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”

Attracting Wildlife in Your Garden

Many of us are turning our attentions to our gardens right now. But many new gardeners forget that they are not gardening alone. As organic gardeners, we are aided in what we do by many creatures that share our space. Attracting wildlife, and making a wildlife friendly garden is one of the top things weContinue reading “Attracting Wildlife in Your Garden”

Tips For Self-Sufficiency in Your Garden

The more you can be self-sufficient in your gardening endeavours, the more sustainable your efforts can be. So let’s take a moment to look at some of the ways you can boost self-sufficiency in your garden: Make your own compost. Harvest rainwater and manage water effectively. Fertilise your garden organically and for free, with naturalContinue reading “Tips For Self-Sufficiency in Your Garden”

Starting a Garden Need Not Cost The Earth

If you are starting a garden, one of the most common mistakes is spending more than you need to spend to establish it. Permaculture teaches is that it does not need to cost the Earth to start a garden – either literally or metaphorically. We can keep things sustainable and eco-friendly, while also spending veryContinue reading “Starting a Garden Need Not Cost The Earth”

The Benefits of Forest Gardening

Forest gardening is one of my specialities. I have turned a mature garden on my own property into a forest garden, and design forest gardens for others around the world. Many people are starting new gardens right now. When most people get started, they tend to focus on creating a traditional vegetable patch or kitchenContinue reading “The Benefits of Forest Gardening”