Ecosystem restoration expert John D. Liu was kind enough recently to answer a few of my questions for Treehugger. Click here for a link to this brief Q&A. I was in touch with him via the Ecosystem restoration project which I have been working with in Somalia and do hope we will have the chanceContinue reading “Consciousness, Intention and Action”
Tag Archives: permaculture
Case Study: Walled Garden Forest Garden Design
This is a small portion of my design for the larger Mediterranean site, for which I earlier shared the overall concept plan. This is the concept for the renovation of the existing (but dilapidated) walled garden on the property. (just under 1 acre in size) The goal is to turn the overgrown and neglected spaceContinue reading “Case Study: Walled Garden Forest Garden Design”
The Importance of Experimentation in a Garden
In a garden, it is important to experiment. While other gardeners, books, and other media can teach you a lot, learning second-hand is never enough to create a truly great garden. Even the very best gardens are a work in progress. All gardeners have to observe, experiment, and respond to change over time. It isContinue reading “The Importance of Experimentation in a Garden”
Dealing With Heat in Your Garden
We’ve had some lovely warm weather here recently. Since we are in Scotland, the relatively mild summer heat is usually something to enjoy and not something to fear. I am a typical Scot and anything over around 20 degrees C. (68F) feels very warm to me! I don’t fare well in the sun and searchContinue reading “Dealing With Heat in Your Garden”
Case Study: Belgium Permaculture Garden
This is my concept plan for a garden in Belgium (USDA. Hardiness Zone 8a). Details were given to the client for each of the main planting zones, with plant suggestions and an implementation plan. This design aims to suggest a planting plan for the garden which will make the space as attractive and abundant asContinue reading “Case Study: Belgium Permaculture Garden”
Hazel – Excellent Coppicing Trees
Coppicing can be an extremely useful way to manage trees on a permaculture property and yet many fail to consider the potential to make use of trees in this way. But coppicing trees can be a good strategy on a commercial scale and on larger farms, or in small home gardens. In small gardens, consideringContinue reading “Hazel – Excellent Coppicing Trees”
Breaking Reliance on External Inputs
A well designed garden or farm does not require external inputs once established. Many growers have become reliant on fertilisers (synthetic or bought organic options) and external materials such as composts, mulches. Most buy new plants, seeds etc. over time. But once a truly sustainable system has been established, the garden should be a closedContinue reading “Breaking Reliance on External Inputs”
How to Build Resilience: The Key Challenge for Farmers and Growers
Today we are experiencing a deluge, and some areas fairly close to us have experienced some flooding. And this comes after a spring that was very difficult for farmers in our area, with a late, cold start to spring, followed by a near drought. While dry weather in spring is quite common here, this yearContinue reading “How to Build Resilience: The Key Challenge for Farmers and Growers”
Case Study: Mediterranean Agroforestry Community
This is the initial concept plan for an exciting 22 acre property in southern France, in a Mediterranean climate zone. There is an existing farmhouse, with a gite, ruined barn and existing walled kitchen garden which is overgrown and disused. Behind the farmhouse are several fields of grape vines which are also in need ofContinue reading “Case Study: Mediterranean Agroforestry Community”
The Importance of Topography in Permaculture Design
Topography -essentially the shape of the piece of land – is one factor often overlooked in permaculture design. In small gardens, topography may not be a huge defining factor – the space my be flat and level. However, in many larger designs, and even in some smaller ones, slope, elevation and other topographical features can,Continue reading “The Importance of Topography in Permaculture Design”
EWSP Consultancy 