I am sometimes asked how being a permaculture designer is different to being a more generic ‘landscape designer’. Permaculture designers are one type of landscape designer, and they can do many of the same things. It is important, however, to recognise that permaculture approach to landscape design goes far beyond that of most conventional landscape designers.
This article aims to show why permaculture design is a far better choice than employing a more traditional landscape designer. Contact me for a bespoke quote for design and consultancy if you want to elevate your outside space.
A Difference in Philosophy
Many landscape designers out there are more focussed on aesthetics and budget than on ethical or moral goals. They are often client-centered without ecological focus.
Permaculture design, on the other hand, centres around three core ethical principles. The clients preferences and needs are of course taken into account -but everything is given a moral grounding by being viewed through the prism of care for our planet, care for humanity, and fair share.
Landscape Design With Purpose and Practicality
Often using extensive areas of patio or paving, many conventional landscape designers focus narrowly on how humans will use the space recreationally, and what it looks like.
Permaculture design looks more holistically at a space, creating resilient and sustainable, regenerative systems that produce food, build soil, conserve water and more.
The holistic design methods should ensure that beautiful, recreational spaces can be maintained or created, while other human needs are met, and wildlife is also welcomed in.
With permaculture design, it becomes clear how abundant and productive a garden can become, and how many of the things we need we can obtain ourselves from the natural world around us.
Designing Low-Input Systems
Gardens designed by traditional landscape designers often requires ongoing inputs (fertilizers, herbicides, etc…) to maintain their appearance. Fundamentals like soil biology are often ignored, and spaces like neatly mowed lawns create ecological deserts. They may often require regular, often costly, maintenance.
Designed to evolve and improve over time, permaculture landscape designs put things like soil health front and centre for greater longevity. Permaculture gardens often require far fewer inputs and less maintenance, which means you should spend less money and time on your garden long-term.
Sustainable Water Management
Many landscape designs today are unfortunately made without any thought about water conservation. Drains, irrigation systems and planting plans may be incorporated that do not make for sustainable water management.
In permaculture design, there is a focus on how water is used. Designs often centre around methods to catch water and keep it around. There is often incorporation of rainwater harvesting, for example, earthworks for water infiltration, and other water saving ideas such as greywater reuse are also often seen in permaculture designs.
Plant Selection – Permaculture Vs Conventional Landscape Design
While one would like to hope that landscape designers all know how to select the right plants for the right places. Sadly, however, this is not always the case, and plants that are not particularly appropriate are shoehorned in.
Many conventional landscape designers may use ornamental, exotic, or high-maintenance plants which, even when broadly suited to the situation, may not be the best choices when creating a more holistic design.
Permaculture design emphasizes native, edible, and multi-functional plants. Not only are the right plants chosen for the right places, but thought is also given to how plants combine to create functional ecosystems. We look beyond individual plant selection to delve deeper into the interconnections between all the plants and animals and other elements within a space.
EWSP Consultancy 