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RetroSuburbia
This 500 page manual shows how Australians can downshift and retrofit their homes, gardens, communities and, above all, themselves to be more self-organised, sustainable and resilient into an uncertain future. It promises a challenging but exciting mix of satisfying work, a more meaningful way of living and hope for the next generation.
RetroSuburbia is divided into three main sections: the Built, the Biological and the Behavioural along with the introductory section ‘Setting the scene’.
RetroSuburbia is divided into three main sections: the Built, the Biological and the Behavioural along with the introductory section ‘Setting the scene’.
500 pages, Paperback
Published February 10, 2018
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929 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
January 17, 2019
I'm biased, because I'm one of the many households featured in the book.
Saying that, there were many areas included in David's work that have helped improve my understanding of how I can be more effective in living more simply in a suburban environment.
Of particular note is in the 'Behavioural Field', an area not often considered as part of permaculture design.
The book has given me some much needed direction in how I can build community around me whilst modeling the world I want to live in.
Saying that, there were many areas included in David's work that have helped improve my understanding of how I can be more effective in living more simply in a suburban environment.
Of particular note is in the 'Behavioural Field', an area not often considered as part of permaculture design.
The book has given me some much needed direction in how I can build community around me whilst modeling the world I want to live in.
March 11, 2019
A much easier, updated look at 30 years of permaculture written by one of it's founders, and how it can apply to the suburbs.
I'm thinking as I read it, some of it sounds eerily similar to 'prepping' for the coming apocalypse. I'm also wondering if Mr Holmgren has a car, and whereabouts exactly does he live he says Mellidora, Melbourne, but is that actually in the suburbs or out in the country?
Is this retroSuburbia permaculture just a philosophy for city rat racers who want to go back to the land but can't really afford to? I don't know. But I get the impression some of the 'peak oil' predictions didn't happen and impressionable people (urban hippies who rebelled against baby boomers) got stuck with a 'lifestyle' block they couldn't handle.
It's interesting but I just have a few caveats with this one, because it's relentlessly middle-class and self-interested. Many people actually buy op shop clothes not because they want to but because they can't afford new ones. Poor people DO share their food. They have no resources to rely on, and often no land, so they need to accept charity at times. I don't think many people are in a position to scout for land to buy and practise many aspects of permaculture, certainly the PDC is an outrageously expensive course to go on. Also, I'm not a fan of the author saying goats are inherently better than sheep. Just something I find a bit off about that...
I was thinking that the whole premise of suburbia was that it was sub-urban, ie. built to surround an urban area, where people drove cars to work. That is why they have roads, designed for cars to get there. The suburbs are where people have their homes and raise children - the homes are actually designed as baby boomers nurseries. This is the urban farming that happened in the 50s with 3 bedroom homes, washing lines and a fenced yard where children could play. The mum stayed home looking after her children until old enough to go to school, also located usually within walking distance. That was the reason why people lived in certain suburbs. I think if Holmgren understood this he would have a better premise of the underlying design structure of the suburbs he's trying to retrofit.
He might also then focus on schools being the hubs of community and perhaps retrofitting schools rather than individual homes, it would also cost a lot less. Schools are shared places by design and have ample fields that could be permaculture gardens. Anyway just my thoughts after reading this.
I'm thinking as I read it, some of it sounds eerily similar to 'prepping' for the coming apocalypse. I'm also wondering if Mr Holmgren has a car, and whereabouts exactly does he live he says Mellidora, Melbourne, but is that actually in the suburbs or out in the country?
Is this retroSuburbia permaculture just a philosophy for city rat racers who want to go back to the land but can't really afford to? I don't know. But I get the impression some of the 'peak oil' predictions didn't happen and impressionable people (urban hippies who rebelled against baby boomers) got stuck with a 'lifestyle' block they couldn't handle.
It's interesting but I just have a few caveats with this one, because it's relentlessly middle-class and self-interested. Many people actually buy op shop clothes not because they want to but because they can't afford new ones. Poor people DO share their food. They have no resources to rely on, and often no land, so they need to accept charity at times. I don't think many people are in a position to scout for land to buy and practise many aspects of permaculture, certainly the PDC is an outrageously expensive course to go on. Also, I'm not a fan of the author saying goats are inherently better than sheep. Just something I find a bit off about that...
I was thinking that the whole premise of suburbia was that it was sub-urban, ie. built to surround an urban area, where people drove cars to work. That is why they have roads, designed for cars to get there. The suburbs are where people have their homes and raise children - the homes are actually designed as baby boomers nurseries. This is the urban farming that happened in the 50s with 3 bedroom homes, washing lines and a fenced yard where children could play. The mum stayed home looking after her children until old enough to go to school, also located usually within walking distance. That was the reason why people lived in certain suburbs. I think if Holmgren understood this he would have a better premise of the underlying design structure of the suburbs he's trying to retrofit.
He might also then focus on schools being the hubs of community and perhaps retrofitting schools rather than individual homes, it would also cost a lot less. Schools are shared places by design and have ample fields that could be permaculture gardens. Anyway just my thoughts after reading this.
July 21, 2019
I've heard David Holmgren speak twice: once about Peak Oil about 10 years ago, and once recently about this book. He is always interesting to listen to, is well read and has a lot of ideas. The Peak Oil emergency didn't eventuate, but Holmgren believes a 2020 Great Depression may occur if the property bubble bursts. This book is about ways to become more resilient in the face of uncertain futures.
It is very large book which I would recommend to people planning to buy or rent in the suburbs. As I live on a rural hobby farm and already have a fair knowledge of permaculture, I skimmed through many sections.
It was good to see the glowing description of tagasaste (otherwise known as tree lucerne): "nitrogen-fixing, excellent animal fodder, attracts honeyeaters and bees in winter, and provides hard seeds in summer for chooks and pigeons". This is one of the best crops at our place and one we'd like to see more widely used.
David Holmgren mostly backs up his assertions with evidence - there are plenty of footnotes with references for further reading, along with some interesting case studies. However, his statement that comfrey can be a valuable addition to a vegan diet as it is a plant source of vitamin B12 is dubious.
The information we found most useful was the link to the Organic Investment Cooperative (www.organicinvestmentcooperative.com.au), which is something we have been looking for.
Overall, this book is a good guide to increasing household and community level resilience.
It is very large book which I would recommend to people planning to buy or rent in the suburbs. As I live on a rural hobby farm and already have a fair knowledge of permaculture, I skimmed through many sections.
It was good to see the glowing description of tagasaste (otherwise known as tree lucerne): "nitrogen-fixing, excellent animal fodder, attracts honeyeaters and bees in winter, and provides hard seeds in summer for chooks and pigeons". This is one of the best crops at our place and one we'd like to see more widely used.
David Holmgren mostly backs up his assertions with evidence - there are plenty of footnotes with references for further reading, along with some interesting case studies. However, his statement that comfrey can be a valuable addition to a vegan diet as it is a plant source of vitamin B12 is dubious.
The information we found most useful was the link to the Organic Investment Cooperative (www.organicinvestmentcooperative.com.au), which is something we have been looking for.
Overall, this book is a good guide to increasing household and community level resilience.
March 14, 2019
I was so inspired by Holmgren's earlier writings that I committed his 12 Principles to memory so that I could carry them with me through my days. RetroSuburbia continues his good work. It's apparent that a tremendous amount of time has gone into creating this big book. I welcome it as a kind of study text for living well with our land and with others. Deeply grateful ... highly recommend!
August 27, 2018
A thoughtful and practical guide to a likely future living arrangement. Permaculture for the mainstream Aussie. I'd love to see more manifesto and local govt reclamation content for the 5 star rating which has just eluded Mr Holmgren.
December 16, 2020
Both incentive and informative.
Something to be referred to before considering downshifting... it's possible to do so and stay right where you are, or it might mean that something you thought was out of reach isn't. If you've made the shift; afterwards because what you thought you might or could do, it so often changes when you're actually there and doing it. David Holmgren really does know his stuff; it's wonderful that he has addressed the gap where many of us who already have a house and yard aspire to some level of self-sufficiency but so often much about permaculture is pitched at starting from scratch and with a bit of land. The suburban case studies are enjoyable and inspiring to read. Really, RetroSuburbia is a resource that can give you ideas and a toolkit to start right where you are or open up possibilities that you hadn't considered. Purchasing the hardcopy isn't an inexpensive investment but you'll be able to dip in and out of it depending on what stage you're at. There's also on online version released during Covid-19 2020 where the purchase price to access but not download is by donation https://online.retrosuburbia.com/?fbc...
Something to be referred to before considering downshifting... it's possible to do so and stay right where you are, or it might mean that something you thought was out of reach isn't. If you've made the shift; afterwards because what you thought you might or could do, it so often changes when you're actually there and doing it. David Holmgren really does know his stuff; it's wonderful that he has addressed the gap where many of us who already have a house and yard aspire to some level of self-sufficiency but so often much about permaculture is pitched at starting from scratch and with a bit of land. The suburban case studies are enjoyable and inspiring to read. Really, RetroSuburbia is a resource that can give you ideas and a toolkit to start right where you are or open up possibilities that you hadn't considered. Purchasing the hardcopy isn't an inexpensive investment but you'll be able to dip in and out of it depending on what stage you're at. There's also on online version released during Covid-19 2020 where the purchase price to access but not download is by donation https://online.retrosuburbia.com/?fbc...
April 10, 2020
I love this book, very useful and has lots of tips for both beginners and those who already have a handle on permaculture. My only criticism is that it says it is for both homeowners and renters yet as a renter there was limited application for a lot of the book. It would have been nice to have some more sections that considered renters.
April 14, 2020
A thorough tome on the myriad ways to become a more sustainable and self-sustaining hosehold. Written specifically for Australians, but there is much to be gleaned by Americans like me.
January 6, 2021
Fantastic extensive and fascinating guide to sustainability in many different facets of life.
January 14, 2021
Amazing book. Loved it from beginning to end and now re-reading
March 4, 2021
Although very Australia-centric, this book is a great introduction to permaculture concepts at the level of the average city lot and local community.
December 9, 2022
Read this book and be prepared! But also hopeful, this is not doomsday prepping with bunkers and guns but community prepping for a more sustainable and worthwhile future.
September 13, 2019
Loads of information but not very engaging.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews