Introduction to Urban Permaculture
By Lauren Case
The Permaculture Club at McGill University hosted Graham Calder, founder of P3 Permaculture. In this event: Introduction to Urban Permaculture, I learned of a new practice that provides a breath of fresh air to ecological challenges we currently face.
The world we live in is now dominated by a consumerist culture. This culture has formed a cycle and way of life that takes more than gives. Permaculture seeks to counteract this toxic relationship we have developed with our Earth by changing our outlook on nature.
Graham Calder described permaculture as a “system of design rooted in the observation of nature”. It is through this observation that promoters of permaculture advocate for a reconnection with nature in sustainable and ethical ways. It involves Earth Care: making adjustments to create ecosystems that are restoring, thriving, and returning balance, People Care: forming connections despite forces that wish to isolate us, and Fair Share: equal distribution of nature’s abundance.
Permaculture, ultimately, encourages one to regain an intimate relationship with their food while consuming it in unadulterated form. It allows for independence and separation from corporate greed.
But where to begin? Taking care of a single houseplant, let alone a whole garden, may seem daunting. Here are some simple, accessible ways that we can implement permaculture:
Window Farming
Many people have concerns about having enough space. Window farming provides designs that solve this issue. Vertical planters hang from the ceiling or window and hold several plants. Using multiple planters, window farming can effectively produce about 25 plants. Water pumps are at the bottom of the planters and pump nutrients to the plants. The great thing about window farming is that the plants can be produced year round!
Example of a window farming system (http://organicworlduk.blogspot.com/2014/09/window-farms_89.html)
Build your own window farm: http://www.windowfarms.org/
Rain Gutter Growing
If you are lucky to have more space like a balcony, self-watering systems are one way a garden can be grown without fear of under/over-watering. “Rain gutter” growing allow for the roots of the plants responsible for absorbing water to extend into the gutter and have constant access to water whenever it needs. Including planters with lots of holes provide plenty of air circulation.
An example of a rain gutter growing system using planters that allow for “air pruning” https://gentlemint.com/tack/207742/
Edible landscaping
This is one way people are able to transform their yards and local parks. It provides efficient use of land available and contributes to food security for yourself or for your neighborhood. Everyone loves grass but it doesn’t provide much nutrition. So instead of wasting resources on preserving a grassy lawn why not try to grow some food that easily grows in your climate?
Check out this edible park project grown in Beacon Hill, Seattle: https://beaconfoodforest.org/
Gourds grown in Beacon Hill Food Forest
Companion Planting
To optimize gardening efforts it is helpful to know what plants are best grown together so they don’t hinder one another’s growth or yield. You can find examples of what best to grow together in your garden plots (or planters) with this handy chart:
http://www.vegetablegardeninglife.com/companion-planting-charts.html
https://www.juliadimakos.com/companion-planting-chart/
Plant Catching
This platform allows for people in your neighborhood or city to post plants or seeds that they have available for free or for exchange. Check out what plants are available for pick up in your area: http://plantcatching.com/en-
P3 Permaculture
Graham Calder also formed his own organization P3Permaculture as a way to teach and promote the ethics of permaculture. Through courses and training permaculture becomes an accessible practice to people from all walks of life. All things start small so start with yourself.
Interested in more information? Check out P3Permaculture’s website!
Attend their upcoming events to get involved in the permaculture movement:
Feb 10 Advanced Permaculture Courses
Mar 9 Permaculture Design Certificate