- solar passive design
- permaculture
- waste management
- energy efficiency
Permaculture and Community Gardens 
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Permaculture, is a design system that encompasses both "permanent agriculture" and "permanent culture." It recognizes, first, that all living systems are organized around energy flows. It teaches people to analyze existing energy flows (sun, rain, money, human energy) through such a system (a garden, a household, a business). Then it teaches them to position and interconnect all the elements in the system (whether existing or desired) in beneficial relationship to each other and to those energy flows. When correctly designed such a system will, like a natural ecosystem, become increasingly diverse and self-sustaining (1994, Wasser). |
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Community gardens encompass the some of the principles of permaculture where residents can grow and harvest produce from them while learning about landcare and gardening at the same time (Anda et al., 1994). They become sites of meaningful social interaction in the community. |
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Many members of the community have a garden around the house. There is a variety of plants grown here for astatic and functional purposes. Almond and peach trees are not only used for their fruits, but as well to give shade for the house. The self sustainment practice of growing your own vegetables helps keep down food costs. Basil, chives, parsley, potatoes, Chinese cabbage, broccoli, onions, lettuce, and silver beat are all grown. The use of native species helps to keep water use to a minimum due Australia's dry climate in the summer. All supplies are virtually free if you know where to find them. At the local tennis centre you can find grass clippings to use as mulch in the garden, while at the nearest stable they have plenty of menure to go around. Both are a great source of nutrients for the garden. And if you decide to use the compost heap as the Pinakarri Village does, it makes great fertilizer as well. Here are some pictures...
Click on the thumbnails for a larger version!
(Dec 2006)