I got my Permaculture Design Certificate (PDC) from Earth Activist Training in 2024, and for my final project I designed my backyard.
It is an urban yard with limited space, so I wanted to maximize the functionality. Instead of aiming for a high yield, I wanted one of everything, so I could see what was in season.
The assignment was to do a site analysis, design concept, and a detail of one aspect of the design. For my detail, I chose the outdoor "Bathing Forest" where I would have a clawfoot bathtub and woodland plants, in the most shady and private area of the yard.
I started by drafting the existing site.
Goals
Since I wanted to maximize use-able space for activities, I decided not to focus on a high-yield garden. Instead, I wanted a wide variety of plants so I will be able to see what is in season, and for educational purposes. I created different zones for different types of plants - forest, sun-loving, veggies, etc.
Goals: Functional outdoor spaces for gatherings, large variety of plants.
Site Analysis
Permaculture site analysis has two main concepts - Zones and Sectors.
Zones rank areas in terms of frequency of visits for ease of maintenance. Zone 1 is the most frequently visited, to Zone 5 which may be rarely visted, like a wood lot. Since this is an urban yard, it is arguably almost all Zone 1, with possibly some Zone 2 - however since Beezwings tiny house is also on the property, so I considered there to be another Zone 1 at the back of the yard.
Sectors indicate where energy and resources flow on and off of the site -- wind, sun, storms, etc. Doing permaculture in Halifax means considering the direction of predominant winter winds, hurricane winds, and summer breezes. My property borders a commercial building, so I also have a garbage sector where junk blows off the dumpsters next door.
After analyzing the site I divided the space into different areas with different characteristics, purposes, and plant requirements.
I'm now doing small permaculture design projects in Halifax. If you'd like to discuss the possibilities for your yard or garden, contact me.