Practical Permaculture | Gardening and Intentional Living

In this episode of the Practical Permaculture Podcast, we chat with Mardi. Mardi shares her journey into sustainability through her business, ReNewy Living. We explore the importance of community empowerment, creative workshops and the principles of permaculture in daily life. The conversation also touches on sustaining habits, understanding personal values and addressing skepticism around sustainability practices. We also dive into the beauty of gifting secondhand and pre-loved items, the stigma surrounding them, and how to navigate these perceptions. A must listen to with the upcoming Christmas season. Lastly, our conversation also highlights the significance of fostering community connections, respecting diverse perspectives, and the value of traveling to gain broader insights. You can catch Mardi via her socials or her webpage below: Insta: https://www.instagram.com/renewyliving/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ReNewyLiving https://renewyliving.com.au/ Keywords sustainability, permaculture, community, workshops, environmental awareness, creative recycling, waste reduction, local living, eco-friendly practices, family lifestyle, sustainability, secondhand, pre-loved items, community connections, gift giving, environmental awareness, personal values, local engagement, diverse perspectives, travel Takeaways -Sustainability has been a part of Mardi's life since childhood. -ReNewy Living aims to empower local communities towards sustainable living. - Creative workshops help engage the community in sustainability. - Permaculture can be practiced in various ways, even without a garden. - Understanding your 'why' is crucial for making sustainable changes. - Sustainability is not just about buying green products. - Making sustainable habits easy can help them stick. - Respecting different perspectives on sustainability is important. - Community collaboration enhances sustainability efforts. Embrace individuality in sustainability practices. - Secondhand and pre-loved items can be beautiful and meaningful. -There is a stigma around gifting secondhand items that needs to be addressed. -Creating connections through thoughtful gift-giving enhances relationships. -Community connections are vital for personal and collective happiness. -Respecting diverse perspectives fosters understanding and tolerance. -Traveling broadens perspectives and enriches local community engagement. -Engaging with local councils can enhance community involvement. -Finding personal passion in sustainability makes it more impactful. -Intentionality in gift-giving can lead to more meaningful exchanges.

In this episode of the Practical Permaculture Podcast, we interview author Manda Scott, who shares her journey from being a veterinary surgeon to a novelist and her insights on the themes of her latest book. Manda discusses the concept of 'Thrutopia', a vision for a better future in her book Any Human Power. We also chat about the importance of shamanic practices in conscious evolution. She contrasts initiation cultures with trauma cultures, emphasising the need for healing and community building. Manda also provides practical advice for listeners on how to engage politically and create meaningful change in their lives and communities. We hope you enjoy! Resources: https://mandascott.co.uk/ https://mandascott.co.uk/any-human-power-resources/ https://mandascott.co.uk/why-we-need-thrutopias/ https://mandascott.co.uk/a-new-project-for-a-new-world/ https://www.facebook.com/MandaScottAuthor?ref=hl Keywords Manda Scott, Thrutopia, shamanic practices, conscious evolution, permaculture, political engagement, trauma culture, initiation culture, regenerative economics, storytelling Takeaways: -Her book explores the themes of trauma culture versus initiation culture. -'Thrutopia' is a vision for a future that works for everyone. - Shamanic practices can aid in personal and collective healing. - Community building is essential for creating change. - Dystopian narratives are ineffective in inspiring action. - Engaging in political discourse is crucial for societal change. - Finding joy in purpose can guide personal actions. - The current system of governance is broken and needs reform. - We must collaborate to address the ecological crisis

Next year Brett launches his NEW PDC which includes a NEW homesteading module and integrates more project management. This course will be next level. When it comes to project management, Brett is your man. So we wanted to get him on to chat about the significance of project management in Permaculture and Homesteading. We also talk about hierarchy of resources and why this is important. Brett explains practical strategies for setting up a homestead, managing resources, and preserving food. He chats about the importance of project management in homesteading, highlighting how thoughtful planning and spatial awareness can enhance efficiency and reduce overwhelm. We also touch on the scalability of homesteading practices, making it accessible for urban dwellers. Find Brett online here: https://www.limestonepermaculture.com/upcoming-events https://www.instagram.com/limestone_permaculture/ Takeaways Homesteading is a key aspect of permaculture that emphasises self-sufficiency. Thoughtful observation and planning are essential for effective homesteading. Managing abundance involves preserving and utilising produce efficiently. Redundancy in food preservation methods is crucial for sustainability. Hands-on learning enhances understanding and application of permaculture principles. Project management skills are vital for organising homesteading projects. Homesteading practices can be scaled to fit urban environments. Spatial awareness helps maximise the use of available resources. Resourcefulness and upcycling are important in homesteading. Starting with your 'why' informs better decision-making in homesteading. Keywords Permaculture, Homesteading, Project Management, Sustainability, Food Preservation, Community, Resource Management, Education, Hands-On Learning, Abundance

In this episode, we discuss the upcoming season of the podcast we will be sharing many exciting guests and topics related to gardening and permaculture. We also share personal updates about our current gardens, chat about the importance of soil health and we rethinking summer gardening practices. Do we quit gardening for the summer? A lot comes into it; your context , balancing gardening with lifestyle, water availability and gardening techniques for summer gardening. Keywords gardening, permaculture, summer gardening, soil health, community, irrigation, lifestyle, sustainable living, homesteading, plant care Takeaways - Soil health is crucial for successful gardening. - Summer gardening requires a different approach than other seasons. - Context matters in gardening practices and decisions. - Balancing gardening with lifestyle is essential for enjoyment. - Innovative techniques can help manage summer gardening challenges. - Community collaboration can enhance gardening success. - Watering techniques vary based on personal preference and context. - Intentional planning is key to successful gardening and preserving harvests. - Gardening should be enjoyable, not a burden.

In this final mini-episode of season 3, we explore Permaculture Principle #12 – Creatively Use and Respond to Change. Change is inevitable, but instead of resisting it, we can get creative and turn it into an opportunity. Whether it’s pests in the garden or unexpected shade, responding flexibly allows us to design solutions that thrive in new conditions. This mindset works beyond the garden too, helping us adapt to life’s curveballs. As we wrap up the season, take this as a reminder: next time something changes, ask, “How can I use this creatively?” Stay tuned for season 4 on October 18th!

This week Alysse chats to Cas (aka The Permaculture nurse on socials). Cas discusses her experiences with permaculture and mental health. She also shares how she and her partner moved to a larger property during COVID and embraced permaculture principles.   Cas has a background in mental health nursing and her passion is integrating permaculture into mental health care. She is currently pursuing a PhD in permaculture and mental health. We discuss the importance of incorporating permaculture ethics into healthcare systems and the potential for social prescribing to promote mental health and wellbeing. Cas shares her vision for their farm, including workshops, community engagement, and sustainable housing.   Hope you enjoy this week’s episode! Our season finale. We will be back on 18th October for season 4.   Find more here: Social Links @littleternfarm @thepermaculturenurse Website www.littleternfarm.com www.thepermaculturenurse.com   Takeaways: • Permaculture principles can be integrated into mental health care to promote wellbeing and resilience. • Social prescribing, which involves prescribing social activities and programs, can be a valuable tool in promoting mental health. • There is a need for more research and initiatives that explore the intersection of permaculture and mental health. • Building a sense of community and connection is essential for promoting mental health and sustainability. • Permaculture can be a powerful tool for creating sustainable and resilient homes and communities. Prioritize community and wildlife in your permaculture journey • Find a balance between giving to the community and taking care of yourself • Approach projects in stages and seasons, allowing for rest and reflection • Embrace mindfulness, rituals, and intentional living • Start where you are and use what you have to begin your permaculture journey   Keywords: permaculture, mental health, COVID, farm, social prescribing, community engagement, sustainable housing, community, wildlife, balance, burnout, stages, seasons, mindfulness, rituals, intentional living, starting where you are  

In this episode, we explore **Permaculture Principle #9 – Use Small and Slow Solutions**. In a world that craves instant results, this principle reminds us to slow down and start small. Instead of diving into large projects, we can test ideas on a manageable scale—whether it’s experimenting with plant guilds, composting, or water conservation. Small steps allow us to observe, adjust, and improve without getting overwhelmed. Progress is all about steady growth, not rushing. Tune in for practical tips and examples on how small and slow solutions can lead to lasting success in your permaculture journey.

In this conversation, Alysse, Jo, and Beth discuss Beth's work as a kitchen garden educator and her journey into permaculture. Beth shares her background growing up on a farm and her passion for connecting with the land. She talks about how permaculture is more than just gardening, it's about community and connection. Beth also discusses her work in schools, teaching children about sustainability, mental health, and the joy of growing their own food. She emphasizes the importance of hands-on learning and the impact it has on children's understanding of where their food comes from. Beth discusses the importance of teaching resilience and gardening skills to children. She emphasizes the need for individuals to take control of their own food production and waste management. Beth also shares her experiences in coordinating the Blue Mountain Sustainable Schools Network and participating in workshops and conferences. Her advice to those starting their permaculture journey is to grow where they are and make conscious choices to care for people, the earth, and the future. Key takeaways: Permaculture is more than just gardening, it's about community and connection. Hands-on learning and observation are powerful tools for teaching children about sustainability and where their food comes from. Kitchen garden programs in schools can have a positive impact on children's mental health and wellbeing. Permaculture is a lifelong learning journey that is constantly evolving and adapting to different contexts and environments. Teaching resilience and gardening skills to children is crucial for their personal growth and development. Individuals should take control of their own food production and waste management. Collaborating with local communities, schools, and organisations can create a network of support and resources. Growing where you are and making conscious choices to care for people, the earth, and the future is essential in the permaculture journey.

This season we are taking the time to unpack each Permaculture Principles in our mini Episodes. We explore what we have learnt, what our current understanding is, musings and considerations in relation to each principle. This week Alysse explores Principle 10 - Use and Value Diversity

The principle "Integrate rather than segregate" highlights the value of fostering synergies between different elements within a system to boost efficiency and resilience. When we isolate components, they often become weaker and struggle to thrive. This concept applies to people as well. We flourish when we connect with like-minded individuals who share our values. Check out Episode 4 season 1 to find out about the Miyawaki method of planting.