Design is a central part of the work at Roots n Permaculture. It provides a way to bring observation, ideas and practical action together, shaping landscapes, growing systems and the way projects develop over time.
This section focuses on two main strands of design work:
- Permaculture Designs, whole-site and systems-based approaches to working with land, water and people
- Forest Garden Designs, perennial planting systems inspired by woodland ecology and long-term productivity
These designs explore different scales and contexts, from small gardens to wider landscape thinking, and reflect an ongoing process of learning through practice.
Early Design Work
Many of the original designs shared here were developed around 2010 as part of a permaculture diploma. They were often created within limited timeframes and brought together quickly in order to meet course requirements.
While they may feel rough in places, they still show important stages in the learning process, including observation, analysis and the development of design thinking.
An Ongoing Process
Design is not static. It evolves through experience, reflection and continued practice. The earlier work forms a foundation, but it does not represent the full extent of current understanding or approach.
New design projects are in development and will be added over time, offering more detailed, refined and context-based examples.
Learning Through Design
Design is a way of thinking as much as a finished outcome. Each project reflects a set of decisions shaped by place, conditions and the people involved.
By sharing both early and future work, this space aims to show how design skills develop over time, through doing, observing and adapting.
You are welcome to explore the designs as they are, and to follow how this collection grows and evolves.