Gardening for the PlanetHarnessing the incredible power of

biodiversity using permaculture

Allison Houghton

Defining Permaculture

● combining “permanent” and

“agriculture”● the development of agricultural

ecosystems intended to be sustainable

and self-sufficient.● Is the conscious design and maintenance of agriculturally

productive systems which have the diversity, stability, and

resilience of natural ecosystems.● It is an agricultural philosophy that uses the resources that

we have around us to their fullest potential.

Permaculture Ethics

and Principles

Permaculture Ethics

Care for the EarthCare for the PeopleReturn the Surplus

Soil Health is the Base of Everything

All Soil Life

Plants

Insects and Other Arthropods

Vertebrates

Good Soil Health

Poor Soil Health

There are more soil microbes in one handful of healthy soil than there are people on this planet.

Mycorrhizal fungi extending root reach

Catching and Storing Energy and Materials

● Identify, hold, collect, capture “flows” or “resources” in your system

● Think about gradients, sunlight, kitchen waste, life cycles

● Reinvest resources to maximize your output

Some ideas:● home composting ● capture rainwater using

rain barrels, rain gardens, or adjustment in shape of the landscape

● mulching with garden and home materials

MINT

KITCHEN “WASTE”

Working With and Maximizing Edges

● edges are the intersection of two environments

● incredibly diverse● where materials and flows

collect, transform, produce● where high levels of

productivity happen

Sustainability for You

● Sustainability is important for the garden, but also for you.

● Start in small and manageable

● Get a yield● Care for the Earth, Care for

People (including yourself) and Return the Surplus