Permaculture Property Design Workshop

Starting from the big picture, this workshop applies Permaculture (PC) principles to layout water storage and water infiltration in relation to garden and orchard placement.  Thinking this through is a first step in planning for a PC property to maximise climate-proofing.  Rain-gardens, swales and ponds are explored with methods to improve clay soil to store and infiltrate water for summer use and winter storage.

Soils in South Rodney area often contain kaolinite clay, which resists rainwater infiltration when compacted. Traditional amendments like gypsum aren’t effective here—but swales with biochar and compost can make a meaningful difference by storing spring rain underground to support summer growth.  

Bring lunch and gumboots.

Participants will:

• Identify their soil type using Landcare Research maps

• Watch Geoff Lawton’s permaculture video on swales

• Learn practical water infiltration strategies for their own properties

• Explore composting with biochar via the City to Farm initiative

• Meet a local earthworks contractor skilled in swale construction

• Visit a farm that has built swales to grow bananas and is able to grow commercially without irrigation or synthetic fertilisers