The Basics of Permaculture Design

by Ross Mars, Martin Ducker (Illustrator)

The Basics of Permaculture Design, first published in Australia in 1996, is an excellent introduction to the principles of permaculture, design processes, and the tools needed for designing sustainable gardens, farms, and larger communities. Packed with useful tips, clear illustrations, and a wealth of experience, it guides you through designs for gardens, urban and rural properties, water harvesting systems, animal systems, permaculture in small spaces like balconies and patios, farms, schools, and eco-villages. This is both a do-it yourself guide for the enthusiast and a useful reference for permaculture designers. About the Ross Mars is a teacher and environmental consultant. He lives and works in Australia.

Genres: Gardening, Nonfiction, Nature, Agriculture

170 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1996

Reviews

[Samantha B · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a good overview/refresher on Permaculture design, not so much design principles as varied design problems and solutions, as well as tools, and things to consider. I got a few new things; mostly it was stuff I knew already.

I will say that the subject material was eclectic...it didn't really feel like there was an overlying organization/logic/schema. Which was a bit weird.

Also, it assumed that the reader already knew a fair bit about Permaculture, which I do, but the average reader might not.

I'd say 3 stars overall.

[Toni · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a DNF. I really rate it 2 stars, but since I did not finish it, it might be better than I thought. It does look like it might have some good gardening advice, especially if you live in the UK or Australia. Perhaps not so much if you live in North America.

At the outset, I was put off by its definition of permaculture. It gave the real definition, but also considers permaculture to encompass annuals and fruit and nut trees. In other words, your garden and farm are permaculture, when the truth is that permaculture is supposed to be something you do with the intent that in 2 or 3 years, the plants will be taking care of themselves (no watering, mulching, replanting, etc. needed). Permanent agriculture; something that lasts on its own. The book talks about building your house right for the gardening, and about how permaculture is about communities.

I have come across other people (who put themselves out there as experts) who also are only talking about designing small scale yards or family (nonprofit) farms, so maybe the meaning has expanded.

But the truth used to be that permaculture was a way to heal the desert by creating swales (and, in videos I've seen in the last few years, something that looks like half moons, created to collect and absorb rainwater) and planting bushes, trees, etc. that would thrive on their own once they were established. The point was never to be an awesome farmer - but to help the desolate parts of the earth heal, and to bring water back to the desert.

[Another · Rating 4 out of 5]

A decent overview.

[William Horvath]

[PFDC] M3 Concept Design: Water Systems --> Water harvesting

[PFDC] M3 Concept Design: Land Use --> Animals

[AdultNonFiction Teton County Library · Rating 5 out of 5]

Teton County Library's call number: 631.58 Mars R

Suzanne's rating: 5 stars
Permaculture has been around for awhile now. I was in graduate school studying enviromental design when I first learned about it -- actually met the "father of permaculture" Bill Mollison and attended a pretty cool 2 week workshop in Canada on the subject. The books that Bill authored are nicely captured in this slim volume that makes the principles of working with nature and thinking smart easy to absorb. I suspect this will be popular as we slip into spring and many will be thinking about the role of locavore-ism and our interactions with our land and animals. Check it out.

[Tim Gannon · Rating 2 out of 5]

Went back and forth between giving it a 2 and a 3. Had some things to say that were useful, but much of the book didn't add any applicable knowledge to my life. Had some useful things to say on landscape design and microclimates but I am sure there is a better book out there that would have done it much more justice.