In an era marked by ecological crisis, climate emergency, and growing inequality, more and more people are searching for systems that heal rather than harm. Permaculture is one such system—a holistic, regenerative design philosophy that offers practical solutions to some of the most pressing challenges of our time. So what is permaculture? At its heart,Continue reading “What is Permaculture? Ethics, Principles and Practices for a Better Future”
Tag Archives: sustainable
Cerritos, California Garden Design
Cerritos has a warm-summer Mediterranean climate with mild, wet winters and warm, dry summers. Average annual precipitation is about 12–14 inches, most falling November–March. The soil conditions are characterised by good drainage, modest natural fertility. There is a need for irrigation in summer, and occasional soil amendments (of organic matter) to boost water-holding capacity andContinue reading “Cerritos, California Garden Design”
Sustainable Garden Redesign in Chesterfield, Derbyshire
This plan shows my proposal for a redesign of the garden, in Chesterfield, Derbyshire, England. Though the current garden is productive, with plenty of annual crops and some other plants growing successfully at present, the goals included developing a plan for the replacement of degraded concrete paths and driveway, and increasing permanent perennial planting forContinue reading “Sustainable Garden Redesign in Chesterfield, Derbyshire”
Yorkshire Permaculture Design
This is my design for a client in Yorkshire, in collaboration with a client excited to be taking the first steps towards a more self-reliant and resilient way of life on this small plot of land. Like many of my clients, this one wanted some reassurance that they were on the right track, and someContinue reading “Yorkshire Permaculture Design”
Reuse and Upcycling in a City Garden
You don’t need to have a massive budget or a large space to create a beautiful and productive garden. My designs often incorporate materials that my clients already have on hand – and I am an advocate of making use of what you already have before you even think about buying anything new. This recentContinue reading “Reuse and Upcycling in a City Garden”
Growing Food Indoors & Undercover
As a garden designer, I have worked with clients to grow food in an amazing range of situations. Typical gardens are not the only option for food cultivation. There are so many other places where food can be grown – from polytunnels or greenhouses, to rooftops, balconies, or interior spaces in homes, restaurants, offices, businessContinue reading “Growing Food Indoors & Undercover”
Summer Solstice – Design Reflections for the Longest Day
In the northern hemisphere, the summer solstice marks a moment of profound significance — the sun reaches its highest point in the sky, and we enjoy the longest day of the year. For millennia, people have celebrated this turning point, recognising it as a time of abundance, growth, and potential. But beyond its cultural andContinue reading “Summer Solstice – Design Reflections for the Longest Day”
Cornwall School Farm Permaculture Design
As well as working on designs for private properties, I also work on community projects. This is something that is very important to me, since I am very much aware of the criticisms of permaculture relating to its inaccessibility for many… and seek, where I can, to remove potential barriers. Permaculture offers concepts and designContinue reading “Cornwall School Farm Permaculture Design”
Spiral Form Gardens: Beyond Basic Herb Spirals
If you are familiar with my writing and designs, you will likely also be familiar with the concept of a herb spiral. This idea, extremely popular in permaculture circles, involves creating a pyramidal, spiral-form raised bed to grow a range of herbs that like different growing conditions in a relatively small area. However, the potentialContinue reading “Spiral Form Gardens: Beyond Basic Herb Spirals”
South Carolina Permaculture – Sustainable Landscape Design
Another design from late last year, for a client in South Carolina, explores a range of exciting ideas, including sacred geometry, mandala gardens, herb spirals, forest gardens and other forms of agroforestry, while also focussing on family and ensuring a high-quality family life. Zone 1: Zone one focusses around two loci – the primary homeContinue reading “South Carolina Permaculture – Sustainable Landscape Design”