Permaculture Principles

Unlike our first 6 principles, principle 7 is the first coming from the top-down perspective of the patterns and relationships that tend to emerge.

David Holmgren’s Summary

David Holmgren’s Summary

In every aspect of nature, from the internal workings of organisms to whole ecosystems, we find the connections between things are as important as the things themselves. Thus the purpose of a functional and self-regulating design is to place elements in such a way that each serves the needs and accepts the products of other elements.

David Holmgren’s Summary

By Tim Sonder, Education Chair

"Make hay while the sun shines"

This principle deals with the capture and storage of energy, within the environment, buildings and even society.

Energy is fleeting and essential for life systems and society. Capture it now, so you can use it (or have it) later.

This is the true meaning of conservation.

It’s harvest time. When we pick fruit or vegetables we are catching energy. And possibly storing it for later.

By Tim Sonder, Education Chair

"Beauty is in the eye of the beholder"

Observation is key to permaculture. Developing good observation skills is essential if we want to make well-functioning permaculture designs.