Permaculture Farming

Posts Tagged ‘garden’

Question: how to get funding/land for community garden?

Does anyone have any idea of different ways i could get funding to create a community garden or Permaculture center in my neighborhood? There is a very sad piece of property across the street from me for sale cheap that i would love to turn into a Permaculture center/public garden..i did read something about registering as a non profit organization and getting a grant ? Or mayb a fundraiser? Any information would be appreciated. My searches aren’t turning up anything.

Answer: In our area these programs are handled by our County Parks department. Initially, they will say that they have no money to buy land. However, most Counties have funds that are earmarked for community capital projects so don’t take “no” for an answer. Begin with the County commissioner in your area. Enlist the local media, if they will listen to you, to get the word out that you want to spearhead this project. You may find that Rotary, Lions, Soroptimists, or Kiwanis will help you. Try all of them. Perhaps you can even get the price down further if there is some open space/donation write-off the current own can make.

Permaculture

Question: How should I start a Permaculture Garden?

I just read an article in Yoga magazine and was inspired to start my own Permaculture Garden but have no clue how to. Websites would be greatly appreciated.

Answer: Hi Lanie,

I saw that you cross-posted. I answered the other one first, here is my answer again in case you don’t look there

You’re asking about how to start a Permaculture Garden. I warmly, warmly recommend a book where an American woman travels to Australia (the birthplace of Permaculture) and lives on a Permaculture Farm where she starts a garden in the middle of snakes, leeches, rain…. She doesn’t go very deep into Permaculture as she travels all around the world on a shoestring, but it is a funny, touching, inspiring read. Part adventure travel, part life change, and a really really good vibe. I smiled throughout and wished it wouldn’t end. You can see the reviews on Amazon.

Here’s one bit about Permaculture from that book.
“One example of a Permaculture principle: the problem is the solution. Problem: the deer are eating my garden. Solution: eat the deer. Problem: slugs are eating my garden. Solution: ???

You also ask about websites. The biggest Permaculture resource is Permaculture\.org.au. That is where I would start. From there, there are lots of friendly little sites. For instance, in Australia, jerrapark.com, a Permaculture Farm. In fact, I would say that the best way to learn about Permaculture Gardening, if you have the time, would be to travel to Australia, where there are all these Permaculture Farms where you can volunteer under the program called wwoofing. The same type of thing exists in the US, particularly in Oregon, Washington state and Colorado.

Wishing you a beautiful garden (and weekend),

Lenny

UMass Amherst Franklin Permaculture Garden

House of Trash — Our Ohio show 410