The PermaDesign Weblog, with Nate Downey and Melissa McDonald!

Diversify or Die

by Nate Downey

Here are some close-ups of some of the species that make it all possible. For where would we be without birds and the bees to whom these beauties bring life? Where would we be without the bugs (the vast majority of which are carnivorous--meaning they eat other bugs and therefore help our gardens)? Where would we be without the force that drives the green fuse? Destroyed. That's where.

07/12/2014 | (0) Comments

Santa Fe Hemp!

by Nate Downey

Thanks, SFH, for having my book in your downtown window for the third year in a row! Did you know that you reduce your water footprint by 50% when you buy hemp clothing as opposed to cotton and that government regulation makes the cost of hemp unnaturally high? Please support this industry whenever you can!

07/10/2014 | (0) Comments

Solstice Foods

by Nate Downey

In addition to the loads of greens and herbs, here are some of the other fruits popping up in our high-altitude, arid-land garden. 

07/08/2014 | (0) Comments

Stormwater Gets a Big Nod

by Nate Downey

Stormwater harvesting is finally getting noticed as a big part of the solution for the water problems facing California and beyond, while desalination get a thumbs down in this study sponsored by the NRDC and Peter Gleik's Pacific Institute.

http://www.nrdc.org/media/2014/140610.asp

07/06/2014 | (0) Comments

Happy Fourth of July!

by Nate Downey

With fire season in full swing, maybe we could redefine fireworks to include explosions of carrots and other delicious essentials from our backyard, side-yard, and front-yard gardens!

07/04/2014 | (0) Comments

Water-Stressed Cities Could Use Water

by Nate Downey

This is an interesting article in Natural News about the growing stress cities are facing in the Western U.S. regarding a dwindling water supply.

http://www.naturalnews.com/045790_Las_Vegas_water_supply_imminent_collapse.html

07/03/2014 | (0) Comments