Why do we look at the abundance of nature and know that as ‘beautiful’, while we look at our landscape and demand a sparse sense of order? In permaculture, the abundance we want to strive for is that of exuberant Nature.
Can we learn to appreciate the sustainability of Nature’s system? Garden Club awards are not made of this aesthetic. Permaculture places plants together to support the ‘community’ in what are called guilds. Each plant performs many functions from providing nitrogen fixation and drawing nutrients from the subsoil – to providing food for pollinators, chickens and people. Other functions for creating microclimates, barriers and water catchment are also considered. It can seem a little messy until we find these functions in Nature that are truly beautiful.