GIY Video Lessons

What is permaculture?

On the last day of our Permaculture Design Course (PDC), Wayne Weiseman our teacher asked the class this same question, "What is permaculture?" Each student was asked to come up with his or her definition and internalize it.

For me, certain aspects unique to permaculture always stand out. One is that the very idea of permaculture comes to us in the shape of a pattern. And that pattern is a spiral.

Another is that permaculture is a design system based on observation. The words "design" and "observation." are what make permaculture more than merely a method.

Wayne's ending his 72-hour PDC with this perennial question, is very much in line with what Mollison and Holmgren teach. Although permaculture at its core is universal, each application is unique to its location, climate, and culture. Because of it being such a massive concept, our understanding of it will vary and may change based on our experience.

Permaculture was never intended to be a cookie-cutter template for mass consumption. But rather a core of ethical principles intended to be used as a basis for producing food, medicine, livelihood and novel ways to sustainably support human life.

Permaculture Applied

What is one new idea that popped out at you after watching the video? How do you think you might be able to apply it in your garden or even your life?

(Psst: Check the bonus video sections for a hidden video!)

Gardening Principles

There are 12 gardening principles as detailed by David Holmgren and illustrated by Richard Telford of PermaculturePrinciples.com

In the video above, I don't get to all of them. Tell me, which one do you wish I did talk about more?

Permaculture Applied

Which of these principles can you apply in the garden (or home) right away?

(Next up: GIY Client Videos and their yields!!!)

Garden Yields

How do you measure garden success? Yield in permaculture, means much more than just the amount of food that you grow.

It could mean increased health and energy.

It could mean teaching your children where their food comes from.

Dave explains how to zoom in on your different garden goals and achieve them... for real.

Permaculture Applied

Would you be willing to start gardening by drawing out your own design?

Tell us in the comments below if that task seems daunting.

(Click on the Bonus Video(s) tab below to view but a few of the GIY-ers' gardens)

This video features the members of our GIY (Grow-It-Yourself) garden mentoring program and their gardens. We hope it inspires you to grow something big this coming year. If you need a garden mentor, we highly encourage you to join GIY.

This video is inserted because somewhere in the email, I promised I would show you all what happened to the lettuces in the Second Video. Well here's that video about the lettuces.

This video by DogsGoWoof Productions highlights the truest explanation of what permaculture is from none less than the co-originators of the term, Bill Mollison and David Holmgren.

Share your thoughts or questions about what you've learned below!

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