"Soaring Over Challenges Permaculture Designers' Guide to Thriving in Sunlight

Title Soaring Over Challenges Permaculture Designers' Guide to Thriving in Sunlight

As permaculture designers, we're no strangers to adapting to changing conditions. However, even with our expertise, dealing with challenges can be overwhelming. That's why I'd like to share some strategies for overcoming obstacles and thriving in sunlight – literally! In this post, we'll explore how professionals in the field can use the concept of a canard (a small wing that helps stabilize an aircraft) to navigate common challenges.

Challenge 1 Insufficient Sunlight

When working with plants, insufficient sunlight is a common issue. To maximize what you have, consider the following tips

Optimize Plant Placement Strategically arrange your plants to make the most of available sunlight. This might involve creating a trellis or using stakes to support vining plants.
Choose Sun-Loving Plants Select species that are adapted to partial shade or can tolerate low light conditions, such as ferns, impatiens, and begonias.

Challenge 2 Air Circulation

Good air circulation is essential for healthy plant growth. To improve airflow, consider the following strategies

Create Openings Ensure there are sufficient openings in your design to allow for air movement. This might involve incorporating pathways or creating a sense of openness with structures.
Use Wind-Resistant Plants Select plants that can withstand wind and turbulence, such as succulents, grasses, or low-growing shrubs.

Challenge 3 Canopy Cover

When working in areas with dense canopy cover, it's essential to consider how you'll provide sunlight for your plants. Here are some strategies

Use Understory Plants Choose species that thrive in shaded conditions, such as shade-loving ferns or mosses.
Create Gaps Incorporate gaps or clearings within the canopy to allow sunlight to reach your plants.

Challenge 4 Water Management

Effective water management is crucial for permaculture design. To handle excess water, consider the following tips

Use Swales Create swales – shallow ditches that collect and filter rainwater – to help manage excess water.
Choose Drought-Tolerant Plants Select species that can survive with minimal watering, such as succulents or cacti.

Challenge 5 Space Constraints

When working in small spaces, it's essential to optimize your design. Here are some tips

Use Vertical Space Incorporate trellises, arbors, or wall-mounted planters to make the most of vertical space.
Choose Compact Plants Select species that remain compact and don't require excessive space, such as herbs or succulents.

By applying these strategies, permaculture designers can overcome common challenges and create thriving ecosystems. Remember, just like an aircraft uses a canard to stabilize its flight, we can use our knowledge of sunlight, air circulation, canopy cover, water management, and space constraints to navigate the complexities of permaculture design.

Edward Lance Arellano Lorilla

CEO / Co-Founder

Enjoy the little things in life. For one day, you may look back and realize they were the big things. Many of life's failures are people who did not realize how close they were to success when they gave up.