Growing an edible, urban ecosystem one backyard at a time
Rethinking consumption isn’t just for minimalists or off-grid homesteaders. More and more people are realizing that consumer culture isn’t working—for us, for the planet, or for the future. Anti-consumerism is about stepping back, asking different questions, and making small changes that add up. A Cultural Tipping Point Awareness of the dire issues the US and…
Plan, track, and reflect for a better garden every season It’s been a long time in the making, and it’s finally here! I put this garden journal together to observe, plan, track, and reflect on my garden, and I’m now sharing it with you! You can purchase the paperback version from my publishing platform, Lulu,…
The objective of any garden, project, or program is to obtain a yield. It might be a physical yield, such as homegrown tomatoes from the garden, or something less tangible, such as increased knowledge, stronger community bonds, or improved personal well-being. Any endeavor will feel unfulfilling or pointless, and participants less likely to continue with…
Energy flows all around us—sunlight streaming down, rain soaking into the ground, wind rushing past, plants growing and storing nutrients. If we pay attention, we can catch some of that energy while it’s available and store it for times of scarcity. That’s what the principle, Catch and Store Energy is all about: making the most…
In times of uncertainty and division, it can feel overwhelming to imagine a brighter future. The challenges we face—climate change, social inequity, economic instability—can leave us feeling powerless. But within these difficulties lies an opportunity to reconnect with the systems that sustain us: our land, our communities, and our values. The permaculture principles offer a…
Permaculture Ethics and Design Principles Through its Ethics and Design Principles, permaculture offers a framework for creating sustainable, resilient, and ethical systems—not just in the garden, but in all areas of life. This page is your guide to exploring each principle in depth, with links to individual articles on permaculture design principles and ethics. Why…
The holidays can be a lot. Between the shopping, planning, and family dynamics, stress can easily overshadow joy. But what if the natural world had some wisdom to offer? Permaculture—a design system inspired by nature—might seem like it’s all about gardens and growing food. Yet, its principles are surprisingly useful for navigating holiday chaos. Let’s…
While permaculture is often seen as a common-sense, down-to-earth approach to gardening, its principles can be applied to many other areas of life, possibly even all of them. Opportunities for using permaculture in everyday life—beyond just the garden—are all around us, if you know where to look. We don’t need to use the term “permaculture”…