Welcome
Read on to learn more about permaculture, sustainability and what I do.
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”
Bored With Kale? Here Are Some New Ways To Eat It
Kale is a very useful vegetable to us where we live. It can survive and thrive in my garden and polytunnel all year round. I grow several different varieties, both annual and perennial. And we love it here. Yet many of the people I speak to about kale seem to find that after a while,Continue reading “Bored With Kale? Here Are Some New Ways To Eat It”
Telling the Truth
We all tell lies. We tell them to others. Even more insidiously, we tell them to ourselves. Lying can become so much of a habit that sometimes we might not even recognise that we are doing it. But telling the truth is crucial for sustainability. It is essential when it comes to forming a solidContinue reading “Telling the Truth”
Misconceptions About Permaculture Design
Today, I thought I would take a moment to correct some misconceptions that seem to be common when it comes to permaculture design. Firstly, and most importantly – permaculture is not a ‘cult’. Some people I have encountered mistake the zeal with which people talk about permaculture for some form of indoctrination or even ‘brainwashing’.Continue reading “Misconceptions About Permaculture Design”
Knowing Your Garden
Winter can be a good time to pause, reflect, and observe. It can be a good time to look back on the previous gardening year. And to look forward to the months to come. Whether you are new to gardening, or an old hand, the extra time you may have over the winter could beContinue reading “Knowing Your Garden”
Case Study: Ecosystem Restoration Camp Concept
This is some recent ‘pro-bono’ concept work I have done for an ecosystem restoration camp planned in Somalia. The goal of these images is to provide a rough depiction of how the camp would be established and the area around it slowly re-vegetated and improved over time. This is conceptual work rather than work specificContinue reading “Case Study: Ecosystem Restoration Camp Concept”
Boosting Resilience for 2021
As we move forward and ready ourselves to put 2020 behind us, we should all be putting some thought into what we can do to boost resilience for 2021. Boosting resilience is all about thinking long-term. It’s about thinking of small but significant changes we can make to help us feel more in control, andContinue reading “Boosting Resilience for 2021”
Don’t Buy Into ‘Black Friday’
The constant pressures of consumerism just keep getting worse and worse. This year, it seems we don’t just have “Black Friday’ to contend with, we have ‘Black Friday week’. I understand that many businesses have it bad, but we have to recognise that a healthy and happy society does not have to involve endless consumerismContinue reading “Don’t Buy Into ‘Black Friday’”
Elaeagnus in a Forest Garden
I am soon going to be taking hardwood cuttings of some of the Elaeagnus in my forest garden. While Elaeagnus varieties can be invasive in certain regions (of North America, for example) I find that they can be very valuable additions to polyculture planting schemes in a range of settings. In my gradually evolving forestContinue reading “Elaeagnus in a Forest Garden”
Fruit-Infused Alcohols
If you are interested in food preservation then there are plenty of interesting activities to enjoy at this time of the year. When you think of preservation, it is most likely that your mind will turn first to freezing, canning and dehydration. But another interesting thing to consider is making fruit infused alcohols. Infusing alcoholicContinue reading “Fruit-Infused Alcohols”
Sustainable Christmas Trees?
Following on from my previous article, it’s time to take a look at Christmas trees from a sustainability perspective. Should you get a Christmas tree and, if so, which is the most sustainable type? Should you get a real tree or an artificial one? The truth is, unfortunately, that both artificial and cut Christmas treesContinue reading “Sustainable Christmas Trees?”
Natural Christmas Decorations For a Zero Waste Home
It may still feel too early to be talking about this. But this year, many people are choosing to begin decorating their homes for Christmas earlier than usual. It has been a difficult year for many. And a number of households are trying to bring back some cheer with holiday decorations. Whether you are thinkingContinue reading “Natural Christmas Decorations For a Zero Waste Home”
Case Study: Alabama Permaculture Design
This is a quick design for a domestic backyard in Alabama. The site slopes downwards towards the east, and the client asked for a design that would allow them to make the most of the site and grow their own fruit and vegetables. The swales in this design are paired with hugelkultur techniques. And IContinue reading “Case Study: Alabama Permaculture Design”
Why Grow (and Buy) Organic?
Today, I thought I would focus on why it is so important to grow (and buy) organic. In order to answer this question, we need to look at the problems inherent in modern food producing systems. Unfortunately, the cost of organic produce compared to non-organic options often means that the decision often comes down toContinue reading “Why Grow (and Buy) Organic?”
Start Your Own Organic Garden – 12 Week Course
Due to recent enquiries, I will be starting a 12 week email correspondence course ‘Start Your Own Organic Garden’. This is a simple, practical course designed to help beginners move to the point where they are ready to start their own organic food producing garden in the spring. The course will run from January 4thContinue reading “Start Your Own Organic Garden – 12 Week Course”
DIY Garden Projects To Take on Over Winter
As autumn progresses and colder weather arrives, there might not be quite as much work to do in your garden on plant care. So you might have the luxury of a little more time to spend on other DIY garden projects. I thought that today, I would suggest a few DIY garden projects that youContinue reading “DIY Garden Projects To Take on Over Winter”
Edible Ornamentals and Ornamental Edibles
Many gardeners compartmentalise in their heads. They put edible crops into one category, and ornamental, flowering plants in another. But there can actually be a lot of overlap between these two categories. In a permaculture garden, we integrate don’t segregate. We grow plenty of flowers as companion plants in our polyculture vegetable beds. We considerContinue reading “Edible Ornamentals and Ornamental Edibles”
Windowsill Growing Over Winter
Even if you do not have a garden, there is still plenty you can grow at home. Even when you do have a garden it can be pleasant to have some things growing on a windowsill inside your home – so you can harvest a quick crop in poor weather conditions without even having toContinue reading “Windowsill Growing Over Winter”
Building Forest Garden Guilds
In a forest garden, the goal when choosing different plants is to build guilds of beneficial plants which aid one another and us in a range of ways. If you are familiar with the idea of a forest garden, you will already know that they involve layered planting. The top layer are the canopy trees.Continue reading “Building Forest Garden Guilds”
Case Study: Angola Field System
This design is for a plot along the Kikuxi irrigation canal in the Luanda region of Angola. The client requested a plan that would allow the site to be used for the production of a range of organic fruits and vegetables. The site lies on 75m above sea level The prevailing climate in Luanda isContinue reading “Case Study: Angola Field System”
The Benefits of a Mixed Hedgerow
Hedgerows are a common feature of UK landscapes, but less familiar in other regions. There is a huge difference between a wild and diverse hedgerow and the mono-crop hedges that are more common in suburban and urban settings. There are a huge range of reasons why incorporating mixed hedgerows in agricultural or garden settings isContinue reading “The Benefits of a Mixed Hedgerow”
Identifying Flows and Pathways
Patterns are important in permaculture. Whether we are talking about landscapes, gardens, homes, communities or broader societal systems, it is important to look at patterns in the big picture. Of course, there is an important permaculture principle that we design from patterns to details. We take a holistic, big-picture view before we delve into theContinue reading “Identifying Flows and Pathways”
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”
Choosing Bare Root Trees and Shrubs
Most who are new to gardening imagine that spring will be the best time to begin to establish new growing areas. But you do not need to wait until next year to start creating a new edible garden. Choosing bare root trees and shrubs is a good way to start creating a forest garden orContinue reading “Choosing Bare Root Trees and Shrubs”
Case Study: Washington Garden
The site is a domestic garden in the state of Washington. The property currently has a cabin, and several mature trees, which will be retained. Though is largely grassy, open and relatively exposed. There are plans for future construction – initially a garage and apartment, and car port. In the longer term future, there areContinue reading “Case Study: Washington Garden”
Avoiding a ‘When and If’ Mentality in Sustainability
“When we can afford our homestead then we’ll….” ” If work slows down then I can…” “When I have more time it will be possible to…” When and if can be useful – it is important to dream about and plan for the future. But a ‘when and if’ mentality can sometimes become a roadblockContinue reading “Avoiding a ‘When and If’ Mentality in Sustainability”
Plant Daffodils – Spring Ephemerals in a Forest Garden
Daffodils and other flowering bulbs are a cheerful sight in spring. They can brighten up a garden and bring light to the partial shade around trees and shrubs. Spring bulbs like daffodils are spring ephemerals. They bloom only for a short time, fading and beginning to die back as warmer weather arrives. Through three seasons,Continue reading “Plant Daffodils – Spring Ephemerals in a Forest Garden”
Using Living Mulch
Mulching is an important thing in an organic garden. It is crucial for protecting the soil, retaining moisture and suppressing weeds. It can also be beneficial in other ways, such as providing habitat and shelter for soil life and other wildlife. Many people are familiar with mulches such as compost, well-rotted manures, straw, wood chipContinue reading “Using Living Mulch”
Avoiding Anthropocentric Bias in Sustainability
As humans, we all have a tendency to see everything from our point of view. We have a tendency to think of ourselves as ‘other’, separate from, and above the rest of the natural world. But though we are (as far as we yet know) a unique evolutionary form, it is important to remember thatContinue reading “Avoiding Anthropocentric Bias in Sustainability”
Why Buying Wrapping Paper is a Bad Idea
I’ve already written a post with some sustainable gift ideas for the holiday season. But in addition to thinking about alternative, sustainable gifts, it is also important to think about how you wrap any physical presents. When you really stop to think about it, the way we pack gifts for the holidays is a trulyContinue reading “Why Buying Wrapping Paper is a Bad Idea”
The Future of Farming
Food system reform is a hot topic. It is essential that agriculture changes, if we are to successfully tackle the environmental and social challenges we face. As a permaculture designer, I often focus on the basics – energy use, water, fertility… But as we develop sustainable growing systems, we need to recognise that while weContinue reading “The Future of Farming”
Case Study: Florida Permaculture Design
The plan above is for a site of approximately 3 acres in Baker, Florida. The site is in USDA planting zone 8, and experiences mean annual air temperature of 55-70 degrees F, and mean annual rainfall of 40-69 inches. Average summer highs are around 91.4 degrees, and average winter lows are around 39.2 degrees F.Continue reading “Case Study: Florida Permaculture Design”
Weed Seeds To Eat
When we think of autumn foraging, wild fruits are likely the first things that spring to mind. But there are also other more unusual edibles to consider. Today, I thought I would mention three types of seed that I use around this time of year. The first of these is nettle seeds. Nettle seeds mightContinue reading “Weed Seeds To Eat”
Why Brambles Aren’t Always Bad
Many gardeners wage war on brambles. But blackberry brambles aren’t always bad. We should learn to recognise that we should not view them as ‘thugs’ that invade and take over, but as amazing and useful plants to embrace in our gardens. Many gardeners wonder how to get rid of brambles. They worry when brambles creepContinue reading “Why Brambles Aren’t Always Bad”
Why Sustainability is Good For Business
Businesses often feel that they have to focus on the bottom line. And it is certainly the case that businesses have to operate within existing economic systems. Put simply – a business needs to make money. But increasingly, it is clear that sustainability is more than just ‘the right thing to do’. Operating in aContinue reading “Why Sustainability is Good For Business”
Why Carbon Offsetting is Not Enough
Many individuals and businesses are lulled into a false sense of security by the idea that they can simply offset the carbon they emit or are responsible for emitting with a carbon offset scheme. But the truth of the matter is that carbon offsetting alone will not tackle the climate crisis, not solve the otherContinue reading “Why Carbon Offsetting is Not Enough”
Patterns in Permaculture
In permaculture, you will often hear talk of designing from patterns to details. Most frequently, this idea is applied to garden design. We think about the patterns of sunlight and water, plant growth and human interaction. Since permaculture can also be applied in other areas of life, patterns can also refer to a range ofContinue reading “Patterns in Permaculture”
Choosing Heritage Fruit Tree Varieties
Diversity is important not only when it comes to the types, but also the varieties of the produce and other plants we grow. Choosing heritage of heirloom varieties helps retain genetic diversity. It helps in safeguarding traditional varietals for future generations and in retaining variety in our food supplies. When choosing fruit trees for aContinue reading “Choosing Heritage Fruit Tree Varieties”
Case Study: Massachusetts Garden Design
Located in Massachusetts, this is a plan for a domestic garden. The site is largely level, laid largely to lawn at present, with many mature trees around the property boundary. Many of the existing trees can be retained, though I recommended establishing better under-storey planting utilising a range of useful native plants. The property isContinue reading “Case Study: Massachusetts Garden Design”
Make a Hot Bed For Winter Growing
Now that the weather is getting colder, it is important not to give up on your garden. Many new growers are surprised by how much you can continue to grow over the winter months. Even in a colder climate, it is possible to create growing areas that you can use throughout the year. One thingContinue reading “Make a Hot Bed For Winter Growing”
How To Reduce Food Waste at Home
Reduce food waste at home and you are playing your part in caring for planet and people. It can help you reduce the amount you spend on food and ease financial strains. But it can also help prevent waste on a wider scale, and safeguard society, systems and environments. Reducing food waste at home doesContinue reading “How To Reduce Food Waste at Home”
Food Waste – A Major Issue We Can All Help Solve
When it comes to the waste that leaves our homes, plastic waste is obviously one of the key issues. But another very important area to consider is food waste. You might be shocked to learn that around a 1/3 of all the food produced on our planet is lost or goes to waste. This amountsContinue reading “Food Waste – A Major Issue We Can All Help Solve”
Cooking From Scratch
Since so many people have been inspired this year to grow their own for the first time, I thought I would return to basics once again and write a little about the importance of learning how to cook healthy, fresh ingredients from scratch. In our modern world, where so much convenience food is available, itContinue reading “Cooking From Scratch”
Jobs to Do in the Garden Before the First Frost
We expect our first frost of the year in mid-late October most years. Before the first frost arrives in your own area, there are a number of jobs you should consider. Before the first frost you will likely want to: Finish the job of harvesting and storing crops. Some plants will happily stay in theContinue reading “Jobs to Do in the Garden Before the First Frost”
What is a Sustainable Business?
Whether you are running your own, thinking about setting up in business, or choosing from whom to buy, it is important to think about what sustainable business really means. Sustainability is about creating something that endures. But more than this, it is about thinking of the planet, and of future generations, in every decision thatContinue reading “What is a Sustainable Business?”
Case Study: Kin Domain Community
Following on from last week’s case study, here is some more detail from my design for a series on kin domains or family homesteads in Jamaica. The goal for each individual kin domain is to provide for the basic needs of a family over the generations, while avoiding harm to the wider world. However, whileContinue reading “Case Study: Kin Domain Community”
Contagion – Spreading Sustainable Ideas
Waking up today to news that President Trump has coronavirus, I began to think about contagion. Of course, this is something we have all been forced to think about more in the last months. Faced with a virus that spreads so easily, we all have to think about the responsibility we have to prevent spread.Continue reading “Contagion – Spreading Sustainable Ideas”
Sustainable Gift Ideas for the Holiday Season
It might seem like it is still far off, but the holiday season is fast approaching. And the consumerist machine is already ramping up to sell, sell and sell some more. This year, as you think about gifts you would like to give – think about more sustainable options. If you grow your own, yourContinue reading “Sustainable Gift Ideas for the Holiday Season”
Voices We Listen To – Impacts on Sustainable Progress
In the last few weeks, I have spoken with many people who are dissatisfied with communication. Some feel they are hitting a brick wall when trying to convince loved ones to live in a more sustainable way. Some are frustrated with a dearth of political voices or voices of those in authority that they canContinue reading “Voices We Listen To – Impacts on Sustainable Progress”
Green Tomatoes – How To Ripen Them and How To Use Ones That Don’t
Those of us with relatively short growing season often find that growing tomatoes is a race against time. Even though I take steps to make green tomatoes ripen more quickly, we are always left with green tomatoes at the end of the season. But just because the tomatoes are not fully ripe, that does notContinue reading “Green Tomatoes – How To Ripen Them and How To Use Ones That Don’t”
How To Use Pruned Branches From Your Garden
As winter and the dormant phase approaches, you may well be undertaking a wide range of pruning jobs in your garden. I’d like to take a moment to explore what you can do with the branches you prune. Even on a small property, you can have quite a lot of wood from pruning – especiallyContinue reading “How To Use Pruned Branches From Your Garden”
The Benefits of Clay Plaster
In our steading/ barn conversion, we are aiming to use materials and finishes that are as eco-friendly and sustainable as possible. One step we are taking to make a healthy and sustainable build is using clay plaster. In finishing one wall prior to the arrival of our Rayburn (delivery has been delayed but it isContinue reading “The Benefits of Clay Plaster”
Case Study: Sustainable Community of Kin Domains, Jamaica
The image above is part of a permaculture plan for a retreat of around 20 acres, and a further 30 acres divided into 15 two acre kin domains or family homesteads. A sustainable project in Hanover county in Jamaica. Designed to protect, restore and nourish people and planet on this 58 acre site. The siteContinue reading “Case Study: Sustainable Community of Kin Domains, Jamaica”
How Much Land Do You Need For a Homestead?
One common question people ask when looking for a more self-sufficient and sustainable way of life is how much land they need. To be honest, one might as well ask “how long is a piece of string?”. Before we can begin to answer this question, we need to ask a series of questions: Where isContinue reading “How Much Land Do You Need For a Homestead?”
Preserving Food – Deciding What To Can
Canning your own home grown food can be a great way to enjoy the nutrients of summer over the winter months. It is of course important to make sure that you are canning safely, and adhering to guidelines to make sure that the food you preserve lasts and is safe to eat. But in thisContinue reading “Preserving Food – Deciding What To Can”
How We’ll Heat Our Eco Barn Renovation
While we’re both still working full time, my husband and I are working on the renovation of an old steading, or old stone barn. We’re doing most of the work ourselves – slowly – on weekends and the occasional evening. Today, I thought I would take a moment to explain how we’ll heat our newContinue reading “How We’ll Heat Our Eco Barn Renovation”
The Role of ‘Duty’ in Sustainability
The word ‘duty’ is often viewed as having negative connotations. It is often held in opposition to the ideas of personal freedom. Sometimes, people view it as an encumbrance – something that limits our potential and makes it more challenging to do what we want to do. But ‘duty’ is a concept that deserves toContinue reading “The Role of ‘Duty’ in Sustainability”
Pasteurising Apple Juice
One of our favourite ways to use up our bumper apple crop from the forest garden is to make apple juice. In a previous post, I already mentioned our fruit press, which is essential to us in being able to make the most of all our apples. We have a range of different apple varietiesContinue reading “Pasteurising Apple Juice”
Autumn Foraging
In addition to the main autumn crops, apples and more, it is also well worthwhile working out what your autumn surroundings can provide. Even if you don’t have a garden full of food, your local area might provide a wide range of yields. Both in my own garden, and in the surrounding area, we canContinue reading “Autumn Foraging”
Case Study: Colourful Polyculture Design
This simple design for a series of garden beds was created for a client in London, who wished to amend and accentuate an existing planting scheme with more edible and colourful plants. Particularly, the client wished to add colourful foliage, with plenty of different vegetation to brighten up the green and year-round interest. Often, weContinue reading “Case Study: Colourful Polyculture Design”
Propagating Plants in a Permaculture Garden
At this time of year, saving seeds is often an important job. By saving our own seeds from our gardens, we can save money and, over time, create strains of certain species better suited for growing in our own particular gardens. Thinking about how we can increase our plant stocks is essential in planning inContinue reading “Propagating Plants in a Permaculture Garden”
Sustainable Fashion: Repair
Of all the ‘R’s of sustainability, repair is one that is most often overlooked. The emphasis is often on reducing consumption, on reuse, and recycling. But when it comes to sustainable fashion, repair is another ‘R’ that can be very important. One of the complaints or ‘road blocks’ that comes up frequently in discussion isContinue reading “Sustainable Fashion: Repair”
Flowering Quince – An Interesting Ornamental Edible
In a shady part of the forest garden, sandwiched between apple trees and an east facing stone wall, we have some interesting and more unusual edibles. One of these is flowering quince. With its beautiful red flowers in spring, this shrub, Chaenomeles japonica, thrives in rather difficult conditions. In rather deep shade a lot ofContinue reading “Flowering Quince – An Interesting Ornamental Edible”
Creating a Forager’s Forest Garden
When people are new to growing their own, they tend to focus on growing typical annual plants. But by choosing a range of perennial plants, you can make a low-maintenance forest garden which requires far less effort and time long-term. Harvesting in a forest garden can often be more like foraging than harvesting. Yields canContinue reading “Creating a Forager’s Forest Garden”
Managing Risk – Creating Anti-Fragile Systems
Whether we are talking about businesses, communities or individual homes – risk is a big part of life. In these difficult times, risk is ever-present. We might not all be aware of it all the time, but we are all managing risk on a daily basis. Every time we take a decision about whether weContinue reading “Managing Risk – Creating Anti-Fragile Systems”
Sustainable Projects To Take on Before Winter
In a sustainable home, it is always a good idea to be one step ahead. There are a number of things you could do before the coldest weather arrives to boost your household sustainability over the winter. One thing you could do, of course, is add extra insulation to your home. The better insulated yourContinue reading “Sustainable Projects To Take on Before Winter”
Case Study: Simple Example Garden Layout
This is one part of a series of garden layout plans I created recently. In this image, you can see a potential layout for a small 4×4 ft garden bed for USDA zones 7-8. (I also created sample layout plans for zones 5-6 and 9-10, for full sun and for more shaded spots.) The clientContinue reading “Case Study: Simple Example Garden Layout”
Practical Tips for Crop Rotation
New gardeners often sow for summer without thinking about what comes next. But in gardening, we should always be looking ahead. Planning can be important, though of course we should be flexible and adapt to change, and not stick too rigorously to the plans we make. This combination of planning and flexibility can be challengingContinue reading “Practical Tips for Crop Rotation”
Make The Most of Fallen Leaves
Gardeners and all nature lovers are no doubt already aware of the vital role that trees and deciduous plants play in natural cycles. Leaves fall, and through a series of mechanisms and with the aid of earthworms, fungi, bacteria and other life, the nutrients within them return to the soil, where they can be usedContinue reading “Make The Most of Fallen Leaves”
Saving Time for Sustainability
Permaculture zoning is all about analysing our patterns of human movement, and how we use our time. When we carry out an analysis of the inputs, outputs and characteristics or each element in a garden (or in another system), we can work out where to place them to make most efficient use of our time.Continue reading “Saving Time for Sustainability”
Time Poor? Sustainability and Work/Life Balance
I have written before about how not having much money is not necessarily a barrier to sustainable change. But what about being time poor? One of the things that comes up time and time again when I speak to people about sustainability, permaculture and organic gardening is – time. Many people simply feel they doContinue reading “Time Poor? Sustainability and Work/Life Balance”
Back to ‘Business as Usual’?
As many people are being told to get back to work, it is important that we don’t just rush headlong into our old lives. We need to pause, reflect, and think about what ‘business as usual’ means. What was wrong with our former ways of life? And what might we be able to change forContinue reading “Back to ‘Business as Usual’?”
Preparing the Polytunnel for Autumn
This is a busy time in the polytunnel. This is the time when I begin to clear out summer crops, add fertility ready for the colder months to come, and plant in some of the crops that will remain in the undercover growing area over the autumn and winter months. We are still harvesting summerContinue reading “Preparing the Polytunnel for Autumn”
Case Study: Small Garden With Raised Beds
The image and simple planting plan above is part of an example permaculture scheme for a small domestic garden in England. The client requested that a lawn area be kept, so that it can be used for placing a trampoline for kids to use. But wanted to improve the garden and grow as some typicalContinue reading “Case Study: Small Garden With Raised Beds”
Sustainable Camping Trips
If you are in the need of a getaway, camping can be the ultimate green and sustainable option. Here are a few tips to help you plan the perfect eco travel adventure: Choose a destination close to home, and off the beaten track. Get there in a sustainable way. (Think about hiking or biking, forContinue reading “Sustainable Camping Trips”
Sustainable Wedding Tips
Today is my 15th wedding anniversary. I cannot believe it has been that long. My husband and I have spend almost our entire adult lives together. We were very lucky to meet when we were at university together and we’ve had many adventures since. I guess we have now more or less earned the rightContinue reading “Sustainable Wedding Tips”
Co-Housing – A Co-operative Idea for Sustainability
No matter what your current situation in life, it is always important to remember that we are none of us alone. Sustainability begins at home. But co-operation and collaboration are, of course, key to creating a better future. But how exactly can co-operation bring us closer to the way of life we want to liveContinue reading “Co-Housing – A Co-operative Idea for Sustainability”
Having No Money is Not Necessarily a Barrier to Sustainable Change
When I talk to people about sustainability and green living – money is often the monster lurking in the background. Whether spoken or unspoken, there is often the feeling that sustainability is a ‘luxury’ some people cannot afford. My job is often to make it clear to people that having no money is not necessarilyContinue reading “Having No Money is Not Necessarily a Barrier to Sustainable Change”
Making Natural Cleaning and Beauty Products
The proliferation of products in a typical bathroom can be truly astounding. Plastic bottles filled with a wide range of different cleansers, cleaners, exfoliants, toners, moisturisers, shampoos, conditioners and more can quickly pile up. But for those who are trying to live a more sustainable way of life, natural DIY cleaning and beauty products canContinue reading “Making Natural Cleaning and Beauty Products”
The Forest Garden in August
This is a time of abundance in the forest garden. Yesterday, we began to harvest some apples. Different apple varieties will continue to ripen in succession over the next month or two. And the plums are ripening up. They are not ready yet, but will be at some point next month. It is interested toContinue reading “The Forest Garden in August”
Case Study: Kenya Restaurant Roof Area
This case study is an example of a system created for a restauranteur. As usual, I won’t provide all the information given to the client, but the above illustrates the general scheme for the design. In this instance, I was approached by a restaurant owner in Mombasa Kenya who was interested in turning a disusedContinue reading “Case Study: Kenya Restaurant Roof Area”
Sustainable Restaurant Ideas
As well as working with individuals to help them improve their gardens or live a more sustainable way of life, I also help small businesses navigate a way forward. Obviously, these have been, and continue to be, difficult times for restauranteurs and other food business owners. Thinking outside the box and finding new ways toContinue reading “Sustainable Restaurant Ideas”
A Plum Job – Getting Ready to Process Plums
In our forest garden, we have a mature plum tree laden with plums. While there are still a couple of weeks or so before they are ripe, I thought I’d take a little time to share how I make the most of our plum tree’s fruits. First of all, if you have a plum treeContinue reading “A Plum Job – Getting Ready to Process Plums”
Washing Clothes Sustainably
Yesterday I spoke about drying clothes – but what about washing them? Do we really need to use harmful chemicals to get our clothes clean? The answer is an emphatic no! We can adopt a natural and sustainable laundry routine. One of the ways that you can be more sustainable in your home is toContinue reading “Washing Clothes Sustainably”
How Do You Dry Your Clothes?
I do actually have a washing machine that is also a dryer, but I very rarely use it to dry my clothes. We have 100% renewable energy here, so the occasional emergency load is not too much of an issue. But if you are still reliant on fossil fuels for energy needs, drying clothes canContinue reading “How Do You Dry Your Clothes?”
Preparing For Winter Growing
We’ve already previously discussed the idea that growing your own is something you can do year-round. No matter where you live, with the right strategies, you can grow at least a little food all year round. So to help you prepare for winter growing, here are a few tips: Keep Sowing It is not tooContinue reading “Preparing For Winter Growing”
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”
Case Study: Fruit Tree Circles For Small Space Temperate Gardens
The image above was a simple illustration that I drew to explain the concept to a client. This fruit tree ring is a variation on the idea of a banana circle, and is a concept used most frequently to incorporate fruit trees in areas with an arid climate. It is an idea, however, that isContinue reading “Case Study: Fruit Tree Circles For Small Space Temperate Gardens”
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”
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