Essence of Permaculture

by David Holmgren

The Essence of Permaculture introduces the concept of permaculture and outlines the twelve permaculture principles. This booklet is both a 'taster' for the full length book by permaculture co-originator David Holmgren, and a standalone introduction to permaculture. It has been very popular with permaculture teachers to give to their students for introductory or further reading on the principles. It also contains some of David's reflections on the history and uptake of permaculture, and the future of the movement.



This 2020 revised edition has minor updates to reflect changes in society over the 15 years since it was originally published as well as further clarification of some of the principles.

Genres: Gardening, Nonfiction, Unfinished

43 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2008

Reviews

[Richard Telford · Rating 5 out of 5]

A good little summary of the concept of the permaculture design principles and permaculture flower. A preparation for his major work, Permaculture: Principles and Pathways Beyond Sustainability. Available for free from his website.

[HDubbs · Rating 5 out of 5]

A good summary of permaculture design principles. Recommended before starting a giant tome, which will just overwhelm you.

Goes over the 12 permaculture design principles:
1. Observe and Interact
2. Catch and Store Energy
3. Obtain a Yield
4. Apply Self-Regulation and Accept Feedback
5. Use and Value Renewable Resources & Services
6. Produce No Waste
7. Design from Patterns to Details
8. Integrate Rather than Segregate
9. Use Small and Slow Solutions
10. Use and Value Diversity
11. Use Edges and Value the Marginal
12. Creatively Use and Respond to Change

[Oskar · Rating 3 out of 5]

The enviromentalists manifesto

[Silvio · Rating 5 out of 5]

Both top-down & bottom-up, dynamic balance - wonderful

[Kyle · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a fantastic overview of the ethics and principles of permaculture.