The Permaculture Garden

by Graham Bell

A guide to permaculture theory and gardening in temperate climates by a leading UK permaculture teacher. Includes many useful diagrams and tables.

Genres: Gardening, Nonfiction, Environment, How To

170 pages

First published January 25, 1994

Reviews

[Molly · Rating 3 out of 5]

Pretty good advice, but the strong vegan emphasis can be occasionally offputting. In addition, this is really just an overview; there's little how-to.

[Suzie · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good overview and a very easy read. Great lists of plants included, edible flowers, plants that thrive in acidic soils, etc. (there's lots). I felt at times there was an assumption that your garden was huge and could fit in all these things- irrigation systems using reeds for example, and there was some blue skies thinking in imagining neighbours working together to build systems of grey water cleansing across multiple gardens. Wonderful, yes, but not what I was expecting to read and not exactly practical for someone working small scale and in an introverted way..

The most striking thing for me was that this book is nearly 20 years old and the author is saying all of the things that are really only coming to the forefront of media and political attention on a wider scale now!

I'm officially hooked on permaculture and this book was a great introduction to the elements to consider. I'll need to read more to get into the specifics but there's a very handy book list at the end to help me do that.

I particularly valued the stages set out in years to create a successful tree guild and to help fix issues in soil as that's what I'm currently working towards on my allotment.

[Krissy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was a lot more approachable for person with a small garden. The author did a fantastic job of introducing ways of recycling various "rubbish" into great additions for a garden. I particularly appreciated the ways that the planning process includes so many different casual uses. There was enough technical information that it fills in blanks in my mind but not an overwhelming amount of jargon.

Very worth the time it takes to read.

[Esoteric Spiral · Rating 4 out of 5]

While this book is focused on urban and suburban gardening it does present all the elements that need to work together for sustainable permaculture practice. Great way to start thinking about possibilities.

[Jill]

Clear and motivating.

[Emily · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lots of ideas of what to consider while planning a permaculture garden. Even though the author is from the UK and so many of his ideas for starting a new garden bed won't work for me here in Central Texas (there is a layer of caliche 2 inches below the surface and I'm sure he never experienced crabgrass or bermuda. Or fire ants!), this book provided a good overview of permaculture ideas and techniques.

[Laura · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is a good introduction into the concept of Permaculture. Included in the book are some good lists of plants to get you going.

I'm learning that Permaculture is more of an art than a science. It takes a lot of careful thought and consideration. Everyone's situation is different and you need to carefully consider what is important to you and then start planning accordingly.

[Adam Graffunder · Rating 2 out of 5]

My rating seems a little unfair. This is an introductory book, but I was looking for something a bit more specific and in-depth. I would recommend this if you're looking for an introductory overview.

[Zoe · Rating 5 out of 5]

a must read for anyone on this planet! it's waiting for you at the library.

[Erica · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great introduction! Has a lot of useful tips for transforming your land into a permaculture oasis.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Of all the permaculture books I've been looking at and skimming through, this one seemed the most accessible to me. I got excited about redesigning my yard and figuring out new plants to grow.

[Rachel Nowakowski · Rating 3 out of 5]

Wow! So much info contained in such a small book. Some brilliant ideas and lots to cogitate on. Very impressed and will definitely be reading more on the subject. This book was a good introduction.

[Michelle · Rating 3 out of 5]

Another good permaculture book; had some great charts, but doesn't really stand apart from others.