Greetings from Olmec, the man behind the magic...
Details I have spent much of my life living and growing, immersed in the rural North Canterbury environment. During this time I have observed and studied natural systems, plant communities and interactions.
My approach to landscape and garden design is based on the power and potential for abundance found all around us.
Let me show you how
My approach to landscape and garden design is based on the power and potential for abundance found all around us.
Let me show you how
Smart gardens based on natural principals
Through careful plant selection and assembly you can have a highly productive garden that takes care of itself while feeding you, improving your immediate surroundings and boosting biodiversity.
Conscious design choices make a huge difference to the water requirements of a garden.
Conscious design choices make a huge difference to the water requirements of a garden.
- Working with gravity and contour to capture and distribute rain water
- Grey water recycling and reuse
- Drought proofing landscapes using simple, low-tech solutions
- Run-off and erosion prevention
Nourishment for all seasons
Do you dream of harvesting your own fresh fruit, berries and vegetables?
I design 'pick any time' forage gardens by including an assortment of location appropriate shrubs, vines and trees that create lush, beautiful landscapes that feed you and your family while providing wildlife habitat and an attractive environment.
Low cost healthy fresh food just out your back door, fantastic!
I design 'pick any time' forage gardens by including an assortment of location appropriate shrubs, vines and trees that create lush, beautiful landscapes that feed you and your family while providing wildlife habitat and an attractive environment.
Low cost healthy fresh food just out your back door, fantastic!
Multi grafted fruit trees - Combine your favourite varieties on a single tree
Imagine a single tree with apples of many flavours, ripening from March to June, or combining apricots, plums and peaches. A great way to save space and spread the yield over a longer harvest time.
Purchase pre-grafted trees or get extra varieties added to your existing trees.
Purchase pre-grafted trees or get extra varieties added to your existing trees.
So, how does it work?
Building better gardens takes time and vision
I will meet with you at your location to understand the current state, gather information and determine desired outcomes. Then work together to build your personal eden. Typically a project consists of one or more of the following phases:
Phase 1 - Site assessment
- Evaluate existing plantings and observe local conditions (wind, sun, soil etc.)
- Determine existing resources (water flows, mulch material, nutrient sources, shelter)
- Discuss and outline objectives, time line and budget
Phase 2 - Design
Details
- Layout of foundation elements (irrigation, shelter, fertility)
- Plant species selection
Phase 3 - From dream to reality
- Site preparation and layout
- Installing any irrigation
- Adding plants and seeds
Phase 4 - Maintenance, improvement and support
- Pruning and shaping, adding new varieties to existing trees with grafting
- Replacing failures
Projects, progress and examples of natural landscapes
Since 'discovering' the permaculture design process in 2010, I have been actively developing all year edible landscapes that capture and store their own water, cycles nutrient while (hopefully) standing up to the disruptions of climate change.
Run off swale for pigs and ducks
Details 6 years on - Basic land shaping to capture roof water from a nearby shed provides nutrient rich passive irrigation for food forest down slope while also creating enjoyable habitat for resident ducks and pigs. Plantings include water loving natives that offer wind and frost protection to climbing vines and citrus.
Diversity is key
Details This wild and and colourful 'garden' is packed with edible and beneficial plants, a completely different ecosystem from the boring grass monoculture that preceded it. Fruit and nut trees mix with annual crops arranged along raised log planting mounds that provide valuable water storage and nutrients.
Terracing and trees
Details 8 years on - Adding terraces to steep slopes reduces runoff keeping valuable water of site longer while also improving access for planting, maintenance and harvest. Trees can be more densely planted, stacked and over hanging one another for maximum productivity. This natural sun trap is the ideal location for a solar powered clothes dryer and a wonderful micro climate with excellent cold air drainage.
Sprawling forest garden in the making
Details 6 years on - Working from an open expanse of grass we are well on the way to a productive forest garden filled with interesting, edible and useful plants. The challenge here was getting wind shelter established, this has reduced moisture loss while contributing valuable biomass and soil improvement, shade and habitat for birds and insects.
Garage improvement - 3 years later
Details Secret swale at west end of workshop. Planted with bulbs, tagasaste for nitrogen and quick frost canopy over lemon and climbing kiwifruit. Ground cover of oregano and alpine strawberries.
Date August 24, 2015
Hiding the water tank
Details A great example of permaculture function stacking in action. First up we are taking advantage of the vertical sides and thermal mass of the water tank to grow frost tender perennials including citrus and kiwifruit. The vines and leaves help obscure the ugly tank and protect the plastic from UV radiation. Extra moisture is available from runoff and any overflow.