Elizabeth Waddington

Embracing Uncertainty

As a permaculture designer, I am often asked to bring order to ideas, and come up with plans designed to keep chaos at bay. By implementing the principles of permaculture design, we can bring a certain order to systems and make sure that they meet the central ethics and sore ideals of the movement. ButContinue reading “Embracing Uncertainty”

Vote With Permaculture Ethics in Mind

Obviously I am not in the US. I am Scottish and live in Scotland. But today, as US citizens who have not already cast their votes head to the polls. I am minded to make mention of something that is very important to me personally, and to us all. Often, we get mired down inContinue reading “Vote With Permaculture Ethics in Mind”

The Amazing World of Earth Worms

Often, we forget just what a teeming world exists below the soil in our gardens. No matter what sort of gardens we have, we are aided in our efforts by a wide range of creatures. Earth worms are one of our most valuable garden helpers. But they are a humble creature that we often overlook.Continue reading “The Amazing World of Earth Worms”

Connect and Thrive

Everything in nature is connected. While we, as humans, often have a tendency to compartmentalise, permaculture involves seeing everything holistically. We must understand the connections between elements in every system, and use and value diversity. We must recognise natural interactions and use them to our advantage. When we connect – both to other people andContinue reading “Connect and Thrive”

Case Study: Terraced Site

This plan is for a domestic property in Port Townsend, Washington. The Site The property is in USDA planting zone 8b. The frost-free period is typically 225-250 days. The area typically has lower precipitation than is usual for the state. There are typically around 21 inches per year of rainfall, and 2.1 inches of snow.Continue reading “Case Study: Terraced Site”

Planting for Soil Stabilisation on a Slope

Yesterday, I mentioned swales and terracing for water control. These landscape features often used in permaculture design manage water flow. By preventing water run-off, they can also aid in reducing erosion. But in addition to these earthworks, soil stabilisation on a slope also involves thinking carefully about planting. In permaculture, earthworks and planting cannot beContinue reading “Planting for Soil Stabilisation on a Slope”

Managing Water Flow in Permaculture Design

In permaculture, one of the basic design principles is use and value renewable resources. One of the most vital natural resources we have is fresh water. Permaculture approaches to all facets of life must take into account the pathways of fresh water. Those designing sustainable landscapes and food producing systems must think about how freshContinue reading “Managing Water Flow in Permaculture Design”

Tips for an Existing Community Garden

Inspired by a recent outreach, I thought I would take some time to talk a little about community gardens. Community gardens are a wonderful thing. Whether they are on public land, brown field sites, local authority spaces, school playgrounds, beside a church, or other community space, they can make a big difference in a community.Continue reading “Tips for an Existing Community Garden”

Ecosystem Restoration and Community Development Must Go Hand in Hand

I’ve been working on an ongoing project in Somalia, and this has led me to think a lot about the fact that, all too often, efforts in conservation and ecosystem restoration are divorced from efforts in the social and economic spheres. We often talk about the fact that economic sustainability involves looking at the environmentalContinue reading “Ecosystem Restoration and Community Development Must Go Hand in Hand”

Passive Solar Design – Protecting Plants in Winter

Passive solar design is an important strategy in designing an undercover growing area, as well as a home. It can help you create an area where you can successfully grow crops all year round. A greenhouse can dramatically extend the length of your growing season. It can also make it possible for you to growContinue reading “Passive Solar Design – Protecting Plants in Winter”