Since completing a PDC (Permaculture Design Certificate) earlier this year I have reassessed the direction and context of my gardening business and a pathway forward. Most of my past design and installation work of gardens has been focussed on ornamental plant layouts, more about the aesthetic rather than the more practical/multi-use plants that provide a physical return on investment in the form of food, as well as health and wellbeing benefits to name a few.
I have for some years now been diversifying and promoting productive gardens, or at least identifying areas within my customers gardens for growing food – assuming they’re on board and have sun/space available.
The PDC highlighted adopting a holistic approach to assessing urban properties not just for food growing but for managing waste, recycling etc and most importantly using and consuming less. The permaculture ethics of Earth Care, People Care and Fair Share are so meaningful and insightful, and largely missing in our current urban context..and our broader context!
Introducing productive gardens into urban properties is certainly a way to address some of the approaches above through connectedness with one’s land, soil and plants and that may lead to food swapping, engagement with neighbours and hopefully more respect and understanding of one’s local environment and benefits.This shift in design approach/application is now better reflected in my updated website.
Please explore and get in touch when you want to start on, or improve your food growing journey.