Consultations
We walk your site and introduce you to its potential based on your goals and the landscape. We walk the land and make brief observations on the environmental conditions, plant species present and possible recommendations regarding water and compost systems. We answer specific questions you may have regarding the landscape. If the main priority for the consultation is to discuss a specific problem, mention this when you contact us. We can tailor the consult to address that issue more in depth rather than a general landscape overview.
Consultations often lead into a full scale design for homeowners who wish to go deeper.
Design
The design process starts with an in-depth interview to determine your goals. We then analyze the needs of the land and meld the two together. The design process is multi-leveled and we have two packages available to meet your needs. As part of the site analysis, we test the soil, track the solar access throughout the site, detail the plants and trees already present, monitor the water flow and note the topography or any unusual features that may influence the final design. All of this information is incorporated into the creation of the design.
Installation
Design installation involves preparing the land to be as healthy as possible through plant removal, soil enrichment and enhancement and sheet mulching. We then plant the species in the locations determined by the design. We also create maintenance plans, as an additional option, for you. You will have all the information you need to help you tend your new landscape and steward it to be a healthy, thriving and productive ecosystem.
Education
Our educational opportunities include certification programs, specialized permaculture instruction, guest speaking and teaching, and more. We are happy to create a presentation for your special event. Please contact us with your idea for more details.
Notable Education Events/ Offerings:
- 3 Sisters Farm: Permaculture Design Certificate (PDC) course (2010-2014)
- Phipps Conservatory: Adult workshops, PDC courses (2010-2015)
- Pennsylvania Association for Sustainable Agriculture Farming the Future Conference: Permaculture PreTrack (2012)
- Chatham University: PDC, Agroforestry, Agroecology (2011- 2015)
- Edible Forest Garden Design Intensive: Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Oregon (2010, 2011, 2012)
- Wild Meadows Farm: PDC course (2009-2010)
- Grow Pittsburgh
- Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh
- Three Rivers Bioneers Conference: Speaker (2009, 2010)