As we all seek to move forward and build back better, we all need to ask ourselves how we can contribute to a green recovery. A green recovery is a recovery that enables us to all move forward together – and to take care of our planet – as we move towards a truly sustainableContinue reading “How Could You Contribute to a Green Recovery?”
Tag Archives: permaculture
Case Study: Large Aquaponics Greenhouse
In the plans shown, you can see that a path leads visitors from a welcome area with information boards, on a pathway between the trees, that leads to a central area with a coconut palm, bananas and bench seating. If visitors turn right, they can enter the cafe area, where they can eat and drinkContinue reading “Case Study: Large Aquaponics Greenhouse”
Aquaponics and Its Role in Sustainable Food Production
As a permaculture designer, I understand that when it comes to designing food producing systems, one size does not fit all. In one location, a forest garden or agroforestry system might be the best solution. But for certain sites, especially in more arid climate zones – aquaponics is another very interesting, sustainable food producing systemContinue reading “Aquaponics and Its Role in Sustainable Food Production”
Borage – A Nectar Factory For Your Garden
Borage (Borago officinalis) is an excellent plant choice in many organic gardens. There are plenty of reasons to grow it where you live. A relatively hassle-free annual flowering plant, borage can be a great option for many temperate climate permaculture gardens. I have borage growing in my forest garden, where it self-seeds reliably every year.Continue reading “Borage – A Nectar Factory For Your Garden”
Retrofitting Suburbia For a Sustainable Future
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”
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”