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”
Tag Archives: permaculture
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”
How To Sequester More Carbon in Your Garden
Tree planting is the most common strategy used in carbon sequestration measures. But planting trees in your garden is not the only thing you can do to increase the amount of carbon captured and stored in your outside space. To play your role in tacking our climate crisis, you can also: Manage tree stands/ gardens/Continue reading “How To Sequester More Carbon in Your Garden”
Comfrey – A Great Multipurpose Permaculture Plant
One of the most useful plants I grow is not one we eat. Rather, it is that workhorse of the permaculture garden – comfrey. If you are already into permaculture, you are no doubt already aware of the benefits of this perennial plant. But for those who are new to the concept, here is aContinue reading “Comfrey – A Great Multipurpose Permaculture Plant”
Case Study: Tropical Garden
The image above shows part of a permaculture design for a riverside plot in India, with an approximate location for a new home, with a natural swimming pool. A path leads down between fruit trees and a forest garden to a seating area and polyculture vegetable beds situated near the riverside end of the property. Continue reading “Case Study: Tropical Garden”
Case Study: New York State
I am currently working on a large design for a 52 acre site in New York State. The goals for this design very much adhere to each of the central ethics of permaculture. The broad goal was to maximise the capacity of the land in question to sustain wildlife and people, while minimising negative impactContinue reading “Case Study: New York State”
Catch and Store Rainwater in Your Garden
Fresh water is an important resource. And even in areas where there is quite a lot of it around, it pays to use it wisely. Learning how to catch and store rainwater in your garden is an important step in permaculture practice. How To Catch Rainwater Connect rainwater from the roof of your home. AndContinue reading “Catch and Store Rainwater in Your Garden”
The Spring Harvest – What We’re Eating This Month
To inspire others to take their own home-growing further, every now and then, I would like to share some of what we’re eating from our own permaculture garden here in Scotland. So here are some highlights of the May harvest: Spring Harvest From the Veg Beds and Polytunnel: Lettuce (Various types) Perpetual Spinach Chard PakContinue reading “The Spring Harvest – What We’re Eating This Month”
Case Study: Kansas Garden
I won’t share full details of my permaculture designs on this site. But I do want to give an occasional glimpse into the varied work that I do for gardeners and growers around the world. This case study is an example of one part of a permaculture design I completed for a client in Kansas. Continue reading “Case Study: Kansas Garden”
How To Make A New Growing Area in Your Garden
I am often asked about the best ways to turn an area of lawn into a new growing area. When people make new growing areas, they often cut off the turf to get started. But I would highly recommend ditching the spade, and adopting a no dig approach. There are several different ‘no dig’ optionsContinue reading “How To Make A New Growing Area in Your Garden”