Building a Sustainable Future with Tea and Herbs Not only is Saanenland picturesque, but it also has a remarkable entrepreneurial spirit. Two young innovators are making waves with their unique blend of sustainable agriculture and low-tech principles. Meet the founders of the Eggli Tea Garten, a remarkable project led by 15-year-old Luis and 16-year-old Florian. They are transforming a mountainside into a thriving tea garden while also working to build a better drone community.

A Passion for Sustainability: The Birth of Eggli Tea Garten
The inspiration behind the Eggli Tea Garten came from Florian’s experience working on a farm in Châteaud-Oex during a gap year. There, he learned about sustainable farming practices, particularly the cultivation of tea and vegetables. This experience sparked his curiosity to create something similar back home in Saanenland. “I wanted to use that knowledge to make our garden bigger and more sustainable”, Florian explains.

The Eggli Tea Garten started modestly, with just 20 square meters of land, but the duo has ambitious plans to expand with more square meters by next year. They are experimenting with various herbs like thyme, mint, oregano, and lavender, carefully selecting those that can thrive at the garden’s high altitude of 1500 meters. Sustainability is at the core of their endeavour, from using natural herb-drying techniques to minimising their trips to the garden by choosing hardy plants that require minimal maintenance.

Florian and Luis’s dedication to sustainability extends to pest control as well. Instead of using chemicals, they experiment with natural deterrents like garlic to keep mice at bay. “We try to do it with nature, not against it”, says Florian, reflecting their commitment to eco-friendly practices.

None of this would have been possible without the support of the Fust family from Gstaad. They generously gave the boys the freedom to use this beautiful piece of land for their project, and their contribution has been crucial in helping Florian and Luis bring their vision to life.

Beyond Tea and Herbs: A Vision for a Drone Community
While their tea garden is flourishing, Florian and Luis are also passionate about drones, specifically FPV (First-Person View) racing drones. Local regulations around the Saanen airport have posed significant challenges, limiting where they can fly, thus forced to create a racetrack on the mountain, taking advantage of the open space and breathtaking scenery.

Despite these obstacles, the boys are determined to push forward. They see potential in drone racing as an emerging sport that could bring new visitors and excitement to the region. “Imagine if you can attract a new sport to Saanenland”, Florian muses. They envision a future where Saanenland hosts drone racing events, with the stunning mountain backdrop providing a unique and thrilling setting.

The boys' interest in drones is more than just a hobby; it’s an educational pursuit. Building and programming drones have taught them valuable technical skills, from assembling components to installing software. They are hopeful that by growing this hobby into a community, they can inspire others in Saanenland to explore the exciting world of drones.

The Road Ahead
Florian is currently pursuing an apprenticeship in a local restaurant, where he hopes to integrate his farm-to-table knowledge, and his experience with sustainable farming is a key part of that journey. “I want to see from the beginning to the end”, he says, emphasising his desire to understand the entire food supply chain.

Meanwhile, Luis remains an integral part of the journey, contributing to both the tea garden and their shared drone hobby. Their friendship, which began years ago in a judo class, has blossomed into a partnership rooted in shared interests and a vision for the future.

As they continue to expand the Eggli Tea Garten and advocate for a more inclusive drone community, the boys embody the entrepreneurial spirit of Saanenland. Their story is one of youthful innovation, sustainability, and a commitment to building something lasting and meaningful in our community.

JEANETTE WICHMANN

Follow the boys on Instagram 

You can find products from Eggli Tea Garden in their display cabinet outside Röthlisberger Interiors, Dorfstrasse 45, Saanen