One of my favourite parts of permaculture, is if the people disappear tomorrow, nature is set to take over and keep the prosperity going for it's own sake. I accidently proved that myself.
We moved from a small lot to a larger property in the same neighbourhood. I had spent 3 years establishing a permaculture style garden. Our buyer ended up selling to someone who lives away, and now for 3 years my former property has basically been abandoned. Even through the summer droughts, so many of my plants are thriving. The herbs, grapes, figs, peach tree, nut trees and other ground perennials. Only a cherry tree, that had only been planted the year before I left, has slowly been dying back each year. This is a yard in a former quarry where the top soil ranges from 3 feet about 10 inches thick, over limestone bedrock. Shading of all of the soil is that garden's number one advantage. Sadly, the weedy things are also thriving, but the people living beside it are enjoying good harvests from my efforts.
Hi Kathleen - wow what a fantastic story - sad but still a demonstration that you planted right and nature knows best! Nice to know the surplus is being shared so to speak. If only the garden had a proper steward though!
I am in the Yukon Territory in Canada and poplars are all around me. I am not sure if you know this but poplar bud oil/balm is great. People use it on sore hands and so forth plus it smells so good. Spruce tip jelly is also popular around here. Saskatoons are so good and are one of my favourite berries.
Great update! What variety of saskatoon did you plant? I am writing from the city of Saskatoon and will be curious how it produces for you there in comparison to here.
Hi Huw, I'm your seaward side neighbour. We have sweet chestnuts growing here. They cling low to the hillside to keep out of the wind! I have never found a decent sized chestnut to enjoy!
Looks very exciting! However, it's still not clear to me how the harvesting works. Also, regarding the fruit trees—normally, they need to be pruned in very specific ways to ensure proper light and spacing. How does that work with this style of planting?
Hi Andrej! Harvesting is a forage approach, going through and picking things as and when ready every couple of days or so. Fruit trees will have minimal pruning just to maintain shape and vigour but won't be focused on creating the most perfect goblet shapes. Hope that helps!
Totally inspired, thank you for sharing Huw. A couple of questions if you don't mind, I'm looking for Dogwood bareroot, can you recommend anywhere? Regarding ponds, did you need planning or are you just going for it? Thank you ☺
Looking forward to hearing about all the projects in hand Especially the perennial edibles and what to sow. Only a small city garden in Ireland but full of birds and bees. Maybe some adaptation advice would be much appreciated. Happy growing in 2025 to you Sam and the team Liz
How exciting! I always learn so much watching your videos, thank you so much! Plus, I think you may be the only person on the internet who makes me want to close my laptop and go outside - your enthusiasm is infectious!!
One of my favourite parts of permaculture, is if the people disappear tomorrow, nature is set to take over and keep the prosperity going for it's own sake. I accidently proved that myself.
We moved from a small lot to a larger property in the same neighbourhood. I had spent 3 years establishing a permaculture style garden. Our buyer ended up selling to someone who lives away, and now for 3 years my former property has basically been abandoned. Even through the summer droughts, so many of my plants are thriving. The herbs, grapes, figs, peach tree, nut trees and other ground perennials. Only a cherry tree, that had only been planted the year before I left, has slowly been dying back each year. This is a yard in a former quarry where the top soil ranges from 3 feet about 10 inches thick, over limestone bedrock. Shading of all of the soil is that garden's number one advantage. Sadly, the weedy things are also thriving, but the people living beside it are enjoying good harvests from my efforts.
Hi Kathleen - wow what a fantastic story - sad but still a demonstration that you planted right and nature knows best! Nice to know the surplus is being shared so to speak. If only the garden had a proper steward though!
Loving the perennial edible landscape plant nursery plans - I’m saving my pennies in anticipation.
Awh thank you!! Hope you enjoy it!
I am in the Yukon Territory in Canada and poplars are all around me. I am not sure if you know this but poplar bud oil/balm is great. People use it on sore hands and so forth plus it smells so good. Spruce tip jelly is also popular around here. Saskatoons are so good and are one of my favourite berries.
Oh very interesting thank you as I didn't know!
Great update! What variety of saskatoon did you plant? I am writing from the city of Saskatoon and will be curious how it produces for you there in comparison to here.
Smokey! Yes very interested too - promising results up in Scotland, lets see what happens in Wales.
Hi Huw, I'm your seaward side neighbour. We have sweet chestnuts growing here. They cling low to the hillside to keep out of the wind! I have never found a decent sized chestnut to enjoy!
Ahh hello! :D Oh wow very brave indeed, I have some to try...and we shall see what happens. If I get one before you, we can split it in half!
Thanks Huw. A very exciting vision and learning process🌱😎
Much appreciated!
Looks very exciting! However, it's still not clear to me how the harvesting works. Also, regarding the fruit trees—normally, they need to be pruned in very specific ways to ensure proper light and spacing. How does that work with this style of planting?
Hi Andrej! Harvesting is a forage approach, going through and picking things as and when ready every couple of days or so. Fruit trees will have minimal pruning just to maintain shape and vigour but won't be focused on creating the most perfect goblet shapes. Hope that helps!
Fabulous and inspiring. What model/make is your sit on Lawnmower please. Im struggling making a decision
Thanks Janet, I've got one of these: https://www.husqvarna.com/uk/garden-tractors/ts215t/?article=970728001
Oh brilliant . Thank you.
Totally inspired, thank you for sharing Huw. A couple of questions if you don't mind, I'm looking for Dogwood bareroot, can you recommend anywhere? Regarding ponds, did you need planning or are you just going for it? Thank you ☺
Hi Charleen! My dogwood was from Ashridge Nurseries. No planning for the garden ponds.
That's great thank you 🤗
I have read your wind breaks will result in more rain on your property.
LOL on "popular." I noticed Joshua Sparkes also said popular in your interview with him and I thought maybe that's just how you say it in the UK!
Looking forward to hearing about all the projects in hand Especially the perennial edibles and what to sow. Only a small city garden in Ireland but full of birds and bees. Maybe some adaptation advice would be much appreciated. Happy growing in 2025 to you Sam and the team Liz
How exciting! I always learn so much watching your videos, thank you so much! Plus, I think you may be the only person on the internet who makes me want to close my laptop and go outside - your enthusiasm is infectious!!