Edgewood Gardens in Jacksonville, USA, have had a makeover - becoming a permaculture paradise.

Through a variety of methods, this project shows how well permaculture design works to create an abundant, balanced and natural system.

The land was originally pasture, with water running across the field off onto a nearby road and then down a drain.

By building swales, water is captured, remaining on site to irrigate the berms, where the fruit trees, shrubs and vegetables grow.

Using mycelium in a wood chip mulch also helps retain moisture, whilst working in a symbiotic relationship with plants, swapping nutrients for plant sugars.

The three-sisters growing method of corn, beans and squash, utilises space, and again works as a symbiotic relationship between each plant.

Planting herbs and flowers attracts pollinators for the plants and fruit trees plus creates a pest control system so that pesticides are not needed.

A variety of fruit trees have been planted, a mulberry because its speed in growth creates quick shading and a loquat, which is easy to grow from seed, is hardy and fruits in January when fruit is at a minimum.

Native plants are used as much as possible, providing a garden suited to its environment.

A great example of design and mulit-stacking functions.

Further resources

Aranya explains: What is permaculture - part 3: design

Editor Maddy Harland explains permaculture design in her series: Permaculture Principles

Permaculture Design - a step-by-step guide by Aranya for a special price of £11.20

Watch: Inhabit - permaculture explained

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