Earth User's Guide to Permaculture 2nd Edition

by Rosemary Marrow, Rob Allsop (Illustrator)

The principle for permaculture is simple: provide back to the earth what we take from it to create a sustainable environment. The three principle aims are: Care for people; Care for the earth; and Redistributing everything surplus to one's needs.

Genres: Gardening, Nonfiction, Environment, Sustainability, Agriculture, Food, Reference

128 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1994

Reviews

[Kat · Rating 2 out of 5]

I feel somewhat unfair giving this book such a bad review, but I can only comment on my experience with it. I found it to be a curious mix of immense condescension, airy-fairy nonsense and unapproachable pseudo-science. I wanted to be absorbed, transformed and finish converted to the Way of Permaculture. Instead I feel even more alienated than I did before picking it up. The cutesy illustrations and the meditations masquerading as "homework" exercises, interspersed between dense blocks of wandering, pointless text gave me maturity-level-whiplash, and I still don't know what age group is actually the book's target audience.

[Patricia · Rating 3 out of 5]

A bit too much information for the potential permaculturalist with a back yard instead of a back 40, but very thorough and clear in its teachings. The author is Australian, which means that many of the species she uses for examples are not really ones I as an Oregonian would choose, but it's fun to hear her discuss how planting this or that plant will encourage the kangaroos and the wallabies.

[Adam Shand · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the best introduction to the concepts and practice of permaculture that I've found. The writing is clear and easy to understand, there are lots of pictures and diagrams to illustrate the concepts which are being taught and each chapter ends with exercises you can work through on your own to develop the relevant skills.

I read it in a single afternoon, but it's actually designed to be a guide through which you slowly work through as you refine and develop the interactions and design of a property. Hugely recommended.

[Sara McDonald · Rating 2 out of 5]

I read this book as part of my permaculture design course. The layout is like a textbook. I didn't mind the tone of the book as much as some other reviewers, but it wasn't as compelling as the books by Bill Mollison, David Holmgren and Toby Hemenway. Overall, the information presented was valid and helpful, so that bolsters my review a bit. I did find this book encouraging, but it's not a book I would have sought out to read on my own.

[Jolie Rice · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book! Loved the pictures and diagrams and how it walks you through every step of at-home permaculture. Inspiring and a little overwhelming, I read this for a class in which we're completing a full permaculture design, and this was super helpful and easy to understand. The font was large and you can flip back and forth through it, overall a great resource for anyone who wants to redo their backyard!

[Justin · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not particularly dense

[Tina · Rating 4 out of 5]

A really good read - I especially loved the last chapter about social permaculture, something that holds close my heart - as I am a big believer in "The Venus Project".

[Vishwas PAtil · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great nature-friendly design ideas to implement for agricultural lands, home gardens and open spaces. Explains in a way that is very easy to understand and implement.

[Pippa · Rating 5 out of 5]

For anyone looking for a book that summarises and clarifies the content of the permaculture design certificate (PDC) you can't go past Rowe Morrow's book.

[N.D. Wisard · Rating 3 out of 5]

It is a very good introduction to permaculture. Covers important topics without getting deep.

[Another · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good basic introduction to permaculture, with a focus on Australia. I particularly enjoyed the sections on food forests and social permaculture. Contains a good recommended reading list.

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

A really helpful, hands-on book/workbook about the principles of permaculture. The author is Australian, so there is the occasional reference to plants/animals specific to her region that wouldn't be applicable in a North American setting. This only made the book more engaging for me, as the thought of having to plant things that would deter kangaroo damage was unexplainably entertaining to me. Really solid introduction to permaculture principles, with concrete action steps laid out.

[C · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a fantastic overview of the philosophy of permaculture, not a reference book. Reads like a school text, with lots of ways you can implement the ideas.

I was disappointed that it didn't get more specific on how to plant. But if you're new to the idea of permaculture, it's a great starting point.

[Sel]

this book is a great resource for teachers to use for agriculture lessons. It has lots of great information on easy to follow instructions on setting up a permaculture system.the contents page tells me that the book shows how to start a permaculture garden and then tells what the themes are related to permaculture and then how to apply the principles to your everyday gardening experience.

[Brekke]

Reading this book for my permaculture course. It's not the one I would have picked myself and after the first chapter I'm already a little hesitant about how it's going to go... :-( I hear great things about the class though, so at least on that I'm confident I'll walk away having learned bunches!

[Wendy Hatton]

Fantastic! A wonderful introduction to permaculture. Easy to follow ways of looking at your own space with a view to designing a management plan that will bring you closer to living sustainably with nature in your area.

[Terri · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reading this in preparation for permaculture group discussions in my community - the world would be a better place if everyone ate food from their backyard!!

[Johanna]

A very accessible resource and introduction to Permaculture. I got about half-way through. When I own land again, I'll probably pick it back up and finish it!

[Victoria · Rating 5 out of 5]

Want to reduce your ecological footprint? Then this is the right book. Full of practical suggestions, easy to understand but with depth.

[Michelle · Rating 3 out of 5]

It's good, but doesn't really stand apart from any other permaculture book out there...

[Tim McGilchrist · Rating 4 out of 5]

Awesome book.
I'll be using it as a reference for years to come.

[Ellen Yarnell · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is a great introduction to permaculture, very inspiring.

[Nic · Rating 3 out of 5]

It is a very good introduction to permaculture. Covers important topics without getting deep.