Based on Bill Mollison’s book Introduction to Permaculture (Tagari Publications), this course is intended to be a primer covering the fundamentals of the design system.
According to the definition cited within the text:
“Permaculture is about designing sustainable human settlements. It is a philosophy and an approach to land use which weaves together microclimate, annual and perennial plants, animals, soils, water management, and human needs into intricately connected, productive communities."
"The aim is to create systems that are ecologically-sound and economically viable, which provide for their own needs, do not exploit or pollute, and are therefore sustainable in the long-term. Permaculture uses the inherent qualities of plants and animals combined with the natural characteristics of landscapes and structures to produce a life-supporting system for city and country, using the smallest practical area."
"Permaculture is a system by which we can exist on the earth by using energy that is naturally in flux and relatively harmless, and by using food and natural resources that are abundant in such a way that we don’t continually destroy life on earth. Every technique for conserving and restoring the earth is already known; what is not evident is that any nation or large group of people is prepared to make the change.”
1.1. Introduction
1.2. Relative Location
1.3. Each Element Performs Many Functions
1.4. Each Important Functions Is Supported by Many Elements
1.5. Efficient Energy Planning
1.6. Using Biological Resources
1.7. Energy Cycling
1.8. Small-Scale Intensive Systems
1.9. Accelerating Succession and Evolution
1.10. Diversity
1.11. Edge Effects
1.12. Attitudinal Principles
1.13. References and Further Reading
2.1. Introduction
2.2. Identifying Resources
2.3. Landform (Topography)
2.4. Climate and Microclimate
2.5. Soils
2.6. Water
2.7. Siting Important Infrastructure
2.8. Design for Catastrophe
2.9. References and Further Reading
3.1. Introduction
3.2. Pattern in Nature
3.3. Pattern in Design
3.4. References and Further Reading
4.1. Introduction
4.2. The Temperate House
4.3. The Tropical House
4.4. The Drylands House
4.5. Plant Houses
4.6. Waste Resources from the House
4.7. Technological Strategies
4.8. References and Further Reading
5.1. Introduction
5.2. Garden Layout
5.3. The Instant Garden
5.4. The Urban and Suburban Permaculture Garden
5.5. Cold Area Garden Design
5.6. Tropical Gardens
5.7. Dryland Gardens
5.8. References and Further Reading
6.1. Orchards
6.2. Structural Forests
6.3. Grain and Legumes Crop Systems
6.4. On-Farms Fuels
6.5. Commercial Systems
6.6. References and Further Reading
7.1. Introduction
7.2. Zone I Animals
7.3. Poultry Forage Systems
7.4. Pig Forage Systems
7.5. Goats
7.6. Pasture Crops and Large Animal Forage
7.7. Aquaculture and Wetlands
7.8. References and Further Reading
8.1. Growing Food in the City
8.2. Planned Suburban Areas (Village Homes)
8.3. Community Recycling
8.4. Community Land Access
8.5. Community Economics
8.6. Ethical Investment
8.7. The Permaculture Community
8.8. Resources and References
