TWELVE permaculture

principles

Permaculture is a design approach that works to

restore the health of an ecosystem by mimicking

natural processes. It is based on ecological and

biological principles, to maximise effect and

minimise effort. Permaculture aims to create

stable, productive systems that provide for human

needs, harmoniously integrating the land with its

inhabitants. This booklet defines and describes the

twelve main principles.

By taking the time to engage with nature, we can design

solutions that suit our particular situation. Observation

allows you first to see how the site functions within itself,

to gain an understanding of its natural relationships.

Some people recommend a yearlong observation of a

site before anything is planted. This allows the site to be

observed through all seasons, for maximum utilization

of the areas native performance.

1

&Identify and collect flows of energy. Every natural cycle

is an opportunity for a better yield; every gradient (in

slope, charge, temperature, etc.) can produce energy.

Reinvesting resources builds capacity to capture yet

more resources. By developing systems that collect

resources, we can use them in times of need.

2

Make sure that you are reaping the rewards of your

labor. Design the site for both immediate and long-

term returns. Utilize the yields of each element to meet

the needs of other elements in the system. A good

example of this is composting. Kitchen scraps could

be turned into a fertile compost to nourish the garden.

Also, remember that the biggest limit to abundance is

creativity. Imagination and skill usually limit productivity

before any physical limits are reached.

3

&This principle deals with self-regulatory aspects

of permaculture design that limit or discourage

inappropriate growth or behavior. With better

understanding of how positive and negative feedbacks

work in nature, we can design systems that are more

self-regulating, thus reducing the work involved in

repeated and harsh corrective management. Keep in

mind that a self-maintaining and regulating system is the

ultimate goal.

4

Permaculture design should aim to make best use of

renewable natural resources to manage and maintain

yields, even if some use of non-renewable resources is

needed in establishing the system. Renewable services

are those gained from plants, animals and living soil and

water without being consumed. For example, when we

use a tree for shade and shelter, we gain benefits from

the living tree that are non-consuming and require no

harvesting energy.

5

In permaculture, there is no such thing as waste. By

properly utilizing of all the resources that are available to

us, nothing goes to waste. For example, when a family

uses a hand pump for water instead of the conventional

faucet, the hand pump encourages them to conserve

and be conscious of how much they use.

6

Living systems mature with time. So, if we accept this

trend and align our designs with natural forces, we

save time and energy. For example, it is important to

remember that mature ecosystems are more diverse

and productive than young ones.

7

8By doing research and putting the right things together,

support systems between elements can develop.

Permaculture Guilds are groups of plants, animals and

microbacteria, which compliment each other. For

example, the Three Sisters (maize, squash and beans) is

a well-known guild. The higher number of connections

among elements, the more healthy and diverse the

ecosystem will be.

&Small and slow systems are easier to maintain than big

ones, and they make better use of local resources and

produce more sustainable outcomes. Understand the

system you are working with well enough to find its

“leverage points” and intervene there, where the least

work accomplishes the most change.

9

&Diversity reduces vulnerability and increases yield. For

example, a study in China showed that planting several

varieties of rice in the same field increased yields by

89 percent. Also, polycultures are great because they

imitate the diversity of natural ecosystems.

10

&The boundaries between environments is where the

most interesting events take place, these are often the

most valuable, diverse and productive elements in the

system. This is the place where energy and materials

accumulate or are translated. Utilize the edge and value

the seemingly trivial.

11

You can have a positive impact on inevitable change by

carefully observing and then intervening at the right

time. When change occurs, be creative, trust what you

have observed, and find a solution that is best for your

site.

12

This book was designed and assembled by Sarah Bess McLaughlin in Dec 2009. The photographs were collected from various sources including Willow Organic Farm in Oxfordshire, MSU Student Organic Farm in Boston, and Natick Community Organic Farm in Boston.

The first recorded practice of permaculture was by Austrian farmer Sepp Holzer in the 1960s, but the method was scientifically perfected by Bill Mollison and David Holmgren.

BOOKSGaia’s Garden by Toby HemenwayEarth Care Manual by Patrick WhitefieldEarth User’s Guide by Rosemary MorrowOne Straw Revolution by Masunobu Fukuoka

WEBSITESPlants for a Future pfaf.orgPermacultureDesignSolutions.comPermaculture Research Institute permaculutre.org.au TransitionNetwork.org

Permaculture is a design approach that works to

restore the health of an ecosystem by mimicking

natural processes. It is based on ecological and

biological principles, to maximise effect and

minimise effort. Permaculture aims to create

stable, productive systems that provide for

human needs, harmoniously integrating the

land with its inhabitants. This booklet defines

and describes the twelve main principles. Here is a great introduction to create your personal permaculture, a place to work and live in harmony with nature, a place that will nurture your body and your soul.

$10 US/$12 CANADA

TWELVE permaculture principles