In permaculture property design, there are 12 principles that a property designer uses for guidance when creating a site plan. The 12 principles overlap each other, honoring the relationships that exist among the natural and manmade elements that influence the site. Each element has some impact and, ideally, should be identified and then worked with in fashioning a new thriving landscape. The permaculture approach uses whole-systems thinking, supporting and constraining each element to achieve balance in the environment. Remember: Permaculture was derived from “permanent” plus “agriculture.”
Design principle No. 1 is to observe and interact. Observing is foundational to coming up with a functional design. To create a design, the designer needs to look at the property with fresh eyes and note down what he or she sees, hears and smells while looking out over the plot. What trees, grasses, water features, permanent structures, bushes, animals, weeds, garden beds, erosion, fencing, insects, birds, family members, guests and more use this property? Because our yards are products of our own personal and cultural design preferences, it is a good idea to find a spot, perhaps a nature park (such as HCC’s English Creek facility, out east on State Road 60), where man is allowing nature to be nature. Walk around and sit and observe for a while. You may be inspired to include some of what you see, hear and smell.
Observing nature helps the designer (you) to achieve a different perspective. There is a vibrant, multilayered interaction occurring among the elements, some of which you may have now or would enjoy having at your own homesite. All the present elements, natural and manmade, interact with each other. It is often an awakening to become consciously aware of the myriad relationships on the land and how they interact. Each season is different, and the interactions among elements will change from season to season. Nature is self-correcting — always moving toward balance.
Take some time to observe the sun and how it shines on the homesite throughout the year. By observing, we identify the interaction of the sun with the ground and all that is growing. Sunshine can even be stored on site and utilized with various techniques. Some plants love sun, while others prefer more shade.
It also is important to observe and note how water and wind flow across our landscape. This instructs where and how other elements can be positioned. The goal is to capture as much as possible, by directing it and storing it so it can be used when needed.
A homesite is full of complex relationships. Permaculture is a way of thinking about these relationships and creating order. The more we understand the relationships that occur in nature and the better we become at mimicking natural processes, the better we become at creating a healthy, abundant, growing environment.
The process begins with observation. Problems are identified, corrective options are assessed and a remedy is chosen. Next the remedy is put into action. Then, review and adjust as needed. As we move through this process and implement design corrections, taking cues from natural processes, our land system becomes more efficient. No need to do too much at one time.
Bob Abbenzeller is a certified permaculture designer and volunteer at the Plant City Commons Community Garden. For more, email to pcpermaculture@gmail.com or call (813) 489-5520.