Your situation and objectives are unique

So, how does it work?

Creating a personal eden takes time and vision and should be designed around the distinct characteristics of your site

Understanding your location and goals

Initial remote landscape evaluation based on satellite imagery, digital mapping and local climate data
Phone conversation to discuss and outline objectives, time line and budget
Determine available resources and assets such as water flows, mulch material, nutrient sources, shelter, buildings, machinery
Potentially organise a site visit to assess existing plantings and observe local conditions (wind, sun, soil etc.)

Tell me what you're hoping to achieve

Mapping, design and layout

Details

Produce a digital site plan detailing the placement of the new foundation elements such as land shaping, irrigation, shelter and fencing
Mapping of existing infrastructure and site features
Plant species selection, quantities and placement

Implementation - From dream to reality

Site preparation and layout
Installation of any fixed infrastructure
Adding plants and seeds

Depending on project complexity and agreed timeline, this may be carried out in several stages

Ongoing and future maintenance, improvement and support

Living landscapes change over time and require ongoing attention and assessment.

Managing and assisting the progression of the ecosystem with pruning and shaping
Adding new fruit varieties to existing trees with grafting

Projects, progress and examples of natural landscapes

Since 'discovering' the permaculture design process in 2010, I have been actively developing all year edible landscapes that capture and store their own water, cycles nutrient while (hopefully) standing up to the disruptions of climate change.

Run off swale for pigs and ducks

Details 6 years on - Basic land shaping to capture roof water from a nearby shed provides nutrient rich passive irrigation for food forest down slope while also creating enjoyable habitat for resident ducks and pigs. Plantings include water loving natives that offer wind and frost protection to climbing vines and citrus.

Tags 2018 February Progress

Diversity is key

Details This wild and and colourful 'garden' is packed with edible and beneficial plants, a completely different ecosystem from the boring grass monoculture that preceded it. Fruit and nut trees mix with annual crops arranged along raised log planting mounds that provide valuable water storage and nutrients.

Tags 2017 October

Terracing and trees

Details 8 years on - Adding terraces to steep slopes reduces runoff keeping valuable water of site longer while also improving access for planting, maintenance and harvest. Trees can be more densely planted, stacked and over hanging one another for maximum productivity. This natural sun trap is the ideal location for a solar powered clothes dryer and a wonderful micro climate with excellent cold air drainage.

Tags 2017 Progress September

Sprawling forest garden in the making

Details 6 years on - Working from an open expanse of grass we are well on the way to a productive forest garden filled with interesting, edible and useful plants. The challenge here was getting wind shelter established, this has reduced moisture loss while contributing valuable biomass and soil improvement, shade and habitat for birds and insects.

Tags 2017 October Progress

Garage improvement - 3 years later

Details Secret swale at west end of workshop. Planted with bulbs, tagasaste for nitrogen and quick frost canopy over lemon and climbing kiwifruit. Ground cover of oregano and alpine strawberries.

Date August 24, 2015

Tags upgrade zone1

View 4 photos

Hiding the water tank

Details A great example of permaculture function stacking in action. First up we are taking advantage of the vertical sides and thermal mass of the water tank to grow frost tender perennials including citrus and kiwifruit. The vines and leaves help obscure the ugly tank and protect the plastic from UV radiation. Extra moisture is available from runoff and any overflow.

Natural forest gardens - consultation, design, implementation

Helping you achieve food security with beautiful edible landscapes

Water smart garden design + low maintenance fruit & vegetables for all seasons + fruit tree pruning and grafting

Nourishment for all seasons

Do you dream of harvesting your own fresh fruit, berries and vegetables?

I design 'pick any time' forage gardens by including an assortment of location appropriate shrubs, vines and trees that create lush, beautiful landscapes that feed you and your family while providing wildlife habitat and an attractive environment.

Low cost healthy fresh food just out your back door, fantastic!

Greetings from Olmec, the man behind the magic...

Details I have spent much of my life living and growing, immersed in the rural North Canterbury environment. During this time I have observed and studied natural systems, plant communities and interactions.

My approach to landscape and garden design is based on the power and potential for abundance found all around us.

Let me show you how...

Olmec Sinclair

Smart gardens based on natural principals

Through careful plant selection and assembly you can have a highly productive garden that takes care of itself while feeding you, improving your immediate surroundings and boosting biodiversity.
Conscious design choices make a huge difference to the water requirements of a garden.

Working with gravity and contour to capture and distribute rain water
Grey water recycling and reuse
Drought proofing landscapes using simple, low-tech solutions
Run-off and erosion prevention

Increase land value, productivity, resilience and biodiversity.

Food forest gardens

Blockhill