This is part of a new series of blog posts for beginner gardeners. These posts may be a little shorter and more specific in nature. It’s amazing to me that it’s almost winter! Where has the time gone? I just read that NOAA is predicting that my region, the Pacific Northwest, will
Permaculture, a system of agricultural and social design principles, emphasizes harmony with natural ecosystems. A permaculture orchard is not just a place to grow fruit; it's a thriving ecosystem designed to be self-sustaining and resilient. Let’s explore how to design a permaculture orchard step by step, blending nature’s principles with human needs.
This is part of a new series of blog posts for beginner gardeners. These posts may be a little shorter and more specific in nature. Ripening tomatoes can sometimes feel like a waiting game, but with a few simple techniques, you can encourage your tomatoes to reach their full, juicy potential. Whether
This is part of a new series of blog posts for beginner gardeners. These posts may be a little shorter and more specific in nature. In recent years, the crucial role of pollinators in maintaining biodiversity and food security has become increasingly evident. Bees, butterflies, hummingbirds, and other pollinating insects and animals
The answer to that is “sometimes”. We’ve all seen those videos on social media about how you can save money and get free vegetables by saving the stumps from a head of lettuce that you’ve bought at the store and used in a salad. The same is apparently true for spring onions and
How Do Plants Support Each Other in a Permaculture Tree Guild? Identifying the layers of tree guild plants is just the first step in designing a Permaculture tree guild. The second step, identifying the role that each plant plays, is just as important. Let’s examine the various functions that each plant can fulfill.
What is a Tree Guild in a Permaculture Garden, and why have one? If you’re looking for a way to get the maximum yield out of a small permaculture garden space, a tree guild permaculture design is a great way to start. What is a Tree Guild? A tree guild is a group
If you’re looking for a way to get the maximum yield out of a small permaculture garden space, a tree guild permaculture design is a great way to start. What is a Tree Guild? A tree guild is a group of plants placed around a primary food producing species, such as an apple tree,
Foraging violets takes me straight back to my childhood, not just to real events that occurred, but also to the dreams I had as a little girl. When I was little, one of my favorite things to do in spring was to find a shady spot under a fruit tree, brush my hands over
For many years I waged war in my garden. I dug dandelions out of my lawn, using a tool called Grandpa’s Weeder, and I made huge piles of wilting Sheep’s Sorrel, which slowly dried up in a distant corner by the big pine tree. Every summer my back complained, and every spring the weeds returned
