I recently heard Scott Pittman describe part of the theory behind permaculture as "a cooperating assembly of plants and animals". Here's another take on permaculture, this one from the man often considered to be the "father" of the modern permaculture movement:
"There is an enormous difference between the way we make a design in permaculture and the way an agriculturist would make it. Really, what we are up to is trying to let things function in a natural way." -- (The Terrible Time of Day by Bill Mollison, 1981.)
Permaculture at home? Sure! Recently I wrote a bit about organic gardening and about permaculture and about observing the garden and once upon a time, about garden design. (Links to all of my earlier articles here!) When I wrote about design, I mentioned "right plant -- right place" and in essence that too, is part of the permaculture scenario.
How to apply this yourself? Here's a down-home example. Recently I've been enjoying the late season annuals that self sow every year in their own time and rhythm. These "old reliables" are often listed as "historic" or "heirloom" plants. Well, those old timey annuals grow beautifully in my garden, and many people remark upon them. Even non-gardeners notice them. They bloom profusely in late summer and on into fall. All by themselves!
Here's a glimpse of a patch of cleome from the Suite 101 Virtual Garden Tour. That late summer photo was taken two years ago during a very dry summer. Drought or no drought, those plants grow, right along with the crabgrass. Sounds to me like a mini version of permaculture!
Although permaculture talk often covers food production, there are applications for all gardens. Still waiting for those links on permaculture? Here are a few.
A vivid introduction to permaculture and a virtual photographic tour of Cross Timbers in Texas.
Here is the detailed Permaculture and Sustainable Living & Livelihood site.
Here is a simple explanation of permaculture from Permaculture Visions International which also offers distance learning courses.
This Australian Permaculture International site is also extensive.
Here is the Permaculture Institute of Northern California site.
The Permaculture Magazine Information Service offers permaculture news from around Britain...and yet another definition of permaculture. Since they are also the publishers of Permaculture Magazine, these folks include a contest in the Solutions! section. Win a free book!
Go To Page: 1 2
| Here's the follow-up discussion on this article: | View all related messages |
For a complete listing of article comments, questions, and other discussions related to Barbara M. Martin's Cottage Garden topic, please visit the Discussions page.