This is a domestic garden design for a client in eastern Scotland. The key design goals with this project were to create a space for nature-connection, with plenty of space for human recreation and for food production while also providing a sanctuary for local wildlife.
The client wanted to incorporate more trees and other plants for a lush feel, while also retaining an open feeling and a sense of light and space.
The starting point is more or less a blank canvas of lawn to the front and rear of the existing home, with an area of wood decking and a wooden garden building planned, and an existing driveway to the east. A small area of paving has been lifted and the stone slabs are to be reused as shown.
Large trees in a neighbouring garden somewhat shade the north eastern corner of the site where the garden building will be placed. The new wildlife pond is placed where the lawn becomes soggy in wet weather, at the lowest point of what is a more or less level site, with just a minimal rise to the west.
A number of common and popular permaculture garden elements are included in this design, including:
- Fruit tree guilds, with layered planting – polycultures designed to improve ecological function and increase yields.
- A herb spiral. – a structure providing conditions for a wide range of herbs to be grown in a relatively small amount of space. In this case, the herb spiral is to be constructed using bricks left over from a previous construction project.
- Hugelkultur raised beds – good growing areas for a range of crops, using no dig methods to protect the soil.
These are elements frequently found in permaculture designs because they are diversity-boosters, elements which have multiple functions. They can help us to provide the appropriate growing environment for a wider range of plants, and make the most of the space available to us in a sustainable and ecologically-friendly way.
If you are interested in discussing a permaculture design for your own property, perhaps one that incorporates one or more of the common permaculture design ideas mentioned above, please do get in touch.