Sustainable Irrigation & Water Management

Whether you are dealing with high rainfall or drought, a boggy site prone to flooding, or land that becomes parched and dry, managing water effectively and sustainably is crucial to long-term success. If you have not thought much about water on your property then you are in a fortunate position. Increasing numbers are now havingContinue reading “Sustainable Irrigation & Water Management”

Growing Food Indoors & Undercover

As a garden designer, I have worked with clients to grow food in an amazing range of situations. Typical gardens are not the only option for food cultivation. There are so many other places where food can be grown – from polytunnels or greenhouses, to rooftops, balconies, or interior spaces in homes, restaurants, offices, businessContinue reading “Growing Food Indoors & Undercover”

Community Orchard Permaculture Design

A local community group in England approached me to create a plan for a community orchard that they wished to create on a brownfield and scrub site adjacent to their existing car park and community building. Community Hub and Community Orchard Design The creation of the concept plan involved collaboration with several local societies andContinue reading “Community Orchard Permaculture Design”

Summer Solstice – Design Reflections for the Longest Day

In the northern hemisphere, the summer solstice marks a moment of profound significance — the sun reaches its highest point in the sky, and we enjoy the longest day of the year. For millennia, people have celebrated this turning point, recognising it as a time of abundance, growth, and potential. But beyond its cultural andContinue reading “Summer Solstice – Design Reflections for the Longest Day”

Maine Permaculture Design: Sustainable Food Production & Ecosystem Restoration

This is my design for a property of approximately 2 – 2.5 acres in Maine, USDA zone 5a. Like many of my designs, the starting point for this project was the desire of the property owners to increase the amount of food that they grow for themselves and their neighbours. They were also excited toContinue reading “Maine Permaculture Design: Sustainable Food Production & Ecosystem Restoration”

Shared Garden Design: Landscape Design for Sustainable Shared Spaces

Shared gardens can often be challenging and underutilised spaces. But even when people do not agree on every detail, a space can still serve to meet multiple needs while also being a boon to local wildlife. This design for a client in Glasgow, Scotland, aims to overcome the challenges of this largely shaded shared garden.Continue reading “Shared Garden Design: Landscape Design for Sustainable Shared Spaces”

Beyond Conventional Landscape Design – Why Choose Permaculture Design?

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 landscapeContinue reading “Beyond Conventional Landscape Design – Why Choose Permaculture Design?”

Garden Design Tip: Value Other ‘Gardeners’ in Your Outside Space

I am the main human gardener on our property, but I am far from being the only one who does things and makes choices that influence what happens in the garden. One important thing that human gardeners need to remember is that they are not gardening alone. Any human gardener is just one of aContinue reading “Garden Design Tip: Value Other ‘Gardeners’ in Your Outside Space”

London Landscape Design – Sustainable Design for a Steeply Sloping Family Garden

This design aims to make the most of this sloping site in South East London, while creating a biodiverse, ecologically complex, beautiful and productive family space. The design aims to incorporate plenty of wildlife-friendly and child-friendly features while also ensuring effective and efficient water management and diverse food production for a resilient and sustainable wayContinue reading “London Landscape Design – Sustainable Design for a Steeply Sloping Family Garden”

Iowa Permaculture Design – Food Production & Restoration

This plan for a property in Iowa aims to provide relatively low-maintenance but highly productive food producing habitat for humans, and wildlife, including deer as an additional wild food source. It aims to boost biodiversity and improve the health of natural ecosystems on the site. The site is within an ecoregion where a mosaic ofContinue reading “Iowa Permaculture Design – Food Production & Restoration”