Case Study: Cape Town, South Africa Permaculture Design

This is a quick overall concept plan I have created for a small suburban property of c. 495 sq m (mostly built on) in Cape Town, South Africa. Of course, this does not include all the planting detail, but serves to show the overall intention and as a point for feedback and discussion before moreContinue reading “Case Study: Cape Town, South Africa Permaculture Design”

Case Study: Connecticut Permaculture Design

This is a design for the garden of a family home in Connecticut, USDA zone 6. The goal was to create a design which maximised food production while also giving visual beauty, benefit to local wildlife, zones for recreation, and plenty of space for children to play. This garden is for a family of seven,Continue reading “Case Study: Connecticut Permaculture Design”

Case Study: Cambodia Permaculture Project

I’ve had a very busy week, so have not had time to write any other posts this week. But I did want to share with you an exciting and large-scale project which I have been working on, and will be working a lot more on next month. Eco- Resort, Restoration, Reclamation – A Sustainable FutureContinue reading “Case Study: Cambodia Permaculture Project”

Case Study: Senegal

This is a design for a small property in Nguerigne, Senegal. This is a property of around 2,400 sq m, currently almost entirely bare and exposed except for one baobab tree. It is level, sandy and dry. This region is close to the intersection between the Sahel, and the West Sudanian savannah – in anContinue reading “Case Study: Senegal”

Rewilding On A Range of Scales

When we talk about rewilding, we are often talking about doing so on a landscape scale – over broad areas. Large scale conservation, ecosystem restoration and rewildling are certainly important. But it is also important to consider smaller scale rewilding schemes on individual properties, and even in individual gardens. I’ve had a very busy startContinue reading “Rewilding On A Range of Scales”

Case Study: Child-Friendly Garden Design

This design was for a small garden in southern England, for a client who not only has her own children but also works as a childminder. The garden, therefore, needed to be rationalised and laid out better, so that it would work well for the family themselves, their chickens, their dog, and for all theContinue reading “Case Study: Child-Friendly Garden Design”

Water Conservation in Garden Design

I have worked on a number of designs for dryland regions and arid climates. And of course, in such design work, water conservation is key. But no matter where you live, it is important to think about water conservation in garden design. It is important to consider both landscape and the build environment when consideringContinue reading “Water Conservation in Garden Design”

Case Study: Philippines Permaculture Plan

This concept design, which I completed late last year, outlines a holistic plan for a small farm on the island of Guimaras, in the Philippines. The plan will bring together work already completed on the property, to create a naturally harmonious ecosystem which meets human needs while nurturing the environment and boosting biodiversity on theContinue reading “Case Study: Philippines Permaculture Plan”

Creating a Sustainable, Permaculture Home

If you think about permaculture and sustainability, you may well picture a rural idyll, with a large garden or area of land where an abundance of food is grown. This is, indeed, one type of sustainable, permaculture home. But such homes come in many shapes, forms and sizes – they can be found all overContinue reading “Creating a Sustainable, Permaculture Home”

Become a More Sustainable Gardener in 2022

As a garden designer, I have been heartened to see so many people embracing sustainable organic gardening over the past couple of years. But even those who set out with the best intentions could still do more to make sure they are doing the right thing for people and planet in their gardens. Here areContinue reading “Become a More Sustainable Gardener in 2022”