If you’ve ever considered installing a rainwater harvesting system, chances are you’ve asked yourself this question: “Can I even collect rainwater from my asphalt shingle roof?” Quickly followed by, “Don’t I need a metal roof?” It’s a fair question. After all, if you’re collecting water to irrigate vegetables or fruit trees, you want to know […]

I’m excited to have our friend Ben Portwood of Asheville Drainage, Inc. (www.ashevilledrainage.com), a stormwater and drainage contractor serving Western North Carolina. Together, we are working to bring rainwater harvesting, infiltration, and green infrastructure to more properties across the region. Thanks for guest starring Ben!   Here in Asheville, we’ve been in a drought for […]

Climate change is no longer a distant possibility—it’s here. We see it in the periods of drought, torrential downpours, warmer winters, and sudden weather extremes that disrupt the rhythms of our gardens and landscapes. These shifts can feel daunting, but they also present an invitation: to design our landscapes with resilience, flexibility, and abundance in […]

We had the joy of stepping into the garden of one of our own, Roxy Drew, for a thoughtful conversation about her journey with permaculture. She welcomed us in to explore, ask questions, and see firsthand how her space has evolved over time. In the interview below, Roxy shares how she got started, the lessons […]

Integrating livestock into your permaculture garden can enhance soil health, provide natural fertilization, and create a balanced, resilient system. Permaculture asks us to find balance not only in our landscapes but in our lives – livestock is a way to bridge the two, enhancing a closed-loop system that you, your family, and your new animals […]