Welcome to Del Rio Gardens!

This 1/6th acre property, and the entire neighborhood, has been a huge blessing for us since October 2020, and we’ve put a ton of love & sweat into transforming it from a classic lawn-heavy yard into a food forest micro-homestead to reduce resource consumption, increase resiliency and self-sustenance, and rebuild the soil health.

Now we are passing the baton onto its next stewards. See photos & information here:

2503 E DEL RIO CT, Gilbert, AZ 85295

Nestled at the back of a cul-de-sac, this captivating home invites you to experience the epitome of sustainable living on a large lot. Immerse yourself in the allure of a micro-homestead carefully curated over 3 years, where resource conservation and soil health take center stage. As you explore the property you will find fruit trees, locally sourced organic soil for growing your own produce and a smart irrigation controller and thermostat. Step inside and be captivated by the seamless flow of the open floor plan, designed to maximize comfort and create a welcoming ambiance. The heart of this home lies in the well-appointed kitchen, adorned with stunning wooden cabinets that add a touch of elegance to your culinary haven. All within mins of San Tan Valley Mall!

www.flexmls.com

Here are the permaculture-themed improvements we’ve made so far:

• Several irrigated fruit trees, 2 shade trees, and many edible perennials have been planted over the past 3 years
• Ash tree in back yard (2020, thanks Chris & Jessy, previous owners!)
• Rosemary, lavender, and spearmint in front yard (2020)
• Willow acacia in back yard (2021)
• 2 new garden beds in back (2021) and growing space in front (2023)
• Eureka lemon & blood orange in back (2022)
• Ash tree in front yard (2022)
• Desert gold peach & fig in front (winter 2022-23)
• There is also an Anna Apple that didn’t make it; S&J Farms gave us a credit for a new one this winter (2023) which we are happy to pay forward to you 😊
• Moringa tree on west property line to create afternoon shade (property line shared with Phil & Junia, fantastic people & fellow gardeners)
• ~2/3 of the total lawn has been covered in cardboard & 3 ChipDrops’ worth of mulch to reduce water consumption and rebuild soil health. The remainder has been kept tended to, and produces beautiful bermudagrass in summer & rye in winter.
• 6 cubic yards of locally sourced organic soil added just this summer to lawn & garden areas from Growers Best Organics
• Smart irrigation controller (Rachio) & thermostat (Ecobee) installed

And here are the things we’d planned to do, if it helps give you a sense of what’s possible:

• Grape arbor outside the dining room window, to shade from hot summer sun
• Mesquite & ironwood trees on west side, to shade from hot afternoon sun & provide their incredible edible gifts during summertime
• Rainwater capture & storage system via Galaxy Gardens
• Adding a gate on the east side of the house, to connect the front & back gardens and create an alternate path to backyard without having to go through house or western utility gates
• More growing space in the back mulch area, either as raised bed gardens or in-ground planting
• Gray water system to funnel laundry & shower water into shade trees
• Solar panels, electric vehicle charging, etc.
• Chicken coop, greenhouse, etc.

While the time has come to hand the baton over, we really hope it will pass into the hands of someone who cares about furthering this vision — living self-sufficiently, in harmony with the Earth.

Whoever purchases this home will receive an extensive Owner‘s Manual with important details of the home, such as where irrigation is laid, and contact information for myself + a few of your new neighbors who have consented to sharing their info. ☺️

Thanks for visiting!