Utility and Beauty in a Permaculture Home

“If you want a golden rule that will fit everything, this is it: Have nothing in your houses that you do not know to be useful or believe to be beautiful.” William Morris. In my mind, everything in your home should be useful or beautiful – ideally both. In permaculture, we think carefully about every elementContinue reading “Utility and Beauty in a Permaculture Home”

Where the Wildwood Went

The wildwood is a term used by historical geographers to describe Britain’s dominant landscape type when there were not yet managed, distinct areas of ‘greenwood’ but just one massive, uncultivated, untamed woodland/ forest ecosystem.  We began to see the destruction of the British wildwood far earlier than many people imagine – from the very earliestContinue reading “Where the Wildwood Went”

Trees – Worth More in Growth Than When Felled

Those making money from growing trees often tend to view their stands in financial terms. They often define value based on the financial profits that can be gained by felling those trees for, for example, timber, pulp or fuel. But to transition to a more sustainable future, we need to begin seeing that trees areContinue reading “Trees – Worth More in Growth Than When Felled”

Fruit Trees For a Temperate Climate

As I watch the fruits ripen on the trees in our own forest garden, I thought this would be a good time to explore the various fruit tree options for a temperate climate garden. Of course, the best trees for your own specific garden will depend on: Your climate zone and the micro-climate in yourContinue reading “Fruit Trees For a Temperate Climate”

Growing Nuts in Your Garden

Nuts can be an excellent source of plant-based nutrition, of course. When choosing trees or shrubs for your garden, it is worthwhile thinking about nuts as well as about fruits. The options available to you will of course depend on where you live. In my climate zone and on my property , there is aContinue reading “Growing Nuts in Your Garden”

Planning a Protein-Providing Garden

One of the key things to think about when trying to live a more sustainable life is where the protein in your diet comes from. One key strategy for reducing your carbon footprint is to eat less meat. Whether you give up animal-derived altogether or source only local, sustainable meat and dairy, plant-based protein sourcesContinue reading “Planning a Protein-Providing Garden”

Preparing For the Apple Harvest

The apples on the trees in our forest garden are ripening nicely. We have several different varieties that were already established by the time we arrived here five years ago. Since we moved in here, I’ve worked to create understory planting. We’ve also adapted strategies to manage and make full use of all the applesContinue reading “Preparing For the Apple Harvest”

How Trees Are Used in Garden Design

Following on from yesterday’s brief piece on how trees are useful to us, I thought I would take a little time to explore some of the ways that trees can actually be used in garden design. Trees can be used in almost any garden, no matter how large or small. Even in a tiny garden,Continue reading “How Trees Are Used in Garden Design”

Why Trees Are So Important

In my design work, and in my own life in general, trees play a very important role. Most people are of course well aware of the role trees play on our planet in regards to the carbon cycle. But have you really considered all the many ways in which trees improve our environment and makeContinue reading “Why Trees Are So Important”

Permaculture Zoning Outside and in the Home

Permaculture designs often focus on time, and how frequently the humans of the system will visit the various elements and areas of it. Zone one is used designated to the most frequently visited places. Somewhat less frequently visited areas are zone two. After which there may be further zones, radiating out the wild zones outwithContinue reading “Permaculture Zoning Outside and in the Home”