Permaculture Gardens

Permaculture gardens use techniques and practices that combine the best of wildlife gardening, edible landscaping, and native-plant cultivation into one low-maintenance, self-contained and productive ecosystem. Some of the gardening and recycling methods that are common to permaculture include edible gardening, keyhole gardening, companion planting, vertical gardening techniques, sheet mulching, solar greenhouses, and composting.

Permaculture gardens serve many functions. Rather than limit the garden to only one use, permaculture gardens employ a variety of uses. A permaculture garden provides food and medicinal crops, wildlife habitats, crafting materials, an attractive appearance, and a private, relaxing atmosphere throughout every season. They produce food by using a variety of vegetables, herbs, fruits, and flowers. Permaculture gardens also produce plants that are used for medicinal purposes. Permaculture gardens are attractive to an array of wildlife. Many of the plant materials are also used for crafts. Flowers are not only grown for their edible or medicinal properties but for use as cut flowers for beautiful bouquets or dried out for additional longer-lasting displays. Permaculture gardens are often used as quiet sanctuaries for meditating and/or exercise as well.

Permaculture gardens are usually quite small in size; however, every piece of available space is used. Raised beds are a commonplace with a permaculture garden, filled with an assortment of plants. Vegetables, herbs, edible flowers, small fruit-bearing trees, and companion plantings are commonly grown together. Raised beds take up little room, are more easily accessible, drain easily, and are attractive. Vertical gardening practices are often used. These include growing plants on trellises and hanging baskets. Greenhouses can be used year round for growing a variety of plants as well.