Permaculture Principle No. 7 is “Design From Patterns To Details”

Permaculture, in simple terms, is a way of designing and creating systems – like gardens or farms working in harmony with nature.

The word “permaculture” itself comes from combining “permanent” and “agriculture” or “culture,” reflecting a focus on sustainability and long-term thinking.

Permaculture was co-founded by Bill Mollison and David Holmgren in Tasmania, Australia, in the 1970s. Both Mollison and Holmgren played significant roles in developing and popularising permaculture.

Bill Mollison, an Australian ecologist, researcher, and teacher, was a driving force behind the development of permaculture. He observed natural ecosystems and traditional agricultural practices, inspiring the creation of a holistic design system.

David Holmgren, also an Australian ecologist, collaborated with Bill Mollison in refining and expanding permaculture principles. Holmgren’s contributions have been crucial in shaping the design framework and principles of permaculture.

In a nutshell, permaculture is like learning from nature’s playbook to create sustainable, efficient, and harmonious systems that support both the environment and people.

It’s about being smart, observing, and working together with the Earth to create a better way of living.

There are 12 Permaculture Principles and we will be looking at each one every month over the year and how we use it in our garden

Permaculture Principle No. 7:

“Design From Patterns To Details”

This principle emphasises starting with an understanding of broad patterns in nature and human society and then refining the design by addressing specific details. Here’s a detailed breakdown of this principle, divided into explanation, application, and expected outcome:

Design from patterns to details” encourages designers to first understand the larger patterns and structures that influence a system.

Patterns in nature, such as the way water flows, the shape of landscapes, or the growth patterns of plants, offer valuable insights for sustainable design.

By recognising these patterns, designers can create frameworks that work harmoniously with natural processes. Once the overarching patterns are understood and integrated into the design, attention is then given to the finer details, ensuring that each element fits seamlessly into the larger system.

Landscape Design:

Water Management: Observe natural water flow patterns in the landscape. Design swales, ponds, and irrigation systems that follow these patterns to maximise water retention and minimise erosion.

Zoning: Use zoning principles to place elements in a landscape based on how frequently they are used or need attention. For example, place frequently harvested crops or visited animals closer to the home (Zone 1) and wild areas or woodlots further away (Zone 5).

Agriculture:

Crop Planning: Observe the growth patterns and requirements of different crops. Use companion planting and polycultures to mimic natural plant communities, enhancing biodiversity and resilience.

Seasonal Cycles: Design planting schedules and crop rotations that align with seasonal patterns to optimise growth and soil health.

Architecture and Urban Planning:

Building Orientation: Design buildings and urban layouts based on natural patterns such as sunlight, wind direction, and topography to enhance energy efficiency and comfort.

Transportation Networks: Plan transportation and pedestrian pathways based on natural movement patterns and human behaviour to improve flow and accessibility.

Community Development:

Resource Distribution: Establish systems for sharing resources, skills, and labour that reflect community patterns and strengthen local networks.

Social Structures: Recognise social patterns and community needs. Design communal spaces and social systems that foster collaboration, inclusivity, and resilience.

Harmonious Integration:

Designs that follow natural patterns are more likely to work harmoniously with the environment, leading to sustainable and resilient systems. This reduces the need for artificial inputs and interventions.

Efficiency and Productivity:

By aligning with natural patterns, systems become more efficient. Water management systems capture and utilise rainwater effectively, agricultural systems yield more abundant and diverse crops, and buildings require less energy for heating and cooling.

Resilience and Adaptability:

Understanding and integrating patterns allows for more adaptable and resilient designs. Systems can better withstand environmental stresses and changes, maintaining functionality and productivity over time.

Aesthetic and Functional Coherence:

Designs that follow natural patterns often have a pleasing aesthetic quality and functional coherence. This enhances the quality of life for individuals and communities by creating environments that are both beautiful and practical.

Community Cohesion:

When community designs reflect social patterns and needs, they foster stronger connections and collaboration among community members, enhancing social resilience and mutual support.

By applying the principle of “Design from patterns to details,” permaculture practitioners create systems that are sustainable, efficient, and resilient. This approach ensures that the larger context is always considered, leading to designs that are deeply rooted in the natural and social environments in which they operate.

There are 12 permaculture Principles we will be looking at each one every month

When looking at implementing the design into our garden we looked at setting our sections up into different areas that suited, we have

1. Food Forest Area
2. Raised Bed Area
3. Kitchen Courtyard

This is a shot of our home showing the surrounding area. We are on a hill, at the top of the hill and behind us the fields you see are an even steeper hill

This is a long term project that will take time to grow and fill out, but we are adding to it each year and still getting harvests from the berries. Last year was our first year getting some apples from the trees. Observing and self regulating as we go along.

Take a look at some of the starting blogs for more details of how we got started and what we have added A Little About Us and Where The Food Forest Has Started From – 2022 Update and Food Forest Area- New Fruit Trees Planted For 2023

PDC Permaculture Design Certificate

Peter received his Permaculture Design Certificate online in 2019 with Oregon State Uni. Certified by the Permaculture Institute of North America. Taught by: World Renowned Permaculturist Andrew Millison

Peter designed our garden using the Permaculture Design processes and the 12 Permaculture Principles.

Katrina finishes her Permaculture Design Certificate Professional PDC PRO in 2024 to continue the process and pass all the knowledge onto Clayton and others.

Katrina & Clayton and family live in East Ayrshire and share their daily life in the garden on instagram. They practice permaculture principles in the garden, reducing & repurposing waste whenever they can. Katrina shows how home educating in nature has helped Clayton thrive.

Clayton Completed The Grow and Learn Course with the Royal Caledonian Horticultural Society Last Year. This year he started the Level 2 Nurture Course. Clayton has just turned 16, Autistic, Non Verbal & has been Home Educated for the last 6yrs.

They featured on BBC Beechgrove Gardens Ep23 2022, and returned to the show for an update in 2023. Katrina & Clayton are also columnists for ScotlandGrows Magazine and Author of the new children’s book: Clayton’s New Garden Journey: A Story of Autism and Growing available on Amazon

Author of the new children’s book series: Clayton’s Garden Journey: A Story of Autism and Gardening and Sowing, Growing, Weather and Seasons Weekly Gardening Record Book available on Amazon