At Little City Farm we are inspired by the way that permaculture design can create abundant sustainable landscapes, with minimal cost and low impact. We see that permaculture design ideas and ethics can not only be applied to gardening design, but also to our decision-making, social/community relationships, and other homestead project development.  We use the 12 key principles of permaculture by David Holmgren as a guide.  

Start where you are.  Here are some permaculture themes to start experimenting with on your own property, no matter how large or small your plot is:
  • observing & interacting with nature (on your property spend time sitting and observing soil, sun, shade, rainfall, snow melt, wild plants, insect life, birds - what can be learned? learn the history of your land, and consider what is your place within this?)
  • catching  & storing energy (rainwater collection, compost, vermicompost, chicken manure, solar gain...)
  • obtaining a yield (each element needs to have multiple functions and offer yield, move from a consumer mindset to producer mindset)
  • applying self-regulation & accepting feedback (start small, stick to a clear budget, learn from mistakes, continue to practice, keep notes, watch what your property is telling you, accept suggestions & help)
  • using & valuing renewable resources (what are the renewable resources available to you?  what can you make, fix or mend before buying new)
  • producing no waste (or low waste) (how can every aspect of what is produced on the property go to use?  is it possible to choose options that will limit waste leaving the property)
  • designing from patterns to details (what patterns do you see emerging with your property?)
  • integrating rather than segregating (plant in guilds, plant companions, create food forests, integrate animals into the garden and homestead)
  • using small and slow solutions (take time to evaluate and consider options when problem solving)
  • creatively responding to change (become resilient, think creatively, be a problem solver, embrace change)
  • valuing diversity (more diversity offers resilience, depth, uniqueness, strength, interest, opportunity, learning)
  • using edges and valuing the marginal (the beauty, strength, and diversity is often in the areas that we overlook, value the weeds on the property, watch the edges where zones overlap)