Welcome
Read on to learn more about permaculture, sustainability and what I do.
Big Data is Not Always Bad
After writing this brief piece recently for Treehugger: Using Data and Citizen Science for Gardening Success I’ve been thinking more about ‘big data’ and both the challenges and opportunities wide scale data gathering can bring. We tend to think of ‘big data’ in negative terms – as a tool used against us rather than somethingContinue reading “Big Data is Not Always Bad”
Case Study: Glamping Site
This permaculture design details planting and layout for a glamping site in Angus, Scotland. The site slopes gently down from the road towards a burn on the south east boundary of the site. Four camping cabins are planned, which will overlook the burn and neighbouring farm fields. As you can see from the plan above,Continue reading “Case Study: Glamping Site”
Thinking About Interior Design
Tonight I have been spending some time thinking about interior design. As a permaculture designer, I usually think more about gardens – most of my creative energy goes into outside spaces. But since we have been working on our barn conversion, I have been thinking more about the inside of what will be our foreverContinue reading “Thinking About Interior Design”
Companion Planting Tips
First of all, it is important to note that much of the companion planting advice given online has little scientific basis. While there are undoubtedly benefits to combining certain plants, the ways in which plants interact with one another are surprisingly sketchily understood. So take advice like ‘X loves Y’ with a grain of salt.Continue reading “Companion Planting Tips”
5 Spring DIY Projects For the Kitchen Garden
There is plenty to be getting on with in the garden as spring arrives. Sometimes, as spring rushes in, it can be a little overwhelming. But whether you are already a keen gardener, or are starting an organic garden for the first time, a DIY project can focus the mind ready for spring planting. I’veContinue reading “5 Spring DIY Projects For the Kitchen Garden”
Prepping is Not About Doom and Gloom
Preparing for catastrophe, or prepping as it is often known has a bad rep. Many people, when they hear the term, think of survivalists stockpiling canned goods in their well-armed bunkers. But preparing for catastrophe, as I explain in this recent article about preparing for catastrophe in a permaculture garden, is not about fear-mongering orContinue reading “Prepping is Not About Doom and Gloom”
Growing Brassicas
Those who already grow their own in a temperate climate will no doubt be familiar with brassicas – members of the cabbage family. These crops are important ones in temperate climates, and are often an important crop family in annual gardens. Where I live, March is the time to sow a range of Brassica plantsContinue reading “Growing Brassicas”
Using Wood Chip in the Garden
Wood chip is a useful material in the garden. And after spending quite a lot of time this weekend shredding pruned branches etc. and spreading some to refresh some paths around our property, I thought I’d share this link to an article a wrote just over a year ago about how to use this inContinue reading “Using Wood Chip in the Garden”
Case Study: Agroforestry in Aberdeenshire
This agroforestry plan is for a site in Aberdeenshire, Scotland. The site is currently a grass field, with rough turf cover on humus-rich podzols. This field adjoins a small garden area and existing home. This plan is designed to make full use of this area, with an integrated agroforestry system which will ultimately include chickensContinue reading “Case Study: Agroforestry in Aberdeenshire”
Garden Plans for the Weekend
What are you doing in your garden this weekend? It is good to have some kind of a plan in place – jobs you’d like to get round to – even if things do not quite turn out as planned. Of course, the garden jobs this week will depend very much on where you live.Continue reading “Garden Plans for the Weekend”
First Vaccine Dose and Feeling Fine
I do not know how many of you have yet been fortunate enough to receive your first Covid 19 vaccination. But if any of you are going to get your vaccine soon, I thought I would write a brief post to reassure you. I went yesterday evening to our local vaccination point. It was aContinue reading “First Vaccine Dose and Feeling Fine”
Reasons To Start Vermicomposting
Vermicomposting is composting with the help of special worms. But why is composting with worms such a good idea? Why should we choose vermicomposting rather than a different type of composting system? For Quick & Successful Compost Creation Setting up a wormery and enlisting wriggling helpers to aid in composting can speed up the processContinue reading “Reasons To Start Vermicomposting”
Camping or Glamping Sites
I am about to start work on a new permaculture design project, and it has got me thinking about camping and glamping sites in general. Offering sustainable accommodation on your property is one other way to diversify your income streams and make money from your land. A well designed site is not just an opportunityContinue reading “Camping or Glamping Sites”
Choosing Ground Cover For Silvo-Pasture Systems
Silvo pasture is a great strategy for sustainable livestock farming. It simply involves integrating trees into pasture landscape design. The trees may be orchard trees which provide additional yields from the land. Or they may be native trees chosen to enrich the soil, boost biodiversity, or simply to provide shade for the livestock below. ManyContinue reading “Choosing Ground Cover For Silvo-Pasture Systems”
Zero Waste Gardening For Beginners
In your garden, as in your home, it is important to think about how you can minimise waste. Zero waste is about what we buy for use in our gardens. But it is also about how we use our gardens to minimise the amount we consume from the outside world, and the waste we generateContinue reading “Zero Waste Gardening For Beginners”
Case Study: Family Garden Planting Plan
This is a portion of a recent project in Georgia, US, that might be of interest to some other home gardeners. This was a suggested design for polyculture beds to maximise productivity in an area of approximately 60 x 30ft. The goal was to produce plenty of annual/biennial crops in addition to cut flowers forContinue reading “Case Study: Family Garden Planting Plan”
Creating a Garden For Mental Health
There are many reasons why gardening and growing your own are good for you. Growing your own food can help you eat more healthily, and get some gentle exercise perhaps. But gardening is also extremely good for mind as well as body. It can help you improve the state of your mental health. Growing yourContinue reading “Creating a Garden For Mental Health”
Global Risks and Risk Mitigation
Though I usually prefer to focus on the positive, and constructive solutions, forewarned is fore-armed. We need to know what risks we face in order to be able to find a safe and sustainable pathway forwards. Global preparedness is key. The WEF’s Global Risks Report makes for a sobering read. But it is important toContinue reading “Global Risks and Risk Mitigation”
What a Permaculture Eco Village Should Achieve
Following on from yesterday’s post, I thought it might be helpful to talk about the goals of a permaculture eco village. In addition to adhering to the core ethics and principles of permaculture, a permaculture eco village should: Allow and enable co-operation in various enterprises and associations. Provide for the material needs of inhabitants. (Food,Continue reading “What a Permaculture Eco Village Should Achieve”
Village Creation in Permaculture
One of the ways in which permaculture seeks to create a co-operative paradigm and upholds permaculture ethics is through creating communities. When like-minded people congregate geographically, they are better able to meet their own basic needs in ways which are consistent with a permaculture way of life, and benefit from collaboration and the pooling ofContinue reading “Village Creation in Permaculture”
The Trilemma of the World Economy – A Permaculture Perspective
Today, I thought it would be interesting to take a look at how permaculture seeks to reconcile the three pillars of globalisation, the idea of the nation state, and democracy. This question is sometimes framed as a political ‘trilemma’. It is argued that we cannot have all three at once, but can only have twoContinue reading “The Trilemma of the World Economy – A Permaculture Perspective”
Happy Valentine’s Day
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”
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”
Choosing a New Home – A Permaculture Approach
If you are looking for a new home, sustainability might not be the first thing on your mind. But it can be helpful to approach the problem from a permaculture perspective. The right home can have all the ingredients you need for a more sustainable, ethical and eco-friendly way of life. But choosing the wrongContinue reading “Choosing a New Home – A Permaculture Approach”
Analysing Risk In Sustainability
Analysing what could go wrong is a major part of planning for a sustainable future. When it comes to our climate crisis, much of the planning we must do revolves around understanding future risks and making plans to avoid them where possible, and mitigate their effects where we cannot. There are many shocks that canContinue reading “Analysing Risk In Sustainability”
Growing Cities – Bridging the Gulf Between Urban and Rural
Around the world, cities are growing. This puts immense pressure on resources and requires a re-think of cityscapes to accommodate, provide for the food, energy and water needs of urban inhabitants. But the pressures inherent to growing cities does not only put strain on the cities themselves, but also poses a potential threat in risingContinue reading “Growing Cities – Bridging the Gulf Between Urban and Rural”
Travel the World Without Leaving Home
Whole worlds are accessible without even stepping out of your front door. While obviously our physical movement is curtailed right now, that does not mean we are limited in where we can travel in our minds, and in today’s hyperconnected world, there are new ways of finding inspiration right there our living rooms. Thinking aboutContinue reading “Travel the World Without Leaving Home”
Sustainable Valentine’s Day Ideas
Valentine’s Day should not be about store-bought cards, chocolates shipped halfway across the world, and hot-house flowers. It should be about simply spending some quality time with the one you love. Sustainable Valentine’s Day date ideas are often those which allow you to reject things in favour of experiences. Whether you are enjoying the firstContinue reading “Sustainable Valentine’s Day Ideas”
Case Study: Woodland Craft Community
In this permaculture design, you can see the overall plan for a planned community in the UK. The goal is for a group of three households to come together to create a community based around woodland restoration, wood craft and the use and sale of non-timber forest products. Part of the site is already denselyContinue reading “Case Study: Woodland Craft Community”
How To Make Bench Bed Edging For a Raised Bed
Making a bench bed edging for a raised bed can be one way to make the most of your space for food production and relaxation. So here are some potential ideas to help you create this type of raised bed edging: Create A Bench Seat From Reclaimed Timber One simple way to make bench seatingContinue reading “How To Make Bench Bed Edging For a Raised Bed”
Tips For Small Space Gardeners
Those who were interested by my last case study may also be interested in this article I wrote for those who are tackling the problem of lack of space: How To Get the Most From a Small Garden Of course, my goal here is not to give a ‘one size fits all’ solution, but ratherContinue reading “Tips For Small Space Gardeners”
The Importance of Pioneer Trees
I’ve spoken a lot before on this site about the vital role that trees play in permaculture design and ecosystem restoration. But some of you may be interested in this recent article I wrote outlining the basics of pioneer trees. The Importance of Pioneer Trees for Forest Gardens and Other Purposes Trees are always onContinue reading “The Importance of Pioneer Trees”
Overcoming Obstacles in a Kitchen Garden – A Few Examples
One of the key roles of permaculture is showing how, by following certain ethics and principles, we can work towards overcoming obstacles – in food production and in other areas of our lives. Today, as many work towards creating their kitchen garden, or making a plan for the coming year, I thought it might beContinue reading “Overcoming Obstacles in a Kitchen Garden – A Few Examples”
Additional Elements For a Food Producing Garden
For a typical food producing garden, creating the growing area or areas will be top of the agenda. But this month, as you are planning your new food producing garden, it could be helpful to think about other elements you should include. In addition to creating an area in your garden where you can growContinue reading “Additional Elements For a Food Producing Garden”
Garden Seating Area Ideas for Outdoors Living
Those of us who love the natural world will always seek to spend as much time outdoors in our gardens as we can – even during the coldest months. So today, I thought I would take some time to discuss a few sustainable garden ideas for outdoors living – projects that we might like toContinue reading “Garden Seating Area Ideas for Outdoors Living”
Case Study: Small Space Garden
If you do not have much space, it is more important than ever to make the most of every inch. In this simple case study you can see my quick design for a small yard area of only around 8.5 sq m, sandwiched between a house and the pavement on the intersection of two streetsContinue reading “Case Study: Small Space Garden”
Do You Need a Greenhouse or Polytunnel?
If you are new to growing your own, and plan on creating a new food producing garden, one thing that you might be thinking about is whether you need a greenhouse or polytunnel. The answer, of course, will depend on your specific situation and needs. But in many temperate climate situations, I would most definitelyContinue reading “Do You Need a Greenhouse or Polytunnel?”
Sustainable Food Hubs – Why We Need Them and The Role You Could Play
Our current food system needs to be overhauled. Farmers and food producers will not need to be told that their efforts are often currently hugely undervalued. Environmentalists will no doubt be well aware of the problems inherent in current agricultural and food systems. Those living in food deserts will already know well the injustice inherentContinue reading “Sustainable Food Hubs – Why We Need Them and The Role You Could Play”
Beyond Profit and Financial Cost – Looking at Real Value
When it comes to economics, profit has historically been king. But one of the things that we all have to learn, as a global society, is that real value does not lie in financial profit and endless growth. We need to learn to look at the cost of things not just in terms of money,Continue reading “Beyond Profit and Financial Cost – Looking at Real Value”
Why Choose Heritage Seeds?
At this time of year, many gardeners are turning their attention to ordering seeds to sow in spring. So I thought this could be a good time to talk briefly about why it is a good idea to grow heritage seeds. Heritage seeds are seeds which have been bred, often over a long period ofContinue reading “Why Choose Heritage Seeds?”
How Large Should a Beginner Garden Be?
If you are new to growing your own, you might be contemplating creating a sustainable food producing garden for the first time this year. Many people feel a little overwhelmed when they start to consider creating a garden to grow their own for the first time. But it is important to recognise that gardens comeContinue reading “How Large Should a Beginner Garden Be?”
Market Gardening Tips
Making money is, of course, not the be all and end all. Permaculture food production can add value in many, more important ways. When trying to work out the value a permaculture scheme can add, it is important not to only think about money. It is also important to consider the environmental and social valueContinue reading “Market Gardening Tips”
Case Study: Market Garden Permaculture Design
This is a design for a 1/2 acre market garden. As you might expect, the primary goal for this design is to grow a range of edible produce for household use and for sale. One challenge is that the site is not grid connected, so water and energy were top priorities. This design is aContinue reading “Case Study: Market Garden Permaculture Design”
Energy Generation in Permaculture Plans
If you are making a plan for your garden, homestead or farm site, food production is likely to be your primary concern. But before you commit to creating your designs, it could be a good idea to think about how you might be able to integrate energy generation. In permaculture, of course, we always tryContinue reading “Energy Generation in Permaculture Plans”
A Few Simple Tips For Kitchen Garden Layout
If you liked my post from yesterday, you may also be interested in this other recent article that I wrote for Treehugger: The Kitchen Garden: Layout Tips and Ideas This piece is less about the details of bed shape and configuration, and planting schemes, and more about a few simple tips and ideas that canContinue reading “A Few Simple Tips For Kitchen Garden Layout”
Kitchen Garden Layout Ideas
At this time of year, you might be thinking about creating a new kitchen garden. You might be thinking about improving the layout of the garden you already have. There are, of course, plenty of different ideas to consider. In this article: 7 Vegetable Garden Layout Ideas to Grow More Food in Less Space IContinue reading “Kitchen Garden Layout Ideas”
Findings From My Forest Garden
I recently wrote an article for Treehugger: Findings From My 5-Year Old Forest Garden. This is just a few simple observations from experience that may help others as they move to create and improve their own forest gardens where they live. While there is nothing earth shattering, the idea of this article was to discussContinue reading “Findings From My Forest Garden”
Catching Snow Melt in Your Garden
The snow that we had here has now almost entirely gone. The temperatures are much higher. And all that snow melt from our roof now means that the rainwater harvesting barrels are full. I thought this could be a good time to talk about catching snow melt in your garden – to help you makeContinue reading “Catching Snow Melt in Your Garden”
Snow and Frost in the Forest Garden
The forest garden does not, perhaps, look at its best at this time of the year. Nor is it at its most productive. But there is a beauty to the garden in the winter too. Here are few pictures I took on Friday night, to capture the snowy scene before it all melts, as itContinue reading “Snow and Frost in the Forest Garden”
Case Study: Oregon Permaculture Garden
The primary goals for this permaculture design were to create a plan that would allow the residents of this historic property in coastal Oregon to grow food and other resources for themselves and guests that they will welcome onto the site in a sustainable way. The goal was also to create a garden that couldContinue reading “Case Study: Oregon Permaculture Garden”
Growing Your Own – Is Forest Gardening Right For You?
When most people think about growing their own, they think first about growing annual crops. Most people think of food production, it involves growing a range of common fruits and vegetables in kitchen gardens, in the ground, in raised beds, or in containers. But as those who are familiar with forest gardening will know, theseContinue reading “Growing Your Own – Is Forest Gardening Right For You?”
Keeping Focus on Sustainability
The pandemic, assaults on democracy, division and discord: there are plenty of things that can make it difficult to focus on sustainability. But the changes we must have are sweeping and urgent, and it is important that we remain dedicated to positive change. One might imagine that environmental concerns would fade in face of otherContinue reading “Keeping Focus on Sustainability”
Creating Garden Rooms in a Permaculture Design
Garden rooms are a ‘trendy’ feature of modern garden design. The idea basically involves compartmentalising a garden into a series of outdoors rooms. This helps blend the inside and outside of your home. It makes it easier to properly make use of the whole of the space available, and can allow you to play withContinue reading “Creating Garden Rooms in a Permaculture Design”
Sowing Tomatoes and Peppers Indoors
In a cool climate, sowing tomatoes and peppers indoors is often one of the first sowing jobs of the gardening year. Sowing these summer crops when we are still in the depths of winter might sound a little odd. But in areas with a short growing season, getting sowing soon can allow you to makeContinue reading “Sowing Tomatoes and Peppers Indoors”
Can You Design Your Own Garden?
As a permaculture garden designer, I have created designs for many gardens. But I am also happy to help others to design their own gardens. I believe that when it comes down to the question of whether or not professional help is required, it is important to take a case-by-case approach. I often get theContinue reading “Can You Design Your Own Garden?”
Back To Work
Tomorrow morning I will be getting back to work after my break for the festive season. My husband and I have been working on our barn conversion for the last week, and our slow project is coming along well. But I am now ready and excited to get back to work on a number ofContinue reading “Back To Work”
How To Plan Properly For Sustainable Living
New Year’s resolutions are a good place to start when trying to create a green living plan. It’s good to have goals, as they will set the direction in which you wish to go. But goals are not the be all and end all. I’m sure many of you have started a year with veryContinue reading “How To Plan Properly For Sustainable Living”
10 Resolutions for a More Sustainable 2021
Happy New Year! This is a great time to retrench, and confirm your commitment to a more sustainable way of life. So to get things started on the right foot, here are ten sustainable new year’s resolutions you may wish to consider: Grow at least some of your own food at home. Make sure foodContinue reading “10 Resolutions for a More Sustainable 2021”
What Needs To Change in 2021
As we reach the end of this difficult year, we need to look back and look forward. We need to think about what needs to change. By looking back over what has gone wrong, and what we could all do better, we can begin to not just rebuild, but to forge the future we wantContinue reading “What Needs To Change in 2021”
Five Areas To Focus On For Sustainability
As we approach the end of the year, I thought that I would write a little list for those who want to live in a greener, more ethical and more sustainable way in 2021. Of course, there are plenty of small steps that we can all take to care for people and planet. But ifContinue reading “Five Areas To Focus On For Sustainability”
Learning Lessons from 2020
2020 has of course been a very difficult year for many. But adversity always brings with it the potential to learn and grow. By looking back at all of our experiences, positive and negative, over the last year, we can develop strategies for a better future – for ourselves and our families, and for theContinue reading “Learning Lessons from 2020”
Midwinter Harvests
Though food may be less varied over the winter months, there is still quite a lot that can be harvested in my midwinter garden. Though there have been a few cold days with heavy frosts recently, there are still some yields to harvest outdoors. Kale, cabbage, sorrel and a few other leafy greens… In theContinue reading “Midwinter Harvests”
The History and Evolution of Sustainability
Though the word sustainability has come to prominence in recent years, the concept is nothing new. The concept has been around as long as people have been concerned about the future of resources. The idea that we must take care over the basic resources – food, water, energy – that provide our most basic needsContinue reading “The History and Evolution of Sustainability”
Giving – Charity for Sustainability
One of the theories for the origins of the term Boxing Day is that this was the day when alms or charitable boxes were traditionally distributed. I thought this might be a good time to talk about the role that charity or giving can play in furthering sustainability. Today is that day that I likeContinue reading “Giving – Charity for Sustainability”
Zero Waste Christmas Dinner
You may well have already bought in the food you need for your Christmas dinner and other meals over the festive period. Zero waste begins with what you choose to buy in the first place. But it does not end there. As you enjoy the holiday period with your family, I hope that everyone willContinue reading “Zero Waste Christmas Dinner”
Reassess Work/Life Balance for 2021
As many of us will shortly be taking a break over the festive season, I thought this would be a good time to talk briefly about work/life balance. Many people share the sense that work, worry about work, or pondering the future when it comes to our careers can be rather too consuming. It isContinue reading “Reassess Work/Life Balance for 2021”
Cultivate Kindness – Choose ‘Pleasant’ This Christmas
These are stressful times. This means that it has never been more important to cultivate kindness in all that you do. We often talk about care for other people when talking about sustainability. But all too often, people forget that small, simple acts of kindness on a daily basis are just as important as caringContinue reading “Cultivate Kindness – Choose ‘Pleasant’ This Christmas”
Choose the Right Candles This Christmas
Many of us like to bring a festive spirit to our homes over the festive period. Candles are an age-old way to bright light to the dark evenings. They are great to create a cosy ambiance inside, especially, I feel, at this time of year. But whether you are lighting candles in your own home,Continue reading “Choose the Right Candles This Christmas”
Case Study: Quick Ornamental Bed Plan
Just a quick and simple case study today. This was a plan I created for a client who already had a range of plants that they wished to place in an ornamental border, and wanted me to give them an idea of plant placing and arrangement. While I usually create full designs, I can alsoContinue reading “Case Study: Quick Ornamental Bed Plan”
A White Christmas? Preparing Your Garden For Snow
White Christmases are sadly pretty rare where I live. Though snow in winter is not hugely uncommon, we tend to get it in January or February if it comes at all, and it rarely lasts long. We do occasionally have much more of it, however, and when the forecast suggests that we might have aContinue reading “A White Christmas? Preparing Your Garden For Snow”
Tips For Sustainable Holiday Grocery Shopping
Whether getting together with loved ones this year or not, the holidays often see many people up their grocery spend. This is a time of year when many people like to indulge, and splash out on some edible treats. But as you head out to the shops, or order in your food, it is aContinue reading “Tips For Sustainable Holiday Grocery Shopping”
How Do We Fix Fragile Systems?
A fragile system is one which will break rather than bending. One which will fail to thrive when conditions get tough. One which cannot change and adapt to changing needs, but which is brittle and will not survive whatever the future brings. Fragile systems, both in the garden and in society, can be identified andContinue reading “How Do We Fix Fragile Systems?”
Simple Lavender Beeswax Balm
One way to live more sustainably is to make your own balms, soaps and other cleaning and beauty products. Making your own and taking a DIY approach obviously means that you will buy less (and won’t bring more packaging into your home. It also means that you will be able to avoid harmful or pollutingContinue reading “Simple Lavender Beeswax Balm”
Edible Succulents
Succulents are extremely popular. Keeping them as houseplants is very much on trend. But did you know that you can be part of this trend and the other growing trend of growing your own edible crops at one and the same time? Most succulents are kept purely for their ornamental value, and because they areContinue reading “Edible Succulents”
The Green School Movement
Following on from yesterday’s case study, I thought I would talk a little more about why it is so important consider education, and examine the green school or nature school as an alternative to the box ticking education so many children today are offered. The green school movement is all about making sure that childrenContinue reading “The Green School Movement”
Case Study: The NOWschool Permaculture Plan
This is a permaculture design for the NOWschool – a green and sustainable school planned in Utrecht, Netherlands. This is a project of sustainable businesswoman Juliette Schraauwers, who approached me to create a design for the school. This is a concept inspired by the Green School movement, which advocates an overhaul of our educational systems.Continue reading “Case Study: The NOWschool Permaculture Plan”
How a Garden Building Can Help You Live More Sustainably
In thinking about garden design, it is not always all about the plants. There are times when we may wish to add some kind of garden building to help us to live in a more sustainable way. A garden building constructed from reclaimed or sustainable materials can be a great choice in many gardens. HereContinue reading “How a Garden Building Can Help You Live More Sustainably”
Reasons to Dig in a ‘No Dig’ Garden
I’ve already spoken before on this site about the concept of a ‘no dig’ garden. In a no dig garden, the key is to create and manage growing areas so that we disturb the soil ecosystem as little as possible (and take steps to improve it). This involves strategies like making lasagna gardens, hugelkultur moundsContinue reading “Reasons to Dig in a ‘No Dig’ Garden”
Don’t Neglect the Shrub Layer in a Forest Garden
The shrub layer in a forest garden is one that is sometimes neglected in design. Those new to forest gardening often focus on the trees, then their attention leaps to the herbaceous layer. If they do think about the shrub layer at all, initially, people’s minds tend to leap to typical fruit bushes like gooseberriesContinue reading “Don’t Neglect the Shrub Layer in a Forest Garden”
Garden Jobs for December
December might not be the busiest month of the gardening year. But even in the deep mid winter, when most plants are dormant, there are still some things to do in your garden. Today, I thought I would give you a list of a few garden jobs that you might think about taking on thisContinue reading “Garden Jobs for December”
Rethinking Thistles
Many gardeners view thistles as problem weeds. But thistles (of several different varieties) can be extremely useful garden plants. There are lots of thistles where we live, but rather than trying to eradicate them entirely from cultivated areas, I consider them as a benefit and welcome them in my garden (at least to a degree).Continue reading “Rethinking Thistles”
Pest Control in an Organic Garden
Organic gardening is easier than many people imagine. But one thing that can take some work is pest control. It is, perhaps, the part of organic gardening most commonly misunderstood. It’s not primarily about finding organic alternatives to chemical pesticides. In an organic garden, pest control is not about eliminating or ridding ourselves of aContinue reading “Pest Control in an Organic Garden”
Case Study: Small-Space Haven
This permaculture plan aims to bring a sense of space, nature and freedom to the small space around the home (which is currently being constructed). It aims to combine organic, natural materials with diverse living plants to create a tranquil haven and make the small space seem larger and more filled with possibility. First ofContinue reading “Case Study: Small-Space Haven”
Power Cut and Snow – Building Resilience
Today we awoke a little late because the alarm clock did not go off. Looking out the window, we saw that it had snowed overnight – just a thin covering but enough to cause a few problems. We and lots of other households in our area are without power, and it will take them aContinue reading “Power Cut and Snow – Building Resilience”
Planting in December?
You might not think that there is much planting to do in December. And it certainly isn’t the busiest time of the year when it comes to home growing. But that does not mean that there is no sowing and planting you can do at all. One thing I like to do this month isContinue reading “Planting in December?”
Why Buy Produce Direct From Growers?
During the current health crisis, there has been a lot of talk about the vulnerability of supply chains. But one thing few people stop to ask themselves is why our supply chains are so long in the first place. In other words, why do we buy produce and products from around the globe when thereContinue reading “Why Buy Produce Direct From Growers?”
Zero Waste Ideas for Scrap Fabric
There are lots of ways to repurpose old clothes and turn them into something new, for yourself or for someone else. But some clothes do reach the point where they really are beyond saving. Just because clothes cannot be used for their original purpose any more, that does not mean that you have to throwContinue reading “Zero Waste Ideas for Scrap Fabric”
Planned Reuse on Our Barn Conversion Project
Since we are working on a barn conversion, we are living in the midst of rather a lot of reclaimed material. This means that things in our yard look rather a mess at the moment. But we definitely have plans to reuse as many of the old materials as possible. Above you can see someContinue reading “Planned Reuse on Our Barn Conversion Project”
The Forest Garden in November
The end of November might not be the most photogenic time in the forest garden, but there is still a lot going on. Though many of the leaves are off the trees, and things look a bit scrappy in places, there is still beauty, and also food to be found. A few little heads ofContinue reading “The Forest Garden in November”
Case Study: Looking at Greening the Desert in Somalia
The project is still to determine the exact land area that will be used for the ecosystem restoration camp. But this is a piece of land that is under consideration. This is some preliminary work I have done. The ins and outs of the design obviously require a lot more work. But I thought someContinue reading “Case Study: Looking at Greening the Desert in Somalia”
Home Growing and Personal Growth
Growing your own is not just about providing food for yourself and your family. It can also allow you to grow in a range of ways – some of them rather interesting and perhaps even surprising. Caring for plants and forging a closer connection with the natural world can make you grow as a personContinue reading “Home Growing and Personal Growth”
Uses For Cardboard in the Garden
Many people are buying things online rather than in stores at the moment – for obvious reasons. So it may be that you are finding that you have more cardboard to recycle. Before you put those boxes in the recycling bin, it could be a good idea to think how they might come in handyContinue reading “Uses For Cardboard in the Garden”
Follow My Blog
Get new content delivered directly to your inbox.
