Permaculture is a design and systems approach to the way we live our lives.
It's more than just "special gardening". A typical homestead might have a wood pile, a chicken coop, space for cars, gardens, play areas for kids, fruit trees, sheds, and countless other structures and spaces. The question is how do we most efficiently connect and design those systems so that we maximize their impact, and minimize the amount of effort we have to put in.
John discovered permaculture and quickly decided to take a 3 week intensive course on Orcas Island at the Bullock's Homestead. It was a life changing experience, and set him on the path he is on today - building sustainable and edible spaces for others and developing his own permaculture oasis on Vashon.
Resources to learn more about Permaculture:
by Dave Jacke
I took a course in Oregon with Dave Jacke and have a lot of respect for him as a person and as an educator. He has some great podcasts and interviews as well.
by Jessi Bloom and Dave Boehnlein
Dave Boehnlein and Jessi Bloom's book has lots of great pictures and practical recommendations.
A fantastic project in Seattle turning a giant expanse of lawn into a productive garden, and a good lesson in tackling permaculture projects in the public sphere.