Permaculture is a design method for the creation of sustainable life support systems. Rather than continue in our old reckless ways of obtaining food, water, heat and shelter we need to consider a whole new approach. We need holistic systems that are integrated and sustainable. We need systems which operate so smoothly that there is no squandered effort, time or energy. Our new designs must account for the total effect they have on the entire ecosystem of the planet. We must work with nature and not against her.

  Our new life support systems need to be sophisticated enough to protect our gardens from insects, animals, disease, drought, soil depletion and extreme temperatures. Productive, nutritious plants that can be grown and harvested in short periods of time are to be preferred. Getting two or more crops a year from the same garden bed is an essential goal. Perennial fruit trees and berry bushes are to be included as long-term investments in our family's future. Passive solar design, conservation strategies and alternative energy technologies are the future.

   The critical process of storing enough food for the winter must be well thought-out. Our food supply should never be threatened by interruptions in electricity or a sudden mechanical failure of our freezers. Canning, drying, cold root storage, and fermentation are much less vulnerable. Allowing mature cold-hardy plants to go dormant under greenhouse plastic can supply fresh produce during the cold months.

   Maximum efficiency is essential. We need to work as few hours as possible while getting the greatest return imaginable. We are only limited by our habitual thought patterns. Creativity will be the new currency.

   Our new systems must not only be sustainable, but the health of the system should actually improve as it is operated. All of this should be done on as little land as possible using as little outside energy as possible. Out of necessity, most Americans will be gardening in their urban back yards. This is the approach championed by Permaculture, and this is the system I have been creating for the last seven years.

   I am offering you the opportunity to come and stand in the middle of a living breathing manifestation of everything I have been talking about.

   The answers to the world's problems will come from spiritual, creative peasants living in a harmonious relationship with all of life.

Dwight Sands, Certified Permaculture Designer