| Growing, Picking and cooking your own home | | | | supply of meat and fur. Choosing the right breed |
| grown fruit and vegetables is an exciting time. | | | | of rabbit can see young rabbits ready to eat by 8 |
| The health benefits are obvious. And although the | | | | to 12 weeks of age. On larger properties Cattle, |
| growing of fruit and vegetables forms a large | | | | Goats, Sheep and pigs provide meat, milk and |
| part of a backyard permaculture system, there is | | | | leather. |
| a lot more to permaculture than just growing | | | | 3. Power creation - Permaculture systems can |
| things. | | | | see a varied range of power supply from |
| Though not hard, Permaculture could be | | | | backyard wind generation to generators to Solar |
| considered a complex system of sustainability. | | | | panels. Of course, although many permaculturalists |
| Complex in that it capitalises on the benefits of a | | | | will aim to be as self sufficient as possible, the use |
| complete system. | | | | of mains electricity is still used by most Suburban |
| Besides the obvious productive benefits of | | | | Permies. |
| permaculture, your garden is a very calming and | | | | 4. Shelter - I have seen many homes built using |
| relaxing place that can restore balance to a | | | | permaculture principles. From Mud brick homes |
| stressful life. The fresh air and scenery brings | | | | built from bricks made on the property to mud |
| back a sense of belonging with nature. | | | | covered straw bale homes. Traditional building |
| Key areas of a permaculture design system | | | | materials and methods are also used. |
| include: | | | | 5. Fruit, Vegetables and Grain - The list would not |
| | | | be complete without mentioning the Organic |
| 1. Water - The collection of water forms possibly | | | | growing of Fruit, Vegetables and Grains. The |
| the most important part of permaculture. Water | | | | animals have to eat something, so do you. Plants |
| is the basis of life. Animals need water to drink, as | | | | provide the basis for compost as well. Many |
| do plants. We all need water to wash, cook and | | | | vegetables and salad greens can be grown |
| clean things down. Rainwater tanks are a key | | | | throughout the year in many areas. |
| feature in a Permaculturalists back yard. The | | | | Of course permaculture is much more than just |
| collection of grey water for watering the garden | | | | the few things listed here. Permaculture holds a |
| is also a must do. On larger properties swales are | | | | strong basis as a key measure to feeding the |
| used to collect, divert or slow the flow of water | | | | world one backyard at time. It requires an |
| down banks and slopes. | | | | undertaking of personal responsibility and provides |
| 2. Animals - On small properties and backyards | | | | a level of Autonomy that no external governing |
| Chickens provide a regular supply of eggs and | | | | system can deliver. |
| meat. Rabbits are also common and provide a | | | | |