Permaculture

1. Permaculture The use of patterns and ‘’the edge’’ in the design process

2. Why we use the edge • Productivity increases at the edge because resources from all present systems can be utilised. • Edges define areas. Elements, sectors and zones become more manageable with an edge. • Human brains like an edge. Edges provide order and a system within which we can work and play. • Edges are a symbolic language and a place where humans and plantscan interface and meet. • Edges allow access for planting, mulching, watering and harvesting.

3. Application and Individuality • Observe nature and harness this amazing resource by using it to design ecological systems that are productive in your back/front yard and community. • Apply design to express your individuality; character, location, time, physical ability and include yourself in the observation of nature. HOW? • Permaculture designers are free to design creatively. • Be careful not to replace a conventional dogma with an unconventional dogma. • Small scale systems allow greater pattern complexity and edge. Larger systems can be simplified to reduce work.

4. Using Air Space • Designing in 3 dimensions. For example; creating forest garden edges in the vertical as well as horizontal that mimic a woodland edge. • Designing a raised bed with attention to the vertical as well as the horizontal thereby maximising edge - as nature does. This creates more productive, fertile systems. This could include; • The use of structures and supports • Under planting of herbs • Vines draping over the edge and trained to grow around the raised bed • More ideas anyone?

5. The Edge! Garden on the sunny side of a house in an extreme climate near a glacier.

6. An Oak Leaf • Patterns in Nature

7. More Edge! • A Car Park • This could be used to produce food. This design application could change the city scape and environment. What benefits can you think of? Environmental and social.

8. And More Edge • On the edge of a river in a city. Silt brings nutrients, reflected light from the river and the heat bank wall. Use of the edge within the edge as a small windbreak and to stop soil falling in the river.

9. Edges Provide Interest • Some space can’t be used but the edge can! Costa and the verge. Using the edge between the road and the house to grow productive crops.

10. Corporate Edge • A bank in Melbourne

11. More about edges… • Edges can be used as a barrier against pests, weeds that are not wanted and predators. • Pests – Plants on the edge that repel pests and encourage beneficial bugs. • Predators – A fence protecting livestock and fowl from foxes. Dog wee on the edge is an effective deterrent. • Edges can improve access to plants particularly regularly used plants.

12. Innovative Edges • Mobile Decoy of nasturtiums. This is a trap crop, to encourage unwanted bugs like aphids, onto the trolley and away from the crop/plant. • This is a mobile edge!

13. Keyhole Gardens use the edge • Suburban dream!

14. Increase the Edge and a Barrier • Zig Zag fences stand up to wind better than straight fences.

15. Spiral Garden • This creates micro-climates, adds elevation and interest.

16. More Spirals As Edge • Anyone can have a herb spiral.

17. The Real Edge • The edge thinking about the principles of the edge.