Permaculture Garden Design Melbourne

Chapter 1

Introduction to Permaculture

Introduction, History and Ethics of Permaculture.

We also take a deep look into the actual history of Permaculture, the main influencers and fore-runners at that time, like PA Yeomans, Masanobu Fukuoka, and others! Also we’ll have a look at how it all started in Hobart university back in the 70s with David Holmgren and Bill Mollison

Chapter 2

Concepts and Themes

Topics include the Permaculture vision, the Permaculture design principles, systems and elements, designing with the sun, energy and emergy, the beginning of the organic movement, the evolution of our society towards conscious design… And we also start to working on your design brief.

Chapter 3

Methods of Permaculture Design

This chapter provides a step-by-step guide to produce a written record of the permaculture design – the Permaculture Design Brief. It begins with a client consultation (identification of key themes, linking components to form stable systems, component placement within zones, sector analysis & more), followed by mapping & information management (of the existing & upgraded landscapes), implementation (of the design process to the real-world) and maintenance (of the fully formed permaculture property). This is designed to meet professional standards in multiple disciplines including environmental architecture, town planning, landscaping and more.

Chapter 4

Understanding Patterns in Nature

From micro-, through meso- to macro-scales… patterns form our world: they are the key to harmony and understanding on all levels – bringing us integration into natural ecological processes. This chapter introduces us to key patterns found in nature and explains how they exist as they do. We then learn how to adopt this knowledge into our designs – to benefit and even grow new resources.

Chapter 5

Climatic Factors

From broad climatic zones, through local weather patterns, down to microclimates…this chapter looks at the fundamental meteorological elements which gives power to our natural world – and teaches us how to use them in our permaculture designs. Topics include how weather and climate work (global & local patterns), classification systems (& their uses), harvesting water (rainfall, fog & dew), sunlight and wind resources.

Chapter 6

The Plant Kingdom

In this chapter, we discover how plants give life to land through rainfall (-yes, you read that right!), then tease apart natural processes which develop a plant community over space & time. Thus, we learn how to grow abundant & self-managed orchards, food forests & other polyculture crops (including community gardens & grain crops) – no matter what climate you live in! Also in focus, are practical growing tips (including plant anatomy & pollination techniques), plus how to manage records for a continuous harvest of healthy plants & produce over the life of your property.

Chapter 7

Water

Water = life on Earth. No matter who are you are, or where you live – you will gain greatly from understanding our precious water resources. With excellent descriptions & directions on how to manage water flows, storage & re-use – this chapter covers all terrains, from mountain top through to flood plains.Focus includes swale design, dam types & placement, household water management (grey- & black-water), free-energy water pumps & even living swimming pools. We will learn how to capture natural flows from the moment it enters the property, to the time it leaves (even cleaner & fresher, than it began).

Chapter 8

Soil

Soil is a precious & finite resource. Without it, we have no food, medicines or materials. In this chapter, we’ll learn how to classify & manage it. How to rehabilitate & even create it through organic methods! We explore soil life, plant nutrition & the distribution of elements in the soil profile. And after this chapter – pH will no longer be a mystery. We will learn how to turn soil from a finite resource = to an infinite one. Join us, as we learn about the foundation of all life – SOIL.

Chapter 9

Earthworks and Earth Resources

Here we’ll be looking into planning earthworks, planting after earthworks, slope measure, levels and levelling, the different types of earthworks, earth constructs, moving the earth, earth resources.

Chapter 10

Specific Environments

From humid tropics, drylands or cold climates, up to specific environments like urban / high density areas and the different permaculture design strategies for these environments.

Chapter 11

Aquaculture

In the WATER chapter, prime locations for all-sized water bodies are identified. This chapter expands on this, by bringing them to life. With descriptions of both ancient & modern-day techniques, pond polyculture & the environmental conditions needed for aquatic health is described in fascinating detail – complete with instructions on how to populate the ecosystems, no matter where in the world your property is located.Also included is sustainable feed management – up to ecosystems which can feed a small town.

Chapter 12

Animal Management

Phil Stringer will be talking about holistic animal management & cell grazing. Phil will share experience and useful tips around animal management.

Chapter 13

Social Structures & Management

Successful activism, alternatives to political systems, bioregional organisations, trusts and legal strategies, land developmental and property trusts, money and finances, land access, set up a community and land shares.

Community permaculture, titles & governance, the bigger picture, society & empowerment.

Chapter 14

Final Design Submission

Before you submit your final permaculture design, you will get an extra chapter with helpful checklists, to double-check your work before submitting it.

PERSONAL SUPPORT

PERSONAL SUPPORT & FEEDBACK

Any questions you might run into, you can always ask the teachers and get personal feedback.

PRACTICAL WORK

CREATE A REAL LIFE DESIGN

You will create your first real life Permaculture design!

You will work on your first real Permaculture design for a property. We will guide you through every step, with personal support and guidance. Also you will do 5 practical tasks at home, where you simply send in some pics to show you’ve done the practicals (easy stuff, don’t worry), for example: build an A-frame, start a compost.