WHAT IS PERMACULTURE?
The term ‘Permaculture’ comes from the combination of the words ‘permanent agriculture’. It is a set of principles intended to simulate or use patterns in natural ecosystems. Permaculture evolved in opposition to industrial farming practices, and aims to create healthy, diverse and productive ecosystems.
KEY PRINCIPLES:
WORK WITH THE NATURAL ECOSYSTEM: Observe and understand the ecosystem of a site. Identify sun, wind and water conditions, and microclimates within a site.
HARNESS NATURAL SOURCES OF ENERGY: Use solar or wind energy if conditions allow. Design systems that collect and store resources for later use (ex. rainwater harvesting, greenhouses & passive solar systems).
CREATE HEALTHY & PRODUCTIVE ENVIRONMENTS: Emphasize food production and biodiversity. Reduce waste and create spaces that benefit the broader ecology.
PERMACULTURE IN LANDSCAPE DESIGN:
We can adopt some of the common permaculture practices to improve our urban gardens. These can include food production, water management, and biodiversity. Here are a few ways to apply these principles to urban landscape design:
- DESIGN WITH NATURE: Start by studying the existing site conditions and microclimates. We can use this as a basis for plant selection and layout.
- FOOD PRODUCTION: Dedicate some of the garden space for productive plants. These can include herbs, vegetables, fruit trees and berries. Trees, climbing plants and berry bushes can be multi-purpose, production food while creating shade or privacy.
- MIXED PLANTING: Plant a mixture of species in each garden bed. Focus on beneficial relationships, where plants encourage each other’s growth and deter pests.
Note: Naturalistic garden design is a growing trend, popularized both for its beauty and ecological benefits. - CONTAINERS & STRUCTURES: Use containers, trellises and green walls to increase planting space. Build a greenhouse or to capture solar energy and extend the growing season.
- ENCOURAGE BIODIVERSITY: Ponds, birdbaths, wildflowers and pollinator gardens can create habitat and attract wildlife. Flora and fauna both contribute to a healthy ecosystem.
- CONSERVE WATER: Design landscape features to capture and use rainwater. Use mulch and shade trees to reduce evaporation.
- SOIL HEALTH & WASTE REDUCTION: Use kitchen scraps and garden waste to produce compost. Reduce tilling and disruption of soil, and rotate plants from time to time. (for more on soil health, read this article).
Above: Design concept with naturalistic planting style. By 161 Design Studio, Vancouver, 2024
As landscape designers, we can enhance natural systems through our work. Some believe we even have a duty to improve both the site and its surrounding environment. Incorporating some of these principles into our urban landscapes can result in beautiful, healthy gardens and a healthier ecology.
For more information, or to start designing your own garden, send us a message.
Above: Garden pond from Highbury Sustainable Garden