Permaculture design process

The design process is tailored to the specific requirements of the customer. A typical design process is outlined below.

1. Observe: We start by carefully observing and analysing your site and its surroundings. This includes studying the climate, topography, soil conditions, water patterns, vegetation, and existing infrastructure. This gives us a deep understanding of the site’s characteristics and potentials.
2. Analyse: We now analyze the information gathered to identify the challenges and opportunities of your site. We then consider the resources available, natural patterns, and potential micro-climates. We interview you to find out what you want and your needs and goals.
3. Design Goals and Vision: We work with you to clearly define your goals, vision, and objectives for the project, such as food production, water conservation, biodiversity enhancement, and community engagement.
4. Zone Analysis: To get a better understanding of usage patterns, accessibility, and resource requirements we will divide the property into zones with: Zone 0 typically representing the central living area or home; Zone 1 the area nearest to the home with the highest intensity of use. Zones 2 to 5 gradually extending outwards with decreasing levels of human intervention.
5. Sector Analysis: Next we will identify the external factors that affect the site, such as sun, wind, water flow, and noise. Determine the positive and negative influences of these factors and use them to guide the placement of elements within the design. For example, tall trees can be strategically positioned to provide shade or block cold winds.
6. Elements and Connections: Next the design will incorporate the various elements of plants, animals, structures, water features, infrastructure, and so on. We will consider how these elements interact and connect with each other to create functional relationships to maximize efficiency. We will design elements and connections in a way that minimizes waste and maximizes beneficial relationships. For example, using nitrogen-fixing plants to improve soil fertility and companion planting to increase biodiversity and pest control.
7. Water Management: We will develop strategies for efficient water management: capturing rainwater and storing it in ponds or tanks, and implementing water-saving techniques like mulching and swales. The design will make the most of natural water flows and minimize runoff and erosion.
8. Soil Building: We focus on improving soil health and fertility through techniques like composting, vermiculture, cover cropping, and mulching. Enhancing the soil’s organic matter content, structure, and microbial activity promoting healthy plant growth and resilience.

At this stage you will have a design that follows permaculture ethics: caring for the Earth, caring for people, and fair sharing of resources. It will a create sustainable, regenerative systems that support human needs while respecting and enhancing the natural environment.

1. Implementation: Begin implementing the design in stages, starting with the highest priority elements and areas. This can include planting trees and shrubs, establishing garden beds, constructing infrastructure, and introducing animals.
2. Maintenance and Evaluation: Continuously monitor and maintain the system, adjusting and refining as needed. Regularly evaluate the effectiveness of the design, learn from observations, and adapt to changing conditions or new insights.

Throughout the design process, it’s important to follow permaculture ethics, which include caring for the Earth, caring for people, and fair sharing of resources. By applying these principles and steps, permaculture design aims to create sustainable, regenerative systems that support human needs while respecting and enhancing the natural environment.