Our Individual Choices Can Perpetuate Problems or Work Towards Good

It is easy to feel helpless in today’s world – shifted by political tides, our changing climate, and other factors which can sometimes feel beyond our control. But while, often, we may struggle to see how we can truly change things for the better, it is always so important to remember that as individuals, weContinue reading “Our Individual Choices Can Perpetuate Problems or Work Towards Good”

Case Study: Terraced Forest Garden Permaculture Design

This case study shows the preliminary concept design for a challenging garden with extreme slope in south western England. Existing retaining walls on a steep slope to the north and north east of the existing home are failing, insufficient and in poor repair. There are concerns that damage could occur to the home. Existing plantingContinue reading “Case Study: Terraced Forest Garden Permaculture Design”

We Stand Together

These are dark and disturbing times. I’ve thought for a while about what I wanted to say about the tragic atrocities the Russian military is currently perpetrating on the people of Ukraine. While, living elsewhere we can sleep well, without threat, in our homes and plan our spring gardens, I am sure I speak forContinue reading “We Stand Together”

Case Study: Cambodian Project

This month has been a little different to many for me because rather than working on a number of smaller designs, I have predominantly been working on the next stage of the large project in Cambodia which I shared before. Above, you can see a portion of the planting plans for the North Valley areasContinue reading “Case Study: Cambodian Project”

Making a Living From Land

Many homesteaders, smallholders and hobby farmers dream of making a living from the land they tend. For some, a higher level of self-sufficiency is the only goal. But others dream of turning their property into a successful business. Seeking Solutions for Land Through my consultancy and design work, I can provide help to my clientsContinue reading “Making a Living From Land”

Case Study: Community Potager

Not many of us, I think, would be generous enough to give over our own private gardens to community growing. But that is exactly what the client for the design shown above wishes to do. While they wish to grow food for themselves, they also want to create a space to grow as much foodContinue reading “Case Study: Community Potager”

Land Ownership and Land Access

As a designer, I usually work with those who have been fortunate enough to purchase land. But I also work with communities and groups who are overcoming the challenges of access to land and providing what essentially becomes common land for the benefit of all. This is something I feel very passionate about. Land ownershipContinue reading “Land Ownership and Land Access”

Case Study: Cape Town, South Africa Permaculture Design

This is a quick overall concept plan I have created for a small suburban property of c. 495 sq m (mostly built on) in Cape Town, South Africa. Of course, this does not include all the planting detail, but serves to show the overall intention and as a point for feedback and discussion before moreContinue reading “Case Study: Cape Town, South Africa Permaculture Design”

Getting Back to the Roots

I recently wrote a brief article for Treehugger: Why We Should Think About Roots. In this piece, I look a quick look at why it is so important to delve deeper, both when thinking about gardens and garden design, and when trying to live a sustainable life in general. We can learn a lot fromContinue reading “Getting Back to the Roots”

Case Study: Connecticut Permaculture Design

This is a design for the garden of a family home in Connecticut, USDA zone 6. The goal was to create a design which maximised food production while also giving visual beauty, benefit to local wildlife, zones for recreation, and plenty of space for children to play. This garden is for a family of seven,Continue reading “Case Study: Connecticut Permaculture Design”