Designing with Permaculture

Permaculture is more than a buzzword; it’s a philosophy, a lifestyle, and a design system that centers around working with nature rather than against it. Coined by Bill Mollison and David Holmgren in the 1970s, permaculture is short for "permanent agriculture" and "permanent culture." It’s a way of designing spaces—whether sprawling farms or small balconies—to mimic the resilience, efficiency, and beauty of natural ecosystems.

For those new to permaculture, it can feel overwhelming. There's so much to learn and many principles to apply, but here's the good news: permaculture is not about achieving perfection. It's about making small, intentional changes that align with your values and lifestyle, and every step you take is a meaningful one.

The Components of Permaculture

Permaculture focuses on integrating diverse elements into a landscape so they work together harmoniously. Here are some core components:

1. Zones and Sectors

Permaculture divides spaces into zones based on how frequently you use them. For example:

• Zone 0 is your home, the heart of the system.

• Zone 1 includes areas for daily activities, like a kitchen herb garden.

• Zone 5 is a wild area where nature is left untouched, fostering biodiversity.

By analyzing your land and daily habits, you can place elements like gardens, compost piles, or water tanks in the most effective zones.

2. Permaculture Principles

The 12 principles of permaculture, as outlined by David Holmgren, are the foundation of the practice:

• Observe and interact with your environment.

• Catch and store energy, such as through rainwater harvesting.

• Obtain a yield—grow food, collect compost, or capture sunlight with solar panels.

• Use and value renewable resources.

• Produce no waste by composting, upcycling, and repurposing materials.

• Design with small, slow solutions that are manageable and sustainable.

• Use edges and value diversity. For example, plant a mix of species in one bed to mimic nature’s patterns.

• Creatively respond to change, adapting to your land’s evolving needs.

3. Regenerative Agriculture

Permaculture encourages regenerative practices that heal the earth, such as improving soil health, building compost, and planting trees. These practices don't just sustain resources—they actively restore ecosystems.

4. Closed-Loop Systems

In permaculture, waste becomes a resource. Kitchen scraps are composted, greywater is reused for irrigation, and leaves from pruned trees mulch garden beds. This cycle reduces dependency on external inputs and creates balance within the system.

Small Steps Toward Permaculture

One of the most inspiring aspects of permaculture is that you don’t need a big backyard to start.

• Apartment Balcony: Grow herbs, vegetables, or pollinator-friendly plants in pots. Start a small compost bin for your kitchen scraps.

• Urban Yards: Incorporate raised beds, plant fruit trees, or replace turf grass with native plants.

• Rural Homesteads: Build swales to manage water runoff or experiment with forest gardening.

Permaculture is for everyone, and Practical Permaculture by Jessi Bloom and Dave Boehnlein is an excellent resource for beginners. This book demystifies permaculture design and provides actionable steps to create a thriving landscape that gives back to the earth.

How I Apply Permaculture Principles

At Restoring Roots, permaculture guides much of what I do. I design landscapes that balance aesthetics, sustainability, and biodiversity, incorporating these principles into every project.

My Home

In my own yard, I’ve planted native perennials that provide food and habitat for wildlife. I compost kitchen scraps daily and use that rich, organic material to build soil health. I’ve also created a pollinator-friendly garden with a mix of flowering plants and edible herbs.

My Designs

For clients, I incorporate permaculture practices based on their space and goals:

• Swapping high-maintenance lawns for diverse plantings.

• Designing gardens that capture rainwater with berms and swales.

• Creating edible landscapes that produce fresh food year after year.

Whether you have a balcony or an acre, I can help you create a design that aligns with your values and supports the environment.

It’s About Progress, Not Perfection

When you’re first learning about permaculture, it’s easy to feel like there’s too much to know. But remember: permaculture is a journey, not a destination. Start small, celebrate your wins, and learn from your mistakes.

With each step, you’ll become more connected to the rhythms of the natural world—and that’s the heart of permaculture. Let’s design spaces that don’t just sustain life but regenerate it, one plant, one compost bin, and one balcony garden at a time.

If you’re ready to dive into permaculture or need guidance on creating a sustainable landscape, I’d love to help! Together, we can restore roots and build a future that’s in harmony with nature.

Resources to Get Started

If you’re ready to explore permaculture and sustainable landscaping, these books are excellent starting points:

1. Practical Permaculture by Jessi Bloom and Dave Boehnlein
   A user-friendly guide to understanding and implementing permaculture principles. Perfect for beginners and those looking to dive deeper into design strategies.

2. Permaculture: Principles and Pathways Beyond Sustainability by David Holmgren
   A foundational book from one of permaculture’s co-founders, offering deep insights into the principles and ethics of permaculture.

3. Gaia’s Garden: A Guide to Home-Scale Permaculture by Toby Hemenway
   A classic introduction to creating sustainable, regenerative landscapes at home. It’s packed with practical advice and inspiring stories.

4. The Resilient Gardener: Food Production and Self-Reliance in Uncertain Times by Carol Deppe
   A great resource for learning how to grow food with resilience and adaptability, focusing on staple crops and practical tips.

5. The Permaculture Earthworks Handbook by Douglas Barnes
   For those interested in water management, this book provides a detailed guide to creating swales, ponds, and other water-harvesting systems.

6. Edible Forest Gardens (Volumes 1 & 2) by Dave Jacke and Eric Toensmeier
   These volumes delve into creating forest gardens—complex, biodiverse systems designed to mimic natural forests.

7. Bringing Nature Home by Douglas Tallamy
   While not strictly a permaculture book, this is a must-read for understanding the importance of incorporating native plants into landscapes to support biodiversity.

8. One Straw Revolution by Masanobu Fukuoka
   A seminal work that inspired much of the permaculture movement, focusing on natural farming and working with the land instead of against it.

These books offer a wealth of knowledge and inspiration, whether you're just starting out or looking to deepen your understanding of permaculture and sustainable landscaping. Let them guide you as you take steps toward designing spaces that harmonize with nature.