PERMACULTUREThe use of patterns and ‘’the edge’’ in the design process

Why we use the edge• Productivity increases at the edge because resources from all

present systems can be utilised.

• Edges define areas. Elements, sectors and zones become more manageable with an edge.

• Human brains like an edge. Edges provide order and a system within which we can work and play.

• Edges are a symbolic language and a place where humans and plants can interface and meet.

• Edges allow access for planting, mulching, watering and harvesting.

Application and Individuality• Observe nature and harness this amazing resource by

using it to design ecological systems that are productive in your back/front yard and community.

• Apply design to express your individuality; character, location, time, physical ability and include yourself in the observation of nature. HOW?

• Permaculture designers are free to design creatively.• Be careful not to replace a conventional dogma with an

unconventional dogma.• Small scale systems allow greater pattern complexity and

edge. Larger systems can be simplified to reduce work.

Using Air Space• Designing in 3 dimensions. For example; creating forest

garden edges in the vertical as well as horizontal that mimic a woodland edge.

• Designing a raised bed with attention to the vertical as well as the horizontal thereby maximising edge - as nature does. This creates more productive, fertile systems. This could include;

• The use of structures and supports• Under planting of herbs• Vines draping over the edge and trained to grow around the

raised bed• More ideas anyone?

The Edge!Garden on the sunny side of a

house in an extreme climate

near a glacier.

An Oak Leaf• Patterns in Nature

More Edge!• A Car Park

• This could be used to

produce food. This

design application could

change the city scape and

environment.

What benefits can you

think of? Environmental

and social.

And More Edge

• On the edge of a river in a city. Silt brings nutrients, reflected light from the river and the heat bank wall.

Use of the edge

within the edge as a small

windbreak and to stop soil falling in the river.

Edges Provide Interest• Some space can’t be

used but the edge can!

Costa and the verge.

Using the edge between the

road and the house to grow

productive crops.

Corporate Edge• A bank in Melbourne

More about edges…

• Edges can be used as a barrier against pests, weeds that are not wanted and predators.

• Pests – Plants on the edge that repel pests and encourage beneficial bugs.

• Predators – A fence protecting livestock and fowl from foxes. Dog wee on the edge is an effective deterrent.

• Edges can improve access to plants particularly regularly used plants.

Innovative Edges• Mobile Decoy of nasturtiums. This is a trap crop, to

encourage unwanted bugs like aphids, onto the trolley and away from the

crop/plant.

• This is a mobile edge!

Keyhole Gardens use the edge• Suburban dream!

Increase the Edge and a Barrier• Zig Zag fences stand up to wind

better than straight fences.

Spiral Garden• This creates micro-climates, adds elevation and interest.

More Spirals As Edge• Anyone can have a herb spiral.

The Real Edge• The edge thinking about

the principles of the edge.