03 July 2010
Why try to drive a cart with a broken wheel when all you have to do is put on the wheel that does work? -- and the wheel is right there. We just have to start.Imagine walking down the street on the way home from work or from doing a few errands next autumn and plucking off a few apples and putting them into your basket for your family then walking on to the next block and collecting the walnuts there.They may be misshapen or there may be a worm or two but there are no toxic chemicals or strange genetic materials in them and...they are free. They are growing on what used to be high maintenance green space -- park lawns.
There is a practical method of developing ecologically harmonious, efficient and productive systems . . . .
. . . that can be used by anyone, anywhere. With careful observation of the way we use our resources -- food, energy, shelter and other material and intangible needs -- it is possible to get much more out of life by using less. We can be more productive for less effort, reaping benefits for our environment and ourselves, for now and for generations to come.
This is the essence of
permaculture -- the design of an ecologically sound way of living -- in our households, gardens, communities and businesses. It is created by cooperating with nature and caring for the earth and its people. We build houses and create communities all while minimizing environmental impact.
Information too is a powerful energy when it cycles in communities. We can begin an energy cycle, not by giving our information to other people, but by asking them for theirs. When they find their information is respected and appreciated, they are likely to be interested in what information we have to offer them. How did you grow such a pretty garden?
"The best thing to put in your garden is your shadow" - Tom Kalb.
To sustain the earth is insufficient -- we must regenerate the earth. As we improve the well-being of the earth that supports us all, we naturally improve our own vitality. How we garden reflects our world view. When we respect the life that nurtures us, we respect ourselves. Indeed, when we respect ourselves, we respect that which nurtures us. We can improve the health of the landscape and decrease the maintenance requirements. We can rebuild the soil that gives life to our food. We effortlessly bring beauty and nourishment from deserts without ravaging the earth - the essence of permaculture.
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