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What is Permaculture?
Popularly seen as a ‘cool’ form of organic gardening, permaculture could be better described as a design system for resilient living and land use based on universal ethics and ecological design principles. Although the primary focus of permaculture has been the redesign of gardening, farming, animal husbandry and forestry, the same ethics and principles apply to design of buildings, tools and technology.
Applying permaculture ethics and principles in our gardens and homes inevitably leads us towards redesigning our ways of living so as to be more in tune with local surpluses and limits.
Permaculture is also a global movement of individuals, groups and networks working to create the world we want, by providing for our needs and organising our lives in harmony with nature. The movement is active in the most privileged and the most destitute communities and countries. Permaculture may be Australia’s most significant export for humanity facing a world of limits.
from David Holmgren’s book RetroSuburbia
In this video, produced by The Food Forest, in 2010, David reflects on how permaculture can be used as a template for survival and abundance
Latest Writings
Where did all the wombats go?
Like my Koala essay, this piece records ideas I have held and shared over many years. I have resisted the temptation to begin any serious process of research to support (or refute) the ideas or even the background facts. It is largely a product of “reading the landscape” a process that is the subject of a documentary by Dan Palmer and Dave Meagher but includes remembered observations gleaned from various sources.
Koalas: A Conservation Conundrum
Since hunting koalas for their furs ended earlier in the 20th century, I thought it strange that in many places they seemed to be rare and sickly while in others they were abundant and apparently healthy. I heard about efforts focused on identifying and protecting prime koala habitat, research identifying chlamydia and other afflictions affecting some populations, and relocation programs from places of abundance to those of scarcity. It seemed curious that in some places koalas were so abundant that they were killing the gum trees they depended on for food. A few anecdotes and personal observations added to my sketchy knowledge about koalas.
Vale Joan Webster OAM
How much can one person achieve in a lifetime? Without an army of followers and assistants to help, any contribution or dent in the larger society and environment will surely be modest. Doing so without some collateral damage to those in your wake is almost impossible. Being a woman in a man’s world is a
From our online PDC participants...
I feel so inspired to continue learning about and practicing Permaculture at home and in my community.
~ Sarah
The online format has allowed us to learn with people from all around the world...
~ Jess
Investing in this PDC has been some of the most rewarding and important time and energy I have ever spent.
~ Megan
Live Online - Permaculture Design Course
With David Holmgren, Beck Lowe & Guests
Featured Videos
Changing Habits for Self-Reliance and Resilience
David Holmgren — Sustainable Living Festival 2018
David Holmgren — Decolonise Your Lawn
About Holmgren Design
David Holmgren is the co-originator of the permaculture concept following publication of Permaculture One, co-authored with Bill Mollison in 1978. David is globally recognised as a leading ecological thinker.
Melliodora is a small specialist publisher dedicated to producing a limited range of books and other media by David Holmgren and other authors. Our titles aim to support individuals in their personal permaculture journeys.
Melliodora is a 8700m² (2¼ acre) property situated on Dja Dja Wurrung Country in Central Victoria. It is one of the best documented and well known permaculture demonstration sites in the world.
Latest News
Reading Landscape in Melbourne Documentary Film Festival
Exciting news! Reading Landscape with David Holmgren has been selected to screen at the Melbourne Documentary Film Festival The film even made their Top 12 No-to-Miss Cinema Features PLUS there will be a Q&A with David after the film. Spread the word, we’d love to see you there Date: Sunday 21 July 2024 Time: 5:20PM
Launched! The 2024 Venie Holmgren Environmental Poetry Prize
Holmgren Design is thrilled to announce the launch of the 2024 Venie Holmgren Environmental Poetry Prize. The judges for the 2024 Prize are Tim Loveday and Jodi Vial. You can read the details and enter your poem here.
Marine permaculture: Design principles for productive seascapes
Permaculture is an approach that has proven itself on land as a way to blend farming with healthy ecosystems. What if it could do the same on water?
From the Archive
Where did all the wombats go?
Like my Koala essay, this piece records ideas I have held and shared over many years. I have resisted the temptation to begin any serious process of research to support...
Read More
Koalas: A Conservation Conundrum
Since hunting koalas for their furs ended earlier in the 20th century, I thought it strange that in many places they seemed to be rare and sickly while in others...
Read More
Vale Joan Webster OAM
How much can one person achieve in a lifetime? Without an army of followers and assistants to help, any contribution or dent in the larger society and environment will surely...
Read More
Shades of Green: Finding a middle path through the Forest
While a diversity of broader and more immediate issues also compete for my attention, it was serendipitous when a local colleague, similarly passionate and active in ecological forestry, gave me...
Read More
Vale Ross Mars: Persistent Permaculture
Ross Mars, permaculture pioneer of Western Australia, died peacefully on the 9th November from Motor Neurone Disease at home in Mundaring WA surrounded by his family.
Read More
