Permaculture is about:
“designing sustainable human settlements through ecology and design. It is a philosophy and an approach to land use which weaves together micro-climates, annual and perennial plants, animals, soils, water management and human needs into intricately connected productive communities”.
Bill Mollison, Introduction to Permaculture, 1991

The design brief for the 200m2 site (32x6m) emerged from brain-storming sessions among the Collective: a garden which could be a tool for making connections between the local and global, including sustainable development, as well as the economic, cultural and historical importance of plants. We collaborated with Paul Barney, a local permaculture designer, who adapted the forest garden idea, championed by Robert Hart in the 1970s, to our site and needs.

Our design takes into account every aspect of the site, surrounding buildings and makes full use of the local resources. For example, the Centre produces large amounts of organic waste which are composted and help feed hungry plants, while minimising landfill waste. In exchange, herbs and cut flowers are used in the café. Water from surrounding roofs is harvested for the drip-feed irrigation system which is powered by a small wind turbine and photo-voltaic array. The hard landscaping uses a combination of reused, renewable and recycled materials – old bricks destined for landfill, paths made from woodchip and edged with cordwood (tree surgeons’ waste which would otherwise be burnt), fencing and raised beds made from locally coppiced hazel and willow.

The forest garden is a variation of the permaculture approach – using a carefully selected combination of perennial herbaceous plants, shrubs, trees and climbers in a planting scheme which mimics a multi-layered woodland ecosystem. This creates the conditions which support great diversity. Once established, forest gardens require a little pruning and lots of harvesting from early spring to late autumn. Conventional vegetable plots can also be included. The use of a 75mm layer of mulch and ground cover plants, such as herbs and strawberries, helps to conserve moisture and suppress weeds.

Our design features two winding interconnecting paths which create ecological niches for forest-edge plants, but also provides enticing access for visitors, especially children. It had to accommodate assorted skylights and ventilation ducts and shade cast by a building on the south side of the plot. Areas at either end of the site receive full sun for most of the day. One is planted with sun-loving herbs in a raised bed which surrounds a small area of decking made from local wind-blown oak.

Download an article about the garden

  Edible Boardrooms & Allotments in the Sky (960.39kb)

Download information on the garden's sustainable features

  Sustainable features (230.73kb)

Download background information, including reading list and suppliers

  Useful information (47.25kb)

For a very clear explanation of permaculture principles look at Aranya Gardens.

 

 

 

 

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