Coping With Slope: Permaculture Ideas Can Help

Tomorrow, I will share a small case study which shows a solution for a steep slope in a tropical climate. More on that tomorrow. But today, I thought I would share some of the key solutions permaculture offers to deal with sloping sites. Where slopes are not so extreme, and where the conditions are suitable,Continue reading “Coping With Slope: Permaculture Ideas Can Help”

Where and How to Grow Herbs

From a sunny windowsill where you can grow herbs year round, to dedicated herb gardens outdoors, from annual polyculture beds in a kitchen garden, to fabulous forest garden schemes, there are plenty of options when it comes to herb cultivation. I recently shared some of my tips for starting a herb garden on Treehugger: MyContinue reading “Where and How to Grow Herbs”

Case Study: Eco Build Garden

This case study demonstrates a garden plot around a planned eco build on the south coast of England. The design aims to ensure visual amenity and appeal while maximising food production and making best use of resources on this small site. The site is approximately 250 sq m in size, located between farm fields andContinue reading “Case Study: Eco Build Garden”

Winter Planning For Spring Planting

Even if you are not growing year round, there is still plenty to be done over the winter months to prepare for spring planting. Planning and preparation are important for a successful gardening year. When many people think about garden planning, they begin and end with deciding on and ordering the plants and seeds theyContinue reading “Winter Planning For Spring Planting”

Make Giving a Habit

Today is ‘Giving Tuesday’ – a time when many charities and non-profits with have a fundraising push and a day on which many people choose to donate. I would, of course, urge anyone to give what they can to the causes they believe in. But charity should not be only about one-off donations on specificContinue reading “Make Giving a Habit”

Case Study: Arizona Permaculture

This recent case study for Arizona takes me to a climate and environment very different to my own. The major challenges tackled in this design relate of course to water, and intense summer heat. My design seeks to work with the existing, while offering solutions for all the family who live here’s requirements and desires.Continue reading “Case Study: Arizona Permaculture”

Case Study: Tennessee Permaculture

This example shows some recent work for a garden in Tennessee. This is in zone 7a, with a frost free period of 190 to 200 days, mean annual air temperature of 57-61 degrees F, and 46-60 inches annual precipitation. The predominant soil of this area is a silt loam, free draining and moderately acidic. OneContinue reading “Case Study: Tennessee Permaculture”

Hope – The Route to a Better Future

Of course, the COP26 conference has failed to deliver the agreements we so urgently need to translate words into positive action. But for me, that does not mean that all is lost. One key thing that it is important to remember is that we should hope. Hope is often a feat of the imagination, andContinue reading “Hope – The Route to a Better Future”

Site Analysis in Permaculture Design

Other garden designers are often somewhat confused by the extensive site analysis process permaculture designers go through before they even begin to formulate their designs. But as those familiar with permaculture will know – understanding of a specific site and the sectors acting on it is crucial for truly sustainable design. Though I work remotely,Continue reading “Site Analysis in Permaculture Design”

Case Study: Chateau Permaculture

This is a concept design for a chateau in France, which is currently in the process of renovation. The new owners are saving the partially derelict buildings, and will be utilising the land for weddings and events, a glamping site, and a sustainable food production and restaurant business, and wanted some help to visualise theContinue reading “Case Study: Chateau Permaculture”