Whether you are celebrating with a loved one, or spending time alone – I hope you are having a good day. My husband and I have had a quiet day. We went down to the local farm shop and have had a lovely meal. Other than that, we’ve just spent a little time in theContinue reading “Happy Valentine’s Day”
Author Archives: Elizabeth Waddington
Case Study: Simple Homestead Permaculture Design
This case study shows my recent design for a family homestead in Willamette Valley, Oregon. This is a fertile agricultural area, where a wide range of crops are grown. The site is currently predominantly pasture land. Though historically vegetable crops were grown on part of the site, it has become neglected in recent years. ToContinue reading “Case Study: Simple Homestead Permaculture Design”
What is a Polyculture and Why Create One?
A polyculture is a diverse companion planting scheme which incorporates a number of carefully chosen plants. In your garden, it is important to avoid mono-cropping. Just as on a farm, mono-cropping in a garden can increase the likelihood of pests and disease taking hold. And when you plant just potatoes in one bed, for example,Continue reading “What is a Polyculture and Why Create One?”
Improve Your Home Work Space – The Sustainable Way
As someone who has worked from home for years, I know how important it is to have a suitable spot to spend your working hours. But I know that many people who started working from home during the pandemic have struggled to create a space that really works for them. Today, I thought I wouldContinue reading “Improve Your Home Work Space – The Sustainable Way”
Reasons To Create a Pond On Your Property
Most people are very aware of the benefits of attracting wildlife to their gardens or farms. One of the very best ways to attract beneficial wildlife in many temperate climate locations is to make a wildlife pond. No matter how large or small your garden may be, you could create a small pond for wildlife.Continue reading “Reasons To Create a Pond On Your Property”
Have You Started Sowing Yet?
Winter is, of course, still in full flow. But here though there is snow on the ground outside – actually quite a few inches – I have quite a few seeds germinating and seeds growing on my windowsills. Some will stay indoors for quite some time. While others will head out into the polytunnel someContinue reading “Have You Started Sowing Yet?”
Bring Colour and Cheer to Your Garden
Most of us have had a difficult year, and are surrounded by uncertainty. But having a garden means we have the opportunity to shape our immediate environment to bring some cheer. Obviously, as a permaculture designer, I know that there are many other things that a garden can provide. But sometimes, it is nice toContinue reading “Bring Colour and Cheer to Your Garden”
The Importance of Soil – Whether You Garden or Not
Whether you are a gardener or not, soil is essential for you. Globally, we treat soil like dirt. But soil is vital to our lives, and in dismissing it, we fail to recognise the important role it plays in safeguarding our future. We abuse and neglect it at our peril. Most people are fully awareContinue reading “The Importance of Soil – Whether You Garden or Not”
Case Study: Ecuador Permaculture Plan
This plan is for a (largely) self-sufficient farm in the Carchi Province in the north of Ecuador. The site is around 13.3 acres (53879.50 m2), and is situated in the Mira Canton at an elevation of between 2200 and 2215m. The site is currently used to grow corn, and large greenhouses are used to growContinue reading “Case Study: Ecuador Permaculture Plan”
Sustainable Tourism Requires Sustainable Communities
Though we are still in lockdown at the moment, people are looking ahead. Those involved in the tourism industry, and those with an interest in eco travel are considering the future. Not just ‘return to normal’ – but how we can implement a green recovery. There is a growing awareness that tourism and travel inContinue reading “Sustainable Tourism Requires Sustainable Communities”