Welcome
Read on to learn more about permaculture, sustainability and what I do.
Case Study – Rain Garden
This is an example of water management in a small front garden in England. The garden is currently a scrubby area of lawn, with an old driveway and a few overgrown shrubs around the edge. The primary goal for the design was to prevent a small issue with water-logging to the side of the driveway,Continue reading “Case Study – Rain Garden”
Managing Rainwater Runoff in City Gardens
Many organic gardeners are already collecting the rainwater that falls on their roofs. (And if you are not already doing so, this should be a top priority.) But fewer gardeners and home owners take the time to consider the rainwater that runs off their driveway, or other hard, paved areas on their properties. Often, thisContinue reading “Managing Rainwater Runoff in City Gardens”
Attracting Butterflies in a Garden
One of the most important things in organic gardening is, of course, making sure that we welcome in wildlife in our gardens. Butterflies are one of the many creatures that we should aim to attract. In addition to the ecological services they provide, butterflies are, of course, attractive creatures. Seeing them alighting on our flowersContinue reading “Attracting Butterflies in a Garden”
Galium Aparine – A Useful Wild Edible and Tonic Plant
Galium aparine is a ‘weed’ which goes by a lot of different names. We always called it stickywilly when I was growing up, and it is also called goosegrass, sticky weed, or cleavers. All of its names refer to the way in which it sticks, velcro-like, to everything – adhering itself to our clothes asContinue reading “Galium Aparine – A Useful Wild Edible and Tonic Plant”
Remember – Consumers Have the Power to Drive Sustainable Change
When faced with companies and governments who do not necessarily do as much as we need and want them to do when it comes to sustainability, it is common for people to wonder what they, as individuals, could possibly do. It can be frustrating when the ‘powers that be’ are not doing enough. But weContinue reading “Remember – Consumers Have the Power to Drive Sustainable Change”
Using Leftovers and Preventing Food Waste
Food waste should be a major concern for anyone who wants to live a more sustainable way of life. Huge amounts of food are wasted across the developed world, much of that food at household level. Fortunately, there are a number of ways to reduce food waste at home – from considering what and whereContinue reading “Using Leftovers and Preventing Food Waste”
Organic Liquid Plant Feeds
Today, I took some time to use some of my homemade compost tea on some of the plants in my polytunnel and in pots, to give them a boost as the weather finally begins to warm up where we live. This is a general-purpose feed which I tend to use a few times over theContinue reading “Organic Liquid Plant Feeds”
Case Study: Community Hub
This is a design for a brownfield site in an inner city area in the UK (USDA Zone 8). To the north and east are apartment buildings and there is an existing car park to the north east. To the west and south are busy roads, major conduits through a busy residential area. The areaContinue reading “Case Study: Community Hub”
What City Parks Could and Should Be
City parks can often be green lungs for their settlements. They can be important spaces for recreation, and provide a place to connect with nature in an urban jungle. But unfortunately, looking around the world, it is clear that many city parks are not meeting their full potential. Many are unfortunately dominated by paved areas,Continue reading “What City Parks Could and Should Be”
Donations Welcomed To Spread Permaculture Ideas
Today I was very glad to receive a tip from a permaculture design client. As I mentioned to my client, I view this tip as a donation. The donations I receive through this website and from my clients enable me to spend some of my time working on permaculture designs and providing consultancy for thoseContinue reading “Donations Welcomed To Spread Permaculture Ideas”
How To Support Sustainable Farmers and Food Producers
One of the big questions that we need to ask ourselves as we transition to a fairer, greener future is how we can make life better for sustainable farmers and food producers. The current agricultural systems have to change. But we cannot make that change without providing support for sustainable farmers and food producers. SupportContinue reading “How To Support Sustainable Farmers and Food Producers”
Sustainable Living – What Needs To Change as We Return to ‘Normal’?
Today, due to underlying health conditions, I will be receiving my second vaccination. I will be heading out for that shortly. Of course, for most people globally, there will be no return to any form of normal for quite some time to come. I realise even more at times like these how lucky I amContinue reading “Sustainable Living – What Needs To Change as We Return to ‘Normal’?”
Rewilding Ourselves as Well as the Environment
As I was walking through farmland and woods out the back of our house today, it struck me just how divorced most of us are from the real ‘wild’. Wilderness is something that is in short supply in many of our environments. And it is also something that is in short supply in our livesContinue reading “Rewilding Ourselves as Well as the Environment”
Pesto is Not Just Something to Do With Basil
Basil pesto is a versatile option for a range of recipes. But it is worthwhile remembering that you can make pesto with a range of other ingredients. Today, for example, I made a ‘weed’ pesto, with nettles, sorrel, and a few other leafy greens from the forest garden, blended with with some seeds, some oliveContinue reading “Pesto is Not Just Something to Do With Basil”
Case Studies: Looking Back on a Year of Progress
It has been a year since I set up and started posting on this website, and I am glad to look back on all the designs and projects I have worked on in the last year. Though this has of course been a difficult year for many of us, there have been plenty of reasonsContinue reading “Case Studies: Looking Back on a Year of Progress”
Setting Up a Sustainable Water Collection System in a Garden
I have spoken before about the importance of harvesting rainwater in your garden. Collecting rainwater from the roof of your home, and any other garden structures, is a great way to make sure you catch and store this precious natural resource. Our private water supply (which comes onto our property from the surrounding estate, fromContinue reading “Setting Up a Sustainable Water Collection System in a Garden”
Ideas for Outdoors Dining
Many people are looking forward to being able to welcome friends and family back into their gardens, and spending time together. Now is a great time to make sure your garden is ready for entertaining and picture perfect by the time the warmer weather arrives. I usually focus on the practical side of gardens –Continue reading “Ideas for Outdoors Dining”
Plastic on Our Plates
Most of those aware of issues in environmentalism and trying to live a more sustainable way of life are well aware of the sheer scale of the problem of plastic waste. Plastic pervades every single ecosystem on earth. And even invades our own bodies. We are what we eat, and unfortunately, plastic is now extremelyContinue reading “Plastic on Our Plates”
Sourcing Seeds For Your Sustainable Garden
If you have decided to sow some seeds this year, but have not yet sourced your seeds, time is of the essence. It’s certainly not too late to get growing if you have not done so already. As many of you already know, growing at least some of your own food and other resources atContinue reading “Sourcing Seeds For Your Sustainable Garden”
Sustainable Living – Spotting Greenwashing
Living in a sustainable way always means being very careful about the companies you deal with and the things you buy. One great thing at the moment is that more and more people are becoming aware of environmental issues, social injustices and the importance of sustainability. But while this is of course a very goodContinue reading “Sustainable Living – Spotting Greenwashing”
A Sunny Day in the Forest Garden
It’s been a beautiful and rather warm weekend here, and things are growing apace after the cold snap we had earlier in the month. Blossoms and blooms that have just opened, or which are just about to open, tell of promise for the months to come. I thought some of you might enjoy seeing someContinue reading “A Sunny Day in the Forest Garden”
Case Study – Wetlands and Farm
This case study may be of interest because it shows how productivity and high yield can go hand in hand with rewilding and ecosystem conservation. The area where the ponds system is shown may be of particular note. At present, this area (and some of the field behind in where an agroforestry orchard is shown)Continue reading “Case Study – Wetlands and Farm”
The Power of Public Pressure
As someone who has been working to raise public awareness of our climate crisis and environmental and social issues for a number of years, I know how much of a difference it can make when public opinion and public interest sway in the right direction. One positive think that has transpired over the last yearContinue reading “The Power of Public Pressure”
Earth Day Inspiration
Happy Earth Day everyone! Today truly is the day to appreciate our planet and all that it gives us. It is a time to listen to the birdsong and the buzzing bees, the sounds of babbling water and the wind in the trees. It’s time to smell the flowers and feel the soil beneath yourContinue reading “Earth Day Inspiration”
The Importance of Patience in a Garden
I have been approached several times in the last few days by people looking for advice because their seeds have not germinated. But some were just expecting results too soon. In one case, a gardener was concerned because carrot seeds had not germinated a week after sowing. In another, a gardener was concerned that theirContinue reading “The Importance of Patience in a Garden”
Purple Sprouting Broccoli – a Great Value Crop
In my garden, one of the plants I am really enjoying eating at the moment is purple sprouting broccoli. We eat the fresh young heads raw in salads, as well as cooking them and adding them to a wide range of recipes. Purple sprouting broccoli is often overlooked by gardeners, in favour of the green,Continue reading “Purple Sprouting Broccoli – a Great Value Crop”
Growing Herbs For Culinary Use
If you are a keen cook, then you will no doubt be familiar with many common culinary herbs. You will know just how much difference using fresh herbs in your cooking can make. But buying fresh herbs can be expensive. So it is far better to grow your own. Many of you may be sowingContinue reading “Growing Herbs For Culinary Use”
Perennial Vegetables To Sow or Plant This Spring
Whether you are sowing and growing for the first time this year, or improving an existing garden, perennials should be an important part of the picture. Where I live, the time for bare root planting is past now, but there are perennials that you might like to consider planting in spring, or sowing seed forContinue reading “Perennial Vegetables To Sow or Plant This Spring”
Case Study: California Permaculture Design
The site is in Livermore, California, on the eastern edge of San Francisco Bay Area. It is a two acre plot, which is planned to house and provide for a family of four. The surrounding land is to be leased to a vineyard, so the surrounding area will ultimately be surrounded by vines. The designContinue reading “Case Study: California Permaculture Design”
Maximising Photosynthesis With Living Paths
As you plan your garden, pathways are easily overlooked. It is important to choose the right path options for the right places. In permaculture, the focus is often on maximising the potential of the space, and making the most of your own time by positioning pathways and garden elements efficiently. But it is also importantContinue reading “Maximising Photosynthesis With Living Paths”
The Problems With Carbon Offsetting
Carbon offsetting is often used as a carte-blanche for emissions. But there is an inconvenient truth that carbon offsetting alone will not tackle the climate crisis, nor solve the other urgent environmental issues we face. Offsetting is one tool in our arsenal – but it cannot win the war alone. And not all offsetting wasContinue reading “The Problems With Carbon Offsetting”
Food and Society – How Can We Fix What’s Broken?
Those of you who are familiar with key issues in sustainability will no doubt already be well aware of the problems with our current agriculture and food systems. Millions go hungry while waste is enormous, and many people in developed nations have too much food rather than too little. Around the world, farmers struggle byContinue reading “Food and Society – How Can We Fix What’s Broken?”
Things You Don’t Have to Buy if You Have a Garden
Even those of us who have gardens and tend them do not always use them to their full potential. A garden is an amazing resource. And when you have a garden, it can make it a lot easier to reduce your consumption and live in a more sustainable way. So, today, I thought I wouldContinue reading “Things You Don’t Have to Buy if You Have a Garden”
Privacy in a Garden
Privacy is a topic of interest to many people when it comes to garden design. It is of course particularly important in city or town gardens. In urban gardens, it is common for the space to be overlooked from the windows of surrounding homes, and from the road, or from the gardens of neighbouring properties.Continue reading “Privacy in a Garden”
‘Barbarians’, ‘Savagery’ and ‘Primitive’ Society
I have been watching a few history programmes recently that have made me think about the concepts of ‘barbarian’ and ‘savagery’. And about the meaning of primitive culture. The implications of the words and how they are applied can tell us a lot about the prejudices and misconceptions of history, and people in the modernContinue reading “‘Barbarians’, ‘Savagery’ and ‘Primitive’ Society”
Case Study: Formal French Potager Style Garden
I think there is an impression that in a permaculture garden, nothing can be straight or orderly. But in this design which I created for a client in Idaho who wanted a more formal and neat design, you can see that earth-friendly design and methodologies can be implemented in different styles. In the notes providedContinue reading “Case Study: Formal French Potager Style Garden”
This is Not a Time for Complacency
A number of times in recent days, I have been somewhat alarmed by what seems to be the general consensus that the Covid 19 pandemic has ‘given nature some respite’, and the widespread belief that curtailment of human activity has led to big wins in terms of our climate crisis. Some people seem to beContinue reading “This is Not a Time for Complacency”
Chickweed: A Weed You Want in Your Garden
I know that most gardeners moan at the sight of even a single weed, and rip them all out as soon as they appear. But my garden has lots of weeds – and I love them. Yes, even in the vegetable beds. While not all weeds, of course, are desirable, there are plenty of weedsContinue reading “Chickweed: A Weed You Want in Your Garden”
Hedging Bets and Avoiding Losses in the Garden
This week, I have been very grateful for the fact that I have built up some resilience in my garden systems, and have been careful, through permaculture approaches and careful planning, not to put all my eggs in one basket. We have had a very late and rather unexpected cold snap, with night time temperaturesContinue reading “Hedging Bets and Avoiding Losses in the Garden”
Managing Time Effectively in a Busy Gardening Period
April is one of the busiest times in the gardening year where I live. And it is the same for many others too. There are so many seeds to sow this month, others to pot on or harden off and plant out, perennials to plant out and some to divide, general garden maintenance jobs, and,Continue reading “Managing Time Effectively in a Busy Gardening Period”
How Much Do You Buy in a Year?
When trying to live in a more sustainable way, reducing waste and minimising your negative impact on people and planet, what you choose to buy is one of the most important things. We all have to remember that a lot of our power as individuals comes from what we choose to buy (and what weContinue reading “How Much Do You Buy in a Year?”
A Sustainable Celebration of Spring
Happy Easter to those of you celebrating today. We have enjoyed a sustainable celebration today – a celebration of spring (even though tonight we are expecting a heavy frost and it feels a little as though winter is trying to return)! No matter your beliefs, spring can be a time of celebration. A time forContinue reading “A Sustainable Celebration of Spring”
Case Study: Small Yard Food Production
This plan aims to show how food can be grown in this small space for a family of three, with minimal effort for maximum yield. The plan includes a range of small space garden solutions, and incorporates plenty of perennial plants in addition to space for annual fruit and vegetable cultivation. Thought was given toContinue reading “Case Study: Small Yard Food Production”
April Sowing, Growing and Harvesting
This is a busy time of the year in the garden. Though I have to be careful here about not planting anything out or sowing too early, before the last frosts, there is plenty going on. I have held off on some sowing and planting outdoors this week because some relatively late frosts are expectedContinue reading “April Sowing, Growing and Harvesting”
Freedom and What We Do With It
Our chickens are finally out of their own lockdown today. They had to be confined to a covered run due to bird flu. So, as many of us have been locked down to a degree over the last months, our hens also did not have the freedom they are used to. They have very muchContinue reading “Freedom and What We Do With It”
Empowering Children to Make Sustainable Change
All too often, children are sidelined. They are viewed as powerless dependents, who are merely there to be guarded and protected. But children who are empowered to create change show that they have amazing capacity to truly change the world for the better. One of the challenges for sustainable progress is ‘otherism’ – the naturalContinue reading “Empowering Children to Make Sustainable Change”
What Will We Leave Behind?
I was thinking today about what we have found during our barn conversion project, and when digging ditches for drainage and for our polytunnel on our property. We have not found any treasure, unfortunately, and nothing hugely fascinating. But we have found a few interesting bits of Victorian or early 20th Century ‘rubbish’. We foundContinue reading “What Will We Leave Behind?”
Sustainable Spring Cleaning
Sustainable spring cleaning means taking care to make sure you maintain a fresh, clean home without causing environmental harm or doing anything which has a negative impact on the planet. When you adopt a natural and toxin-free approach, of course, that is not just the right thing to do for people and planet. It isContinue reading “Sustainable Spring Cleaning”
Feeling Tired At The End of the Day
There is something satisfying about feeling physically tired at the end of the day. Those of us who do not have manual jobs do not feel this way on a daily basis. I am sure that there are many people who, like me, spend quite a lot of time working online, who do not feelContinue reading “Feeling Tired At The End of the Day”
Case Study: Virginia Permaculture Design
In this case study, you can see my design for a domestic garden in Dayton, Virginia. Dayton is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6b. This is the broad concept plan and planting outline for the design. Further to this, I also provided the client with detailed planting plans for each of the main areas, and suggestedContinue reading “Case Study: Virginia Permaculture Design”
Sustainability Tips for Spring
Of course, spring weather means sowing and planting – if you do not do so already, this is a good time to start growing your own. But beyond this, and other sustainable jobs you can do in your garden, what else should you think about doing to take steps forward in your journey to aContinue reading “Sustainability Tips for Spring”
Wildlife Pond Tips
I have spoken before about how wonderful a wildlife pond can be, and what a good idea it can often be to add a pond to your property. I recently wrote this article for Treehugger on the subject – with simple tips for anyone who is thinking about creating a wildlife pond and would likeContinue reading “Wildlife Pond Tips”
Working Backwards To Move Forwards
Sometimes, we have to reverse engineer a problem to find the right solution. In other words, we have to work backwards, looking at cause and effect, to find the source of a problem, which may not always be quite as obvious as it at first appears. In solving ecological problems on a broad scale, andContinue reading “Working Backwards To Move Forwards”
Amazing Ecosystem Restoration
I am endlessly fascinated by the potential to restore degraded ecosystems – even when they have been deserts for a very long time. I have been involved with a project in Somalia, which some of you may already have seen, and several other smaller examples. But larger scale ecosystem restoration projects are possible, and offerContinue reading “Amazing Ecosystem Restoration”
Trellis That Becomes Undercover Growing Space in Winter
I thought today that I would share a simple idea which can help gardeners in colder climate zones extend their growing season affordably. The idea is simply to create a trellis framework over two garden beds, with a path between them, which can become an undercover growing area in winter, when covered over with polytunnelContinue reading “Trellis That Becomes Undercover Growing Space in Winter”
Tips for Gardens in Colder Planting Zones
As you may already be aware, USDA gardening zones are one of the factors to consider when choosing plants for your garden. Those living in colder climate zones, say zones 3, 4 or even 5 may sometimes feel a little disappointed not to be able to grow the range of plants available for warmer climateContinue reading “Tips for Gardens in Colder Planting Zones”
Case Study: Perennial Tea Garden
Above are some details provided for a client as part of a design for their property – a largely densely wooded property in Georgia. The focus regions for this design were the forest garden, perennial tea garden, and a sloped area to the south of the main vegetable beds area. This is a portion ofContinue reading “Case Study: Perennial Tea Garden”
Adding Trees Without Creating Too Much Shade
I have spoken before about how great a decision it can be to plant trees on your property. But some people, understandably, enjoy the sunshine. They worry that adding trees will exclude too much light and make a garden too shaded. Though sensible design, however, trees can become part of almost any garden. Here areContinue reading “Adding Trees Without Creating Too Much Shade”
Market Gardening – Getting Started
If you are considering starting a market garden for the first time this year, you may be feeling somewhat overwhelmed by everything you need to do. You might be wondering whether you can really make a profit by selling your market garden produce. I have seen numerous examples of successful market gardens around the world,Continue reading “Market Gardening – Getting Started”
The Cycle of Good Health
One thing that I thought it would be good to talk about more is the cycle of good health that ties us to the natural world around us. Sometimes, it is the simplest facts which are overlooked. And here is one of the simplest: Healthy soil grows healthy plants. Healthy people eat healthy plants. HealthyContinue reading “The Cycle of Good Health”
Cows Are Not The Enemy
In the arena of sustainability, we often hear a lot about cows – most of it extremely negative. There is a broad tendency to vilify cattle, and imagine that they are to blame for all that is wrong with our agricultural industry. Yes, we should all think very carefully before eating meat. And understand exactlyContinue reading “Cows Are Not The Enemy”
Common Mistakes When Placing a New Kitchen Garden
I recently wrote a piece for Treehugger, “Where Should You Place a New Kitchen Garden?” And this got me thinking about the mistakes I have seen people make. So here are some things you should not do when placing a new kitchen garden: Don’t hide away a vegetable plot at the far end of yourContinue reading “Common Mistakes When Placing a New Kitchen Garden”
Scaling Up and Scaling Down Permaculture Principles and Practice
One of the things that never fails to inspire me about permaculture is the fact that it can be scaled up to the largest of acreages, and scaled down to just a tiny patch or a few containers in someone’s backyard. The goals, ethics, ethos, principles and practices that play a big role in myContinue reading “Scaling Up and Scaling Down Permaculture Principles and Practice”
Case Study: Riparian Planting and Forest Garden
This plan is for a proposed eco-friendly architectural development in England. The proposed architectural plan seeks to minimise visual intrusion, and integrate a new home within the existing environment. This plan aims to show how landscaping on the site will further serve to integrate the natural and built environment, while also improving ecological benefit andContinue reading “Case Study: Riparian Planting and Forest Garden”
Is Garden Lighting a Good Idea?
Garden lighting is very popular, especially in areas where days can be short in the shoulder seasons. The benefit, of course, is that you can extend the times during which you and your household can enjoy your garden. The right lighting can make your garden a magical place during the evening hours. But garden lightingContinue reading “Is Garden Lighting a Good Idea?”
Learning From History To Forge a Sustainable Future
One of the important things we should do when trying to live sustainably, and work out the best path for the future, is learn from peoples and cultures who have come before. Often, humanity can be remarkably short sighted when looking forward. And we can also be very short sighted when looking back. Many civilisationsContinue reading “Learning From History To Forge a Sustainable Future”
Signs in Nature
Where we live, the spring sunshine has given way to a bit of a grey gloom for the past couple of days, and it looks like we still have a few more days of this grey and rainy weather to come. But in spite of the grey skies, spring is still all around – fromContinue reading “Signs in Nature”
When Is the Right Time to Take Calculated Risks?
At the moment, many people are re-evaluating their lives. Many people are becoming more aware of sustainability. And perhaps truly questioning their choices properly for the first time with people and planet care in mind. Even those who have long been aware of the need for greater eco-consciousness and a more sustainable way of lifeContinue reading “When Is the Right Time to Take Calculated Risks?”
Designing for Different Climates and Conditions
Sometimes even experienced permaculture designers seem to fall into ruts when it comes to their recommendations and design choices. But it is always important to make sure that we really do respect both the site and the client – and design specifically for each individual project. Recently, I have been working on several different designsContinue reading “Designing for Different Climates and Conditions”
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”
Follow My Blog
Get new content delivered directly to your inbox.
