Let’s look at your back garden and lifestyle

Permaculture… (It sounds difficult, but it is not)
Permaculture sees human civilisation for what it is – a mere strand in the web of life. By recognising this, we can co-exist more harmoniously with nature, fostering a more stable global eco-system. Philosophers Bill Mollison and David Holmgren articulated permaculture in the 1970’s. They succinctly encapsulated the concepts of a permanent diverse and flourishing human culture and food web. Permaculture is built on design principals that are inspired by observing ecological systems and emulating them. These principals and a wide range of practical applications are relevant to all types of horticultural pursuits, from balcony gardening to the quarter-acre block and from small farms to large commercial enterprises. Permaculture is an ingenious way of life whose time has come. It is now practised in 120 countries. – Jenny Allen/Smart Permaculture Design
“Plan for the future…….that is where you are going to spend the rest of your life”. – Mark Twain

“So, what is the difference between my current garden and a permaculture design garden?”

Traditional Garden

Maintenance issues/short and long term
Exposed to weather conditions which can cause problems
Minimal or no wild life & interesting native plant species
Provides minimal diversity & functions
Uses too much water or tends to flood in areas
Needs pesticides and poisons
Money pit
Provides no food or water options

Permaculture Garden (symbolic to nature)

Little or no maintenance
Cools in summer, warms in winter
Diverse in native plants and animals
Provides many needs & options
Strategies to save water & redirect potential flood areas
Natural pest management strategies using plants & herbs etc
Minimal money required
Short & long term food gardens & water storage

So, what can I do?

If you don’t have time to do a course in Permaculture, or money to hire a professional, I suggest you start by downloading some simple 2-3 minute information videos…….among other permaculture experts, Geoff Lawton has developed a range of short videos to explain how to manage everything from a small block in the Sydney suburbs, to a 10,000 acre farm in outback Australia…… It is a great start!!

Thank you.
Leanne Irvine/Owner/Custom Home Designs Pty Ltd

Ronald

It is a rare blessing to see a [job] position detailed as thoroughly as yours; but more importantly I LOVED what I read about the person you are looking for: I believe it says a lot about your business and your ethics when you are that diligent and clear about the role, expectations and the kind of person to fit with your company culture. I could pull out snippets about key items highlighted with regards to not wanting a sales gun, but better to say I firmly believe more now than ever that there is no competition for what you are doing; Custom Home Designs should win all contracts by default.

Neville and Alison

The house is gorgeous and everyone who walks in the door loves it. It’s amazing how many people say “I want this” (should be good for resale!!)

Thanks for keeping in touch. Happy to have a visit anytime. Love your work!

Custom Home Designs is thorough and articulate which leaves you confident that you as a client were heard!

Irwin

It has been a pleasure to work through the design stages for my house at Allambie Heights with Leanne and Michael. My block has a very steep slope (11-13m) and many standard project home builders would not consider anything over 4m – even the ones that say they specialize in sloping blocks. In my initial discussions with Leanne, she said this was not a problem for herself and her team at CHD.