Osmin Garcia, Guatemala

We had the pleasure of visiting Osmin on his farm, Los Arcos, in February of this year, and after being told many times that it was a special one we were full of excitement and anticipation.

We descended the winding mountain path through the forest, on the short drive from his neighbour Marvin Carias and arrived in the hot afternoon sun. We were greeted by Osmin and his dog on what to our eyes looked like a garden that belongs at the Chelsea Flower Show, but no, it was a coffee farm. 

Viewing Los Arcos from across the valley is a sight to behold and could easily be mistaken for a forest, with Gravilea trees swaying in the breeze, their fern-like leaves providing dappled shade to the coffee below. These silky oak trees help to retain moisture in the soil and their shade cover keeps the coffee cool, ensuring a long maturation and better tasting coffee. 

Immaculate and beautiful in equal measure, orchids and other native flowers thrive under Osmins care, this is a special place. We spent as much time talking about his flowers and tomatoes than we did coffee, and came to learn that Osmin is as green fingered for all things, not just coffee.