For those that haven't heard the terminology before, Permaculture refers to the system of, not only gardening, but of living, in a harmonious way with nature. It is defined as "the conscious design and maintenance of agriculturally productive ecosystems which have the diversity, stability, and resilience of natural ecosystems. It is the harmonious integration of landscape and people — providing their food, energy, shelter, and other material and non-material needs in a sustainable way".
Whilst not necessarily a 'new' method of gardening or way of living, the method was scientifically developed in the 70s by two Australians Bill Mollison and David Holmgren (along with their associates). Mollison describes the word permaculture as a portmanteau of permanent agriculture, and permanent culture.
It is about using what we have in our backgrounds to provide for ourselves in a more sustainable and wholisitic way, reducing our reliance on more commercial methods of production and our impact on the earth i.e. growing our own food, harvesting water and energy from rain and sun/wind, composting our waste etc.
It is such a fabulous concept and one which is beginning to become more fashionable. Whilst our country cousins have been practicing it for sometime now, more urbanites are turning their lawns bordered with box hedges and iceberg roses into productive spaces filled with fruit trees, vegetables, herbs and even chooks. Parents are wanting to share with their children the lessons of where food comes from and know themselves that what they are feeding their families. This is certainly one trend I'm advocating for everyone to follow - let's make it the 'new black'!
This Sunday, 1st May is the 3rd Annual National Permaculture Day. As such, my next few posts will be focusing on the WHO, WHAT, WHERE & WHY of Permaculture!
Image: Choose Permaculture
Image: Choose Permaculture
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