The greatest change we need to make is from consumption to production, even if on a small scale, in our own gardens. If only 10% of us do this, there is enough for everyone.

Bill Mollison. . .   On Food, Living and  Permaculture:

Ancient astrologers divided the heavens into twelve houses.  This influence is evident in the philosophy of permaculture.

Images @ Eminpee Fotography

Permaculture is Permanent Agriculture.

Uncle Bill (Photo credit: London Permaculture)

"To empower the powerless and create a 'million villages' to replace nation-states is the only safe future for the preservation of the biosphere. Let interdependence and personal responsibility be our aims."

Bill Mollison, an Australian jack-of-all-trades, developed an agricultural systems strategy after extensive research on the Tasmanian aborigines. He and David Holmgren coined the phrase permaculture (permanent agriculture), while attempting to create an "interdisciplinary earth science with a potential for positivism, integrated, and global outreach" (Mollison ix).     

Permacultural aspect: helping animals in a veggie garden; harnessing and maintenance (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

The agricultural system that he developed involves a comprehensive paradigm shift that includes the development of an ethical and moral approach to the natural world. The foundation of this ethics begins with the adoption of a "sophisticated aboriginal belief system." By looking towards the aborigines, we can develop a more holistic approach to the world around us. Mollison summarizes this belief in his book Permaculture: A Designer's Manual:

English: permacultural aspect: co-operating niches at a small scale – photo made on an organic farm on the Swabian Mountains in Germany (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

"Life (according the aboriginal people of Australia) is a totality neither created nor destroyed. It can be imagined as an egg from which all tribes (life forms) issue and to which all return. The ideal way in which to spend one's time is in the perfection of the expression of life, to lead the most evolved life possible, and to assist in and celebrate the existence of life forms other than humans, for all come from the same egg" (2).

With this belief system, which is inherent to Mollison's form of permaculture, the "prime directive of permaculture" can be met. This directive is acceptance of responsibility for our own existence and that our offspring (1).

Seed Savers Australia - All we are saying is Give PEA'S a Chance!

Growing our healthy futures ( Seedsavers Australia Network)

Seed is the foundation of humanity's evolution. Cultivation of seed and planting material is the basis for our food systems: in other words, seed saving is at the root of our capacity to thrive.

Broccoli going to seed next to the Silverbeet

I never knew there was a seed savers network before the other day.  Carol Vernon who is standing for the Greens party against Luke Hartsukyer is apart of this group.  I was pleased to hear that others thought saving seeds was an important task. 

I wonder where Jack ( my great uncle) used to keep his seeds?   He had a garden that fed the street and many others as well as his family.  What a garden it was to.  A place of magic and joy.

Broccoli Flowers in the Garden at Urunga NSW

There is a book called the Seed Savers Handbook and it can be purchased online securely (CLICK HERE) and I also see very well known people in this gardening game say this book is a must.

Bill Mollison, founder of Permaculture and recipient of the Australian Achiever Award 1993, says in the book's preface:
"I believe this book to be essential for all caring farmer, gardeners, cooks and parents, and I trust that it will speed our return to good nutrition and a healthy society."

Images @  Eminpee Fotography