The Permaculture garden is a lot more than an organic garden.
- It is a system that is focused on closing the fertiliser loop by using waste, and reducing the dependence on inputs by creating healthy soil and diversity of produce
- It is also responsible for its waste, it aims not to pollute the surrounding environment, i.e. neither with excess nitrogen released into the water systems, nor weed seed into any natural systems
- It uses design to minimise the gardeners chores and energy input. Repeatative, hard work is the joy of few permaculturalists. Variety and observation keep people engaged and excited about growing food. Permaculture activists are motivated by reducing their ecological footprint and developing a varied healthy lifestyle.
- Permaculture needs to engage all people of different ability, not just young strong people who can shovel compost
- It aims to imitate nature. Visually this is the most noticeable difference between organic gardening and permaculture. In permaculture gardens (home systems is the more holistic term) there is rarely bare soil, the conservation of soil and water is a high priority. There is a more complex use of space. Plants are allowed to set seed and are interplanted for pest control. You are unlikely to see plants in rows
- The permaculture system aims to harvest and maximise water, sun and other natural energies, e.g. wind, dust, leaves, bird droppings
- The permaculture system aims to provide nutritious food and habitat for people AND native animals and birds
See more about our Permaculture Design and Demonstration Site
Source: Difference Between Organic Gardening and Permaculture | Permaculture Visions Online Institute