Pretty Permaculture

After some home construction, Joseph and Shalyn Donofro’s zone 5 backyard was left with low-quality, compacted soil and not much of anything else. They envision a beautiful space that supports their young family’s healthy lifestyle goals, teaches responsibility to their children and enables them to spend quality time outdoors together. They want the cottage garden aesthetic, as well as the benefits of basic permaculture practices, which encourage sustainability and enrich the well-being of both the garden and the gardeners.

-  Chloe Deike

FROM THE GROUND UP Improving the depleted soil is priority number one. Some plants, such as the red clover used as a ground cover in several spots, have nitrogen-fixing abilities and add nutrients to the soil over time. Raised beds filled with quality soil provide an immediate solution. As the garden evolves, they'll be able to feed the soil with compost made on their own property.

POWERHOUSE POTTING SHED A potting shed greenhouse brings that classic cottage garden feel, adds much-needed storage, extends the growing season and increases the garden’s yield. Gutters and a rain barrel collect the rainwater, make it easy to access for use in the garden and keep the water bill down. And a small gravel patio makes a great spot for soaking up some vitamin D.

Enjoy these ideas for a design that’s as practical as it is pleasing to the eye, then turn the page to learn how to make it work for you.

GUILDS GET IT DONE In permaculture landscapes, plant guilds are groups with mutual benefits and multiple functions. For example, one of the guilds in this garden includes chives, yarrow and red clover, which benefits the fruiting shrubs nearby. Chives are not just edible but have a strong aroma that keeps some pests at bay. The yarrow attracts pollinators and beneficial insects. This nonaggressive red clover adds nitrogen to the soil and acts as a living mulch. Under the apple trees, a guild of red clover and yellow archangel does the same.

REPURPOSE BRANCHES Trim back bridal wreath spirea after it blooms — and use the branches elsewhere. Weave them together to make wattle fencing for the raised beds. Lay them as mulch around the base of the apple trees, or dry them and use as fire kindling.