On a sunny late-spring morning, a dozen garden-lovers gathered at The Uplands for an immersive permaculture workshop. Permaculture, when applied to gardening, mimics the diversity and layering of species found in natural ecosystems. An antidote to the pervasive monoculture style of food production which relies on tilling, herbicides, and fertilizers, permaculture creates healthy, self-generating soil through biodiversity. 

After gathering on the east patio to do brief introductions and discussing basics of permaculture, the group transitioned into the garden and removed a tarp covering a blank canvas “keyhole” style garden bed. Keyholes, seen below, maximize efficiency of space and movement through the planting area, allowing one to tend to all parts of the bed without excessive reaching, while also adding a uniquely beautiful aesthetic to the garden. The keyhole garden at Uplands was designed as a permaculture guild (or collection of trees, shrubs, and herbs that work well together and support each other’s growth) focused on cut flowers and perennial edibles. 

After a brief weeding session to fully prepare the ground, some participants dug up yarrow, comfrey, and chives in various areas of the garden to transplant into the keyhole bed. Others planted flowers such as irises, red cardinal flower, anise hyssop, coreopsis, and echinacea around an apricot and pie cherry tree. The plants were selected to provide different ecosystem services, habitat and food for pollinators, and overall diversity. 

Throughout the workshop, participants connected with one another over their shared love for gardening and were delighted to discover a community of permaculturists in their area. The group left invigorated and inspired to apply permaculture concepts onto the land that they steward.