Petersholm
Ten minutes south of Odder, Denmark, lies a permaculture garden called Petersholm.
Tucked in the heart of Jutland, the 4-hectare property is embraced by peaceful forests, with a stream weaving through its landscape. The garden, bursting with life, grows raspberries, garlic, basil, apples, strawberries, and nettles—all of which remain on-site, deeply connecting to those who live and work there, especially one woman: Andrea Cecilia Mayoh Moreno.
Tucked in the heart of Jutland, the 4-hectare property is embraced by peaceful forests, with a stream weaving through its landscape. The garden, bursting with life, grows raspberries, garlic, basil, apples, strawberries, and nettles—all of which remain on-site, deeply connecting to those who live and work there, especially one woman: Andrea Cecilia Mayoh Moreno.
At 64, Andrea, originally from Argentina, has overcome numerous health challenges, including breast cancer, osteopenia, and sleep apnea. Since her diagnoses, she has embraced a completely natural lifestyle. Recycling, reusing, and minimizing waste are central to her philosophy.
For Andrea, Petersholm isn’t just a garden—it’s a way of life. Her commitment to this natural lifestyle, from the food she grows to the long days of physical labor, has transformed her health.
Always moving, always working, Andrea has found that her new way of living helps her stay strong and resilient, both physically and mentally. Her body, though tested by the hardships of life, has now adapted to her natural life.
Though she still gets calluses on her feet from long hours working outdoors, she treats them with natural oils, healing them in the best way she can. This holistic approach to her health, she believes, has lessened her struggle with illness.
Petersholm, in turn, has saved her—not just physically but mentally, as she has found a sense of peace and fulfillment in her life's work.
Her home is open to anyone curious about permaculture and sustainable living. Over the years, volunteers from across the globe have flocked to Petersholm, living there for extended periods and helping with daily tasks: tending to chickens, caring for a young orchard, and assisting with the bed-and-breakfast Andrea runs, where she lovingly prepares meals and shares her knowledge.
One such volunteer, Asger, discovered the garden while trekking across Denmark with a friend. Running out of food near the town of Odder, they stumbled upon Petersholm and decided to ask for eggs and salt.
He was then greeted by Ainara and Jonathan two volunteers at the time. Jørgen gave Asger Andrea's telephone number. Asger, at the time, was looking for somewhere to stay between August to October, so he gave Andrea a call and asked if he could become a volunteer. Andrea then agreed to let him stay and he will be at Petersholm until October.
He was then greeted by Ainara and Jonathan two volunteers at the time. Jørgen gave Asger Andrea's telephone number. Asger, at the time, was looking for somewhere to stay between August to October, so he gave Andrea a call and asked if he could become a volunteer. Andrea then agreed to let him stay and he will be at Petersholm until October.
Since then, Asger has been working with Andrea to revitalize Petersholm’s overgrown lake, which has long been devoid of animal life. By clearing the excess vegetation, they hope to re-oxygenate the water, allowing sunlight to reach the lakebed and support aquatic life once again.
Although Andrea enjoys connecting with the interesting people who often stop and spend time at Petersholm, there is one spot on the property she retreats to when she wants time for quiet reflection. Andrea and her partner Jørgen’s cozy, earth-built "hobbit house," made of clay and hay, is tucked away from the volunteers and main community space. It serves as Andrea’s sanctuary and is where she finds peace and rest each night.
Living alongside composting toilets, free-roaming chickens, and flourishing plants, Andrea has built a place of both beauty and sustainability. Even the soap used on the property is homemade, crafted from citrus peels. The garden’s borders are lined with nettles, a superfood Andrea uses regularly, weaving nature into every aspect of daily life.
Petersholm is more than just its physical elements—it's a vibrant community where people come together to connect and grow. Recently, a former guest, Shiva, returned to Petersholm, this time bringing his wife and their 6-month-old son, David, to visit Andrea.
Shiva first came to Petersholm nine years ago with three other Indian engineers. He and Andrea became close friends, and he has always been a strong ambassador for the community, often showing volunteers around Denmark and taking them to the beach.
In 2019, Andrea attended Shiva's wedding in India, where she reunited with five former Petersholm volunteers from different parts of the world. They all met at the wedding, along with 1,500 other guests, and reminisced about their time at Petersholm.
After the wedding, Shiva and his wife moved back to Denmark.
Shiva now visits Petersholm frequently with his family. On this visit, he reunited with another former volunteer, German, from Argentina. German had lived at Petersholm for six months seven years ago and had returned for a week to see Andrea.
He now runs his own business in Spain.
The reunion was celebrated with a communal meal, as they reflected on how much Shiva's and German's lives have changed since Petersholm.
Shiva first came to Petersholm nine years ago with three other Indian engineers. He and Andrea became close friends, and he has always been a strong ambassador for the community, often showing volunteers around Denmark and taking them to the beach.
In 2019, Andrea attended Shiva's wedding in India, where she reunited with five former Petersholm volunteers from different parts of the world. They all met at the wedding, along with 1,500 other guests, and reminisced about their time at Petersholm.
After the wedding, Shiva and his wife moved back to Denmark.
Shiva now visits Petersholm frequently with his family. On this visit, he reunited with another former volunteer, German, from Argentina. German had lived at Petersholm for six months seven years ago and had returned for a week to see Andrea.
He now runs his own business in Spain.
The reunion was celebrated with a communal meal, as they reflected on how much Shiva's and German's lives have changed since Petersholm.
Through life’s challenges—divorce, illness, and a relentless search for purpose—Andrea has created a sanctuary that embodies her philosophy of living fully off the land. She educates and welcomes others to experience that way of life alongside her.
Petersholm is more than just a garden; it’s an extension of Andrea herself. As she nurtures the land, she nurtures the people who come to learn, live, and grow. The garden’s future is entwined with her own, and just as the plants, soil, and joy Petersholm produces are interconnected, so too are Andrea and the garden she calls home.
www.petersholm.com
www.petersholm.com
