These are stressful times. This means that it has never been more important to cultivate kindness in all that you do. We often talk about care for other people when talking about sustainability. But all too often, people forget that small, simple acts of kindness on a daily basis are just as important as caringContinue reading “Cultivate Kindness – Choose ‘Pleasant’ This Christmas”
Tag Archives: permaculture
How Do We Fix Fragile Systems?
A fragile system is one which will break rather than bending. One which will fail to thrive when conditions get tough. One which cannot change and adapt to changing needs, but which is brittle and will not survive whatever the future brings. Fragile systems, both in the garden and in society, can be identified andContinue reading “How Do We Fix Fragile Systems?”
Case Study: The NOWschool Permaculture Plan
This is a permaculture design for the NOWschool – a green and sustainable school planned in Utrecht, Netherlands. This is a project of sustainable businesswoman Juliette Schraauwers, who approached me to create a design for the school. This is a concept inspired by the Green School movement, which advocates an overhaul of our educational systems.Continue reading “Case Study: The NOWschool Permaculture Plan”
Reasons to Dig in a ‘No Dig’ Garden
I’ve already spoken before on this site about the concept of a ‘no dig’ garden. In a no dig garden, the key is to create and manage growing areas so that we disturb the soil ecosystem as little as possible (and take steps to improve it). This involves strategies like making lasagna gardens, hugelkultur moundsContinue reading “Reasons to Dig in a ‘No Dig’ Garden”
Rethinking Thistles
Many gardeners view thistles as problem weeds. But thistles (of several different varieties) can be extremely useful garden plants. There are lots of thistles where we live, but rather than trying to eradicate them entirely from cultivated areas, I consider them as a benefit and welcome them in my garden (at least to a degree).Continue reading “Rethinking Thistles”
Case Study: Small-Space Haven
This permaculture plan aims to bring a sense of space, nature and freedom to the small space around the home (which is currently being constructed). It aims to combine organic, natural materials with diverse living plants to create a tranquil haven and make the small space seem larger and more filled with possibility. First ofContinue reading “Case Study: Small-Space Haven”
Case Study: Looking at Greening the Desert in Somalia
The project is still to determine the exact land area that will be used for the ecosystem restoration camp. But this is a piece of land that is under consideration. This is some preliminary work I have done. The ins and outs of the design obviously require a lot more work. But I thought someContinue reading “Case Study: Looking at Greening the Desert in Somalia”
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”
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”
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”