Permaculture - gardening and cultivation in beautiful harmony with nature

Mollison built parts of his method on what he had learned about the ecosystem of the Australian rainforest. Mollison worked as a baker apprentice, sailor, and fur trapper before becoming interested in farming and ecology.

The practice of permaculture involves the idea that nature's own growth patterns and diversity are seen as somewhat of an ideal and something we should avoid disturbing to the greatest extent possible. The principle is roughly: "See what works in nature and mimic this in the garden".,,Design and planning are important aspects, including taking into account how energy from the sun, water, and wind can be captured and stored. In terms of water, there is also a focus on how it can be utilized more efficiently. This can be done, for example, by building dams or by redirecting water runoff in a way that benefits plants and animals.,,Permaculture as a movement also involves thoughts about a just society and a fair distribution of cultivation resources.

Forest gardens are an important part of permaculture. In the forest, there are trees, bushes, and ground vegetation. Similar to a garden, but consisting of fruit trees, berry bushes, and perennials that can be edible. The idea is to mimic the forest, yet still achieve a high yield with minimal effort. Once the forest garden has matured, it mostly maintains itself and costs very little.

Mulching, natural cultivation, and diversity benefit nature and soil. You almost never see bare soil in nature, and therefore this is also avoided in permaculture cultivation. Instead, practices such as mulching are used to promote a healthy microorganism population and high nutrient values in the soil. Mulching also means that plant waste is used and less watering is required. Also, friendly animals like chickens, ducks, rabbits, sheep, and pigs can play an important role by providing manure, grazing, or controlling pests.

In the wild, plants grow at various heights and combinations. You can mimic this by thinking of the plants being at different levels – tall, medium, short. Let them grow in combinations that benefit them, for example by companion planting plants that thrive together or letting shade-loving plants grow under tall, sun-loving plants. Plant perennials if possible – they require less maintenance than annuals. Highlight and prioritize diversity – many different plants and animals benefit each other. Use mulch and avoid bare soil.

rhubarb,buttercup,cumin,Swiss chard,horseradish,rhubarb,chives,wild garlic,asparagus,culantro,salsify

In permaculture, the garden is divided into different zones, often based on the house and the areas where one moves most frequently. A zone for vegetables can be placed near the kitchen, but considerations are also made for microclimate, water supply, and how different plants affect each other. Permaculture is an ecological cultivation method, but also a philosophy. For those who want to delve into its multifaceted thoughts and principles, there are many books to read, and perhaps Bill Mollison's book "Permaculture One" is a good start.

Liselotte Roll, Swedish garden inspirator, journalist and author of books on nature, gardening and animals, such as "Earth", "Cultivating for Insects" and "Chickens as a Hobby".