Permaculture for the Rest of Us

Publishers Weekly, October 2015 (Blackmore's) book is both a manual and a memoir, using her experiences as a springboard to explain permaculture how-tos and how-not-tos. Blackmore's take on permaculture, the concepts of which were developed in Australia, is decidedly Northern. Anyone envying typical descriptions of lush, fertile land and perfect climates will be heartened by Blackmore's story. She discusses vegetable timetables, ways to create different growing conditions, keeping weeds at bay, dirt building, heat and cold tolerance of plants, greenhouses, "lasagna gardening," and more. She also imparts her knowledge on raising chickens, turkeys, ducks, and rabbits. Her advice is perfect for the beginning and aspiring permaculturist: non-threatening, clear, and told from a charming personal perspective. Permaculture is personal journey to a more sustainable, earth regenerating lifestyle. In Permaculture for the Rest of Us, Jenni Blackmore skillfully weaves a thorough explanation of permaculture principles and practices into her own story of returning to the land. With wit and charm she draws on her experiences homesteading in a challenging climate. She deftly illustrates how she and her family have truly created abundance while embracing the natural world around them. The result is a wealth of information, advice and inspiration. ---Darrell Frey, Author of Bioshelter Market Garden: A Permaculture Farm Self-reliance is a choice today, and a difficult one, but it won't be a choice in the future. Jenni Blackmore writes with heart about her family's crawl toward living in harmony with nature. Sharing her hard-won lessons in permaculture with verve and intimate warmth, the author reveals the human side of building a new way of life: food, seeds, animals, weather and setbacks. Genuine, pithy, and filled with practical tips to encourage and guide the reader, the book also expands our knowledge of coastal ecosystems. ---Peter Bane, author, The Permaculture Handbook: Garden Farming for Town and Country and publisher, Permaculture Activist magazine A welcome breath of fresh air, Jenni Blackmore's Permaculture for the Rest of Us is exactly what the title suggests: an enthusiastic, user-friendly guide to ecologically sensitive homesteading, using permaculture principles, for those who don't happen to have the money and opportunity to buy five or ten acres of perfect farmland. For those who want to grow their own food without pesticides or the other problematic features of industrial agriculture -- and these days, it's hard to think of a more useful step toward personal sustainability -- this is an excellent guide. -- John Michael Greer, author, Green Wizardry: Conservation, Solar Power, Organic Gardening, and Other Hands-On Skills from the Appropriate Tech Toolkit As Canadians change their approach to the garden, Jenni Blackmore is leading the way. It is not that nature has changed but our attitude towards her is. Blackmore shows us how to embrace the lead that nature provides us with, in an approach that is as much storytelling as it is a guide to self-sufficiency. I am not sure if this book is more useful in the magazine rack, next to the almanac where I can pick it up and gather some nuggets of knowledge that will make me a better gardener, or next to my fat, cushioned reading chair where I enjoy a good story. We need a special category for this book. ---Mark Cullen markcullen.com For most, permaculture can seem like a complex philosophy too daunting to make part of our everyday reality. In Permaculture for the Rest of Us, Jenni Blackmore masterfully distills the concepts and principles of permaculture in such a way that the reader is convinced to put theory into practice. Both optimistic and realistic, Permaculture for the Rest of Us is a rare combination that provides both the how and why of creating a simpler life while fostering a deeper connection with nature, with the Earth, and with each other. ---Av Singh, Just Us! Centre for Small Farms