make tea! Those cuttings led to a series of delightful mint tea evenings, a reminder of the expertise these gardeners

At first, the sight of masked men with machetes might have startled me, but now I greet them with a cheerful "Buenos Dias" before returning to my coffee, knowing that by midday, my yard will be transformed into a piece of paradise. The dedication and skill of these gardeners make me appreciate every aspect of Panama even more.