Some general strategies that I use in Pennsylvania, which continue to be experiments while the area is wet to see if I can establish plants with these techniques under these conditions. To expand this conversation I've reached out to several experts to see if they will join me to cover these topics, their specialties, in more depth.

How are you designing with climate change in mind? I'd love to hear from you. Leave a comment below.

This is part one from the first of the Susquehanna Permaculture Round discussion. Recorded in front of a live audience, the panelists were:

• Jon Darby, of the Horn Farm Center.
• Rafiyqa Muhammad, of Ngozi, Inc.
• Shannon Sylte.
• Ben Weiss, of The Rewilding School.

The topics for this first round included:

• What is Permaculture to you?
• Environmental problems as human issues.
• Permaculture and spiritual traditions.
• Engaging social and political systems.

After these, we took a break, and pick up with a series of audience questions, intermixed with questions that came in via Facebook from podcast listeners. Join us again in part 2 to be released in a few weeks. When you've finished listeningif you would like to learn more from Rafiyqa's many years as a civic leader in Harrisburg active in engaging communities and local politics, so that you can do the same, she made her information available.

Rafiyqa Muhammad:

E-mail: rafiyqam@aol.com

Phone: 717-343-6881

Ben Weiss is also available:

E-mail: susq.permaculture@aol.com

Would you like to see more pictures from the event?  

You'll find them on the Facebook page for the show.  

And anytime you'd like to reach out to me, I'm here:

E-Mail: The Permaculture Podcast

Postal Mail: The Permaculture Podcast The Permaculture Podcast (Episode: Rt1)

This book arrived in my mailbox, as a promotional copy, while editing the interview with Michael Judd was underway. I found this book compliments Edible Landscaping with a Permaculture Twist rather well. Michael's provides permaculture, edible landscaping, and projects you can explore, while Niki's adds to the different techniques you can use while also having gardens that look good and are functional. Within the cover are numerous different styles of gardens that you can explore in any and all environments. Though largely geared towards North America, you can use your knowledge of permaculture to adapt them to your local needs. If you are new to permaculture and interested in gardening, pick up this book along with Michael's to supplement your introductory reading, and so you can start to get your hands in the soil sooner. If you're an experienced permaculture practitioner, this book provides a number of designs that you can use as short-cuts to let you focus on the trickier parts of permaculture design. Wherever you are in your personal exploration of permaculture, I think this book is a good addition to a gardening, or permaculture, library.

Have you read this book? Want to let me know what you think? Leave a comment below. 

My guest for this episode is Michael Judd, a permaculture teacher, designer, and author from Frederick, Maryland. He and I sat down at his home to talk about his background and work, including his recently released book Edible Landscaping with a Permaculture Twist. In addition to his book and design company, we talked about his introduction to permaculture that began at Earthaven Ecovillage with Chuck Marsh, Peter Bane, and many others. We also discuss Project Bonafide, an organization he started with Chris Shanks in Nicaragua. This is an inspirational conversation because of Michael's "Go do it!" attitude. He encourages all of is, new and old to gardening and permaculture alike, to get digging, get dirty, and start learning. Find out more about Michael through his website: EcologiaDesign.com. And here is a short video from Michael discussing his roundwood timber-framed home.

Want to get in touch with the show? Here are the usual ways: E-Mail: The Permaculture Podcast Facebook: Facebook.com/thepermaculturepodcast Twitter: @permaculturecst Postal Mail: The Permaculture Podcast The Permaculture Podcast (Episode: MichaelJudd)

You should check out part 1 before listening to this one if you haven't heard it already. You'll hear a good introduction to what follows in this episode. During this discussion we talk about mercy, grace, forgiveness, and faith, among so many other topics that arise. Whatever your background there are many moments of wisdom within this conversation. So join us by sitting, listening, and learning. You can reach out to Rhamis via his profile at Permaculture Global, and if you have comments for me feel free to reach out through the usual ways. E-Mail: The Permaculture Podcast Facebook: Facebook.com/thepermaculturepodcast Twitter: @permaculturecst Postal Mail: The Permaculture Podcast The Permaculture Podcast (Episode: RhamisKent2)

The first I've experienced directly because of feedback sent in regarding the conversations with Rhamis and Kelly that were released thus far. The second I'm hearing about from people in the community wondering what's going on. I can't speak much to the latter, because I've only heard about it and am not a part of the discussion. As it unfolds, I may have more to share, so my comments in this piece are more my overall perspective about this subject than focusing on one piece of the issue. As for faith and earth care, my place in exploring this subject is not to bring religion in to permaculture. You've heard how middle of the road I can be at times. I can't even imagine doing that. However, I can see communicating better and connecting with members of faith by understanding the language they use. In turn we can offer permaculture to others from more diverse backgronds in a way they can approach the material. Does that make sense? If it does, or doesn't, I'd still like to continue the conversation. You can reach me in the usual ways. E-Mail: The Permaculture Podcast Facebook: Facebook.com/thepermaculturepodcast Twitter: @permaculturecst Postal Mail: The Permaculture Podcast The Permaculture Podcast (2014Short0317)

Listen to what Ben shares and then you can check out the following sample budgets to illustrate what this looks like when preparing for a class. Sample Intensive PDC Budget Sample Non-Residential PDC Budget For anyone wanting to use this model, Ben and Wilson include this statement in their registration information. I left the numbers as examples only.

We have a set budget for this class, and if we do not meet the budget we cannot offer the class. When you register, you will be asked what the maximum amount you are willing to pay based on the table above. The class will be official when the appropriate number of registrants is willing to pay the tuition that correlates with that number (example: 12 registrants each willing to pay $584). We’ll keep you updated on the registration status via the Facebook page for the class. To register, each student must make a $350 deposit (the minimum tuition). Any remaining tuition (dependent upon number of registrants) is due on the day of the first class. This deposit will be refunded if we do not meet our budgetary requirements and have to cancel the course, or if the number of students registered does not bring the tuition level down to what a registrant is willing to pay, and they decide not to take the class.

I found this to be a great inclusive message for children in the generous work of building a better world. It's worth sharing. This particular piece is an interview with Rachel Kaplan, the first person I ever interviewed for the podcast way back in 2011. She's a wonderful person doing great things. Rather than say more, enjoy the video.

Find out more information about the theatre group, their project, and Ms. Kaplan: Walking Elephant Theatre Co. Rachel Kaplan

If you are new to permaculture these are the books I recommend starting with. If you're not new to permaculture, but haven't read all the books on this list, you should. The authors provide information that isn't based around techniques, but rather offer ways to look at the world that allow us to build and use the strategies and techniques that are appropriate for the landscape we find ourselves working in. They help to move us away from thinking about what we can do, and towards making the best decision about why we might do something. Reading them in order is the preferable way to work through them. However, if you've already read some, don't worry. Start with the first one you haven't read and work your way down through the rest.

• The One-Straw Revolution by Masanobu Fukuoka
• Thinking in Systems by Donella Meadows
• Earth User's Guide to Permaculture, Second Edition by Rosemary Morrow
• Permaculture by David Holmgren

Though I'd prefer you borrow one from you library, or pick up a used copy from a local bookstore, if you do decide to purchase these books each title is a link that takes you to the publisher or distributor within the United States. For The One-Straw Revolution that is New York Review Books. For the others that is Chelsea Green, via affiliate links. Purchasing the books through the Chelsea Green links go to help support the show. If you've read these books, or after reading them, let me know what you think. E-Mail: The Permaculture Podcast Facebook: Facebook.com/thepermaculturepodcast Twitter: @permaculturecst Postal Mail: The Permaculture Podcast The Permaculture Podcast (2014Short0312)

My guest for this episode is Wayne Herring of Herrings Green Grass Farm, and two time guest on the program. His first appearance on the show was to discuss starting a sustainable family farm, and the second as a listener question and answer session about small scale farming. This time we talk about his transition away from his corporate life so that he can be near home on a regular basis, as well as starting his creation of a new home-based business, Herring Coach, which helps to provide a balance between family, farming, and income. He also shares with us his thoughts on farming, and paying farmers a reasonable salary for their work, the economics of farming, and the many hats he wears to get everything done. If after listening to this episode you would like to reach out to Wayne to learn more about his work as a farmer or so he can help you build your own professional permaculture niche, you can reach him at: w.herring (at) herringcoach (dot) com. We're also discussing, as you'll hear, about my returning when things get busy to do another conversation. If this is something you would like, please send questions to me through the usual ways. E-Mail: The Permaculture Podcast Facebook: Facebook.com/thepermaculturepodcast Twitter: @permaculturecst Postal Mail: The Permaculture Podcast The Permaculture Podcast (Episode: 2014-014)