Suburbia, in some ways, exemplifies much that is wrong with modern society and the way many people live their lives. It was designed around the car – not around people or the environment. Suburbs can often be sterile seas of little boxes, manicured lawns, driveways, garages and roads. But here and there, oases are appearingContinue reading “Retrofitting Suburbia For a Sustainable Future”
Tag Archives: permaculture
Case Study: Permaculture Community
The above image is another portion of the permaculture design I was working on in New York State. This portion of the plan shows the scheme to create six multi-generational eco-friendly and sustainable homes. Each one has garden utility and functionality which enables a greener way of life. A community barn and farm stalls (to theContinue reading “Case Study: Permaculture Community”
Integrate Don’t Segregate
In our gardens and in our lives, integration can be integral to positive change. Lockdowns have left many of us feeling isolated and cut off from others. But in some ways, facing challenges together has brought people closer. Communities have come together – even as we have physically been kept apart. In a world ofContinue reading “Integrate Don’t Segregate”
Case Study: Losing the Lawn To Create a More Abundant, Productive Garden
In this case study, I want to share with you part of a design I created for one homeowner who wanted to overhaul her long, lawn-covered garden. It is designed to provide a restful and reasonably low maintenance space, which can be enjoyed by the family, and yet will allow for plenty of food production. Continue reading “Case Study: Losing the Lawn To Create a More Abundant, Productive Garden”
Why Every Home Should Have a Pantry
You are no doubt aware that what we choose to eat has a profound effect on how eco-friendly, ethical and sustainable our lives can be. Whether you are growing your own, buying local, seasonal, organic produce, or a combination of both, your choices are important. But it is important to remember that what happens toContinue reading “Why Every Home Should Have a Pantry”
Case Study: Conceptual Permaculture Design
Permaculture design usually begins with observation of a particular site. Occasionally, however, it can begin with conceptual design. The image above shows a plan developed for a client who wanted a concept plan for a permaculture retreat somewhere in northern Italy. Unusually, the client has not yet found land for the project. But wanted conceptualContinue reading “Case Study: Conceptual Permaculture Design”
Case Study: Catalonia Permaculture Design
Permaculture is not always about starting from scratch. This case study reflects this. As usual, I won’t share all the details of my work. But do just want to share this brief overview. The property is an old fruit orchard in Catalonia that had fallen into a wild and largely disused state. It is soonContinue reading “Case Study: Catalonia Permaculture Design”
Tips For Small Space Gardening
The yield of a system is theoretically unlimited (or only limited by the imagination and information of the designer). (Bill Mollison, founding father of permaculture.) This idea can be an inspiration when it comes to gardening in small spaces. When you look at things a little differently, far more may be possible than you imagined.Continue reading “Tips For Small Space Gardening”
Everything Gardens – We Humans Are Not Alone
If you spend any time in a garden, or out in the natural world, you will very quickly notice that we humans are not the only ones who alter our environments. Gardening and growing are, in essence, our own ways of shaping our surroundings to meet our needs. If we are wise about it, weContinue reading “Everything Gardens – We Humans Are Not Alone”
Case Study: Desert Ecosystem Restoration
This case study is a project I am currently working on in Somalia. This site is located just south west of Garowe, in Puntland, north-eastern Somalia. The region has a hot desert climate, with hot to very hot temperatures (average highs of 29-41 degrees) year round and an annual average precipitation of just 133mm. InContinue reading “Case Study: Desert Ecosystem Restoration”
EWSP Consultancy 