Connecting Through Permaculture
Jan 31, 2025 · Amber Hill

This past month, we had the opportunity to come together for a three-day intensive introduction to permaculture. Most of the participants were volunteers already working on the farm, making it a fantastic way to strengthen our sense of community while deepening our understanding of sustainable design. Through this course, we not only learned practical skills but also built stronger connections with each other and the land we nurture. Permaculture teaches us to see our environment through a designer’s eyes, considering the relationships between plants, soil, water, and all the elements that create a thriving ecosystem. By applying these principles, we can assess our farm in a new light—understanding which plants grow best together, where to plant them for maximum benefit, and how to close resource loops within the property. A great example of this is our banana circle: an efficient system where surplus water is redirected to nourish water-loving banana plants, creating a win-win situation for both sustainability and productivity. Beyond these foundational lessons, we also explored future projects that could enrich the farm and involve a wider community. Ideas ranged from hands-on workshops—such as making herbal creams and essential oils from farm-grown plants—to learning about soil health, pollinators, and botany. There’s a lot of enthusiasm for expanding these opportunities, and now we need to determine the best format to make them accessible and engaging for everyone.

The energy and excitement from this course have been truly inspiring, and we look forward to seeing how these ideas take root and flourish. If you’re interested in contributing or participating in future initiatives, we’d love to hear your thoughts! Let’s continue growing together—sustainably, creatively, and in harmony with nature.
