The Regenerative Landscaper: Design and Build Landscapes That Repair the Environment
496
The Regenerative Landscaper: Design and Build Landscapes That Repair the Environment
496Paperback
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Overview
This book has been crafted for beginner gardeners and large scale permaculturists alike . It is a step-by-step manual starting from your landscaping ideas and ending with seeds and trees confidently planted.
However, this is more than just a guide to landscaping, it is a motivational read. Throughout The Regenerative Landscaper, Erik addresses climate change, species extinction, and ecological collapse with encouragement that each of us can indeed become stewards of the land. We can do this by installing healthy ecosystems in our own yards. His words offer hope and tangible action, inspiring his readers to restore planetary health one garden at a time.
The Regenerative Landscaper gives a collection of case studies, step-by-step processes, prevention and mitigation methods, and regenerative land management techniques to steward your land. If you are looking for an easy-to-read manual on designing and implementing your permaculture haven, The Regenerative Landscaper is it.
Product Details
| ISBN-13: | 9781957869087 |
|---|---|
| Publisher: | SYNERGETIC PR |
| Publication date: | 08/22/2023 |
| Pages: | 496 |
| Sales rank: | 515,326 |
| Product dimensions: | 8.00(w) x 10.00(h) x (d) |
About the Author
Since 1999 Erik has founded numerous organizations that regenerate ecosystems including his award winning design and build firm Permaculture Artisans and The Permaculture Skills Center where thousands of students around the world learn ecological landscaping and regenerative agriculture.
Working as an internationally renowned regenerative designer, he has committed decades to repairing ecosystems and connecting people with the land throughout the globe. He has designed and implemented hundreds of regenerated landscapes ranging from small urban lots to large tracts of land.
His many years of experience observing and listening to landscape patterns while managing installation crews have led to an extensive knowledge of ecological land development and planning. He is a specialist in water harvesting systems, food forest design, community organizing, facilitation, vocational education and much more. In all of his work there is a presence of social equity, climate justice, and ecosystem restoration and his stories and achievements continue to empower people worldwide.
Penny Livingston-Stark is internationally recognized as a prominent permaculture teacher, designer, and speaker. She holds a MS in Eco-Social Regeneration and 3 Diplomas in Permaculture Design. Penny has been studying the Hermetic Tradition of alchemy and herbal medicine making in Europe, Indonesia and the United States. She has taught hundreds of Permaculture Design Certification courses worldwide in addition to advanced courses.
A passionate artist from an early age, Adam Wolpert explored the media of performance, ceramics, sculpture, and collage before turning seriously to painting while earning his BFA from the University of California, Santa Barbara. After a rigorous two-year training in classical realism at Studio Cecil-Graves in Florence, Italy, where he immersed himself in the work of the great European masters, Wolpert completed an MFA at the University of California, San Diego. In 1994 Wolpert moved to Sonoma County and co-founded the Occidental Arts and Ecology Center (OAEC) where he still lives and paints. He has had major gallery representation since 1988, and is now represented by Erickson Fine Art Gallery in Healdsburg, California.
Table of Contents
Foreword by Penny LivingstonHow to Use This Book
Introduction
Part I: The Wisdom of the Earth
Chapter 1: Earth’s Design Intelligence
The Intelligence of Earth
The Hydrologic Cycle: The Blue Planet
Natural Water Storage
Vegetative/Animal Storage
Rivers and Lakes
The Carbon Cycle: Life’s Origin
Photosynthesis: The Miracle of Life
Keystone Species
Rivers of Salmon
The Power of Bees
Red Mangrove Coastlines
Bioregional Keystone Species
Regenerative Disturbances
Chapter 2: The Regenerative Mindset
Embrace Earth Wisdom
Landscapes Are Ecosystems
Regenerative Landscaping Principles
Chapter 3: Land-Use Directive
A Toxic Legacy
Regenerate the Degraded
Case Study: The Permaculture Neighborhood Center
Part II: Compose with the Land
Chapter 4: Contextual Design
When Is the Land?
The Story of Place
Chapter 5: Awareness Practices
Walk the Land in Silence
Chapter 6: Reading the Land
Water Patterns
Look for Water in the Driest Time of Year
Vegetation
Animal Indicators
On-site Resources
In Field Soil Tests
Observing the Soil Profile
Chapter 7: Create a Base Map
Satellite Image
Surveyed Map
Satellite/Topo Overlay
Key Elements to Include in the Base Map
Triangulation Mapping Simplified
Chapter 8: Social Context
Social History
Know Your Neighbors
Project Stakeholders
Chapter 9: Develop Your Vision
Core Values Development
Articulating Goals
Part III: Conceptual Landscape Design
Chapter 10: Conceptual Design Process
Real Regeneration Versus Greenwashing
Long-Term Design
Lawn Transformation Step by Step
Chapter 11: Permaculture Design Wisdom
Permaculture Principles
Stacking Functions
Design for Catastrophe
Use On-site/Biological Resources
Catch and Store Energy
Permaculture Zoning Strategy
Permaculture as a Way of Life
Chapter 12: Drafting Design Plans
Drafting the Plan
Professional Design Tips with Emily Mallard
Chapter 13: Design Plan Sets
Conceptual Master Plan
Planting Plan
Irrigation Plan
Hardscape Plan
Chapter 14: Phased Project Plan
Creating a Project Schedule
Using a Gantt Chart
Chapter 15: Professional Design Relationships
Developing a Design Budget and Identifying Deliverables
Part IV: The World of Soil
Chapter 16: Living Soil: The Foundation of Regenerative Landscapes
Five Principles of Soil Health
Create Living Soil
Develop a Soil Regeneration Plan
Chapter 17: No-Till Landscaping
Chapter 18: Vermiculture
Worm Bin Design
Caring for Worms
Harvesting Castings
Chapter 19: Composting
Compost Foundations
Chapter 20: Compost Tea and Plant Ferments
Aerated Compost Tea
Chapter 21: Cover Cropping
Timing
Disturbances
Specific Seed for Specific Yields
Chapter 22: Hügelkultur
The Benefits of Hügelkultur
Build in Layers
Plant the Berm
The Benefits of Hügelkultur
Chapter 23: The Fungal Landscape
Edible Mushrooms
Medicinal Fungi
Toxic Remediation with Fungi
Part V: Water in the Landscape
Chapter 24: Design Water Resilience
Water Conservation
Regenerative Versus Degenerative Water Management
Water Harvesting
Droughts and Floods
Chapter 25: Identifying Water Sources
Responsible Water Management
Chapter 26: Managing and Harvesting Surface Water
Topography
Landscape Grading
Contour
Earthworks
Water Infiltration Systems
Rain Gardens
Building a Contour Water-Harvesting Swale
Chapter 27: Landscape Drainage Systems
Grading
Water Diversion Channels
French Drains
Drainage, Erosion, and Pollution
Chapter 28: Water Distribution
Gravity
Pumping Water
Veins of the Land
Chapter 29: Roof Water Harvesting
Calculating Roof Water Catchment
Capture and Distribution
Tank Storage
Using Rainwater
Chapter 30: Landscape Ponds
Design Functions
Engineering and Permits
Excavation and Shaping
Earthen Ponds
Locating a Pond
Impoundment Ponds
Aquatic Plants for Pond Systems
Chapter 31: Irrigation Systems
Designing an Irrigation System
Water Demand
Flood Irrigation
Overhead Sprinklers
Drip Irrigation
Chapter 32: Erosion Control
Elements of Erosion
Roads: Problem and Solution
Biological Erosion Control
Non-Biological Erosion Control
Part VI: The Built Environment
Chapter 33: The Built Environment
Living in the Landscape
Hardscape Versus Softscape
Natural Building
Use of Concrete
Materials Sourcing
Chapter 34: Architectural Elements
Decks
Benches
Shou Sugi Ban
Trellises/Arbors
Raised Beds
Chapter 35: Landscape Patios
Sizing
Surface Materials
Patio Foundations
Flagstone Patio
Pavers/Brick
Decomposed Granite
Chapter 36: Landscape Pathways
Water Runoff/Drainage
Shape and Flow
Gravel
Flagstone
Stepping Stones
Water-Harvesting Pathway
Landscape Steps
Building a Cob Oven by Sasha Rabin
Cooking in Your Cob Oven
Materials and Tools for a Cob Oven (26-inch diameter cooking surface)
How to Mix Cob
Ratios for Cob Mixes
Thermal Mass Versus Insulation
Chapter 37: Terrace and Rock Wall Systems
Walls or No Walls
To Consider When Excavating Terraces
Staging Terrace Projects
Combining Terraces, Swales, and Rain Gardens
Rock Walls and Alternatives
Benefits of Rock Walls
Disadvantages of Rock Walls
Part VII: Planting Earth
Chapter 38: Revegetate the Planet
Repairing the World with Plants
Plant Hardiness Zones
Chapter 39: Landscape Planting Plans
Mapping Your Planting Plan
The Right Plants for the Space
Extending Flowering Times
Permaculture Zoning in Planting Plans
Plan for Maturity
Choosing Plant Sizes
Chapter 40: Plant Communities
Structural Plant Combinations
Structural Growth Patterns of Trees and Plants
Zone by Zone
Plants by Function
Soil-Building Plants
Native Gardens
Drought-Tolerant Gardens
Cut Flowers
Medicinal and Culinary Herbs
Grains
Plant Fibers
Crafting Wood
Wetlands
Native Plants Versus Exotic Plants
Chapter 41: Regenerative Agroforestry
Food Forest Agroforestry
Planting Trees
Planting Trees by Seed
Seeds into the Ground
Seeding into Pots
Stratification
Planting a Bare Root Tree
Choosing Fruit/Nut Cultivars
Storing Varieties
Cultivars for Fermentation
Tips for Growing Regenerative Hedgerows
Chapter 42: Managing Trees Systems with Pruning
Dead
Diseased
Pruning for Size
Pruning Times of the Year
Pruning Fruit Wood
Three Ways to Train Scaffold Branches
The Power of Your Cuts
Thinning Fruit
Chapter 43: Growing Vegetables
Nutrient Density
Saving Money
Food Sovereignty
Four Seasons of Harvest
Growing in the Right Season
Protection
Choosing Vegetable Varieties
Notable Perennial Vegetables
Harvesting
Chapter 44: Plant Propagation
Propagate by Seed
Sowing Seeds
Depth of Seed Planted
Covering Seeds
Seeding in Ground Versus Pots
Grow Your Own Plants
Cuttings
Dig and Divide Roots
Grafting
Chapter 45: Landscape Maintenance
Changing Cultural Aesthetics
Vegetation Management
Mowing
Nontoxic Herbicides
Occultation
The Art of Weeding
Chapter 46: Saving Seed
Pollination
When to Harvest Seed
Seed Processing
Seed Storage
Part VIII: Creatures of the Landscape
Chapter 47: Of Wing, Hoof, Claw, and Scale
Predator–Prey Relationships
Nature Awareness
Observing Animal Habitat
Animal Behaviors
Leave Landscape Habitat Intact
Insectary Superstars
Integrated Pest Management (An Ecological Approach)
Chapter 48: Integrated Pest Management
Seasonality
Stressed Plants
Beneficial Predatory Insects
Mammals
Attracting Birds to the Landscape
Mason Bee Habitat
Insectary Plants
Avoid Insecticides (Conventional and Organic)
Habitat Ponds
Chapter 49: Fencing
Fencing Varieties
Chapter 50: Choosing the Right Animals
Beneficial Relationships
Keeping Bees
Sheep
Goats
Cows
Safety Considerations for Domesticated Animals
Chapter 51: Chicken Systems
Varieties
Integrating Chickens into the Regenerative Landscape
Determine If Chickens Are Appropriate for Your Project
Coops
Permanent Runs
Movable Systems
Chicken Tractors
Part IX: Restore the Wild
Chapter 52: Stewards of the Earth
Biodiversity
Invasive Grasses
Perennial Grasses and Herbs
Mycoremediation with Dr. Mia Maltz
Seed Drilling
Build Relationships with Wild Plants
Chapter 53: Lands of Fire
Catastrophic (High Intensity) Versus Good Fire Fireproofing the Landscape
Chapter 54: Regenerative Forest Management
Ecological Forest Management
Biochar
Follow Indigenous Wisdom
Acknowledgments
Plant Species Charts
References
Index
About the Author
What People are Saying About This
“Erik Ohlsen is one of the best permaculture designers, organizers, and teachers that I know—and this book draws on all those gifts. It’s full of clear, practical advice on creating regenerative landscapes, useful for homeowners who want to plant a small garden, professionals who want to run an ecological design business, and activists who want to know what are the best practices to advocate for. He explains technical and scientific information clearly and in an engaging and easily understandable way. But most of all, he infuses all of the work with a deep love for the natural world and a spiritual connection to nature. I’ll be using this book as a reference and a textbook for my students for years to come, and recommending it to friends who want to learn about resilient land practices, and to anyone who needs some practical, grounded hope.” –– Starhawk, Founder & Executive of Earth Activist Training and Author of The Spiral Dance
“As long as I’ve known Erik, he’s had integrity and creativity in what he does. I’m overjoyed to see that he has finally taken the time to put his knowledge in book form. He’s really shown us what can be done in this space and this book is a perfect example of that. From sharing about regenerative practices to creating your own designs, this resource is a must in your household. So stop reading this right now! and go out and purchase this knowledge filled tome.” –– Ron Finley, Gangsta Gardener and Founder, The Ron Finley Project
“Visionary and truly inspirational. Mind-bogglingly comprehensive. A holistic manual for doing our regenerative best as human participants in our human-imperiled more-than-human world. My partner and I will be using this guidebook on our own riverside acres.” –– Bill Plotkin, Ph.D., Author of Soulcraft, Nature and the Human Soul, and The Journey of Soul Initiation
“Erik Ohlsen’s The Regenerative Landscaper: Design and Build Landscapes That Repair the Environment combines the best of ecological science and the practice of regeneration. Regeneration as Ohlsen makes clear is co-creating with the living earth, her intelligence, her laws, her patterns, working in alignment of the water cycle and nutritional cycle to create circular living economies.” –– Vandana Shiva, Author of Agroecology and Regenerative Agriculture
“A viable human future will require deep transformation of the landscaper’s craft. The Regenerative Landscaper melds Indigenous and scientific perspectives to produce this extraordinary practical handbook for the aspiring practitioner.” –– David Korten, Author, Change the Story, Change the Future: A Living Economy for a living Earth and The Great Turning: From Empire to Earth Community
“I’m grateful Erik has put his decades of hands-on experience into an extensive book for all of us to learn from. The book is full of helpful photographs and illustrations. I especially like the detailed drawings of step-by-step, how-to information. Regenerative gardening, landscaping, and farming do a lot to stave off life’s tendency toward entropy. This book adds a considerable amount of information to the literature.” –– Robert Kourik, author of Sustainable Food Gardens, myths and solutions
“With exemplary Permacultural style, this book seamlessly spans the gamut of both designing, and doing, from Patterns to Details with purpose and pragmatism. Based on decades of experience, Erik Ohlsen has crafted a deeply informative and inspirational tome not only for “…landscapers in service of a thriving earth…”, but in fact for everyone who feels the thrivalist calling to be in regenerative service to our living Earth and all its inhabitants.” –– Brock Dolman, Occidental Arts & Ecology Center Co-Founder & Permaculture Program Co-Director
“Erik's epic tome is a natural outcome of an amazing track record as one of the world's leading regenerative landscapers and educators. I really appreciate that this book is grounded in the practical experience that comes from years of work as a designer, consultant, project manager and contractor—the Regenerative Landscaper will show others what is involved in running such an enterprise, be they a start-up or those looking to transition to more regenerative practices.” –– Darren J. Doherty, Author, The Regrarians Handbook
“I have been using regenerative principles on my ranch for nearly 30 years and I surely would have benefited from the knowledge that Erik shares in The Regenerative Landscaper. This book is a treasure trove of ecosystem healing principles, practices and ideas. It is a must read for not only gardeners, farmers, ranchers and land managers but anyone who wants to make a difference in healing our planet.” –– Gabe Brown, Author of Dirt to Soil, Rancher and Regenerative Consultant
“What an enjoyable thoroughly erudite and engaging book! Erik’s wisdom and experience shine out and the breadth of his knowledge makes this a truly holistic approach to regenerative landscaping on any scale – from garden to farm and beyond.” –– Maddy Harland, Editor & Co-Founder of Permaculture Magazine
“Erik Ohlsen has given us a local to global holistic toolkit for designing, restoring and regenerating a patch of land - whether you call that your backyard, your farm or planet earth. Dive into it, dip into it, read the experiences of others and look for the info you need to get going (it's all there) - the science AND the practice. This will be a lifelong companion to keep us coming back to understanding how to live harmoniously with our planet earth.” –– Minni Jain, Director, The Flow Partnership/UK
“The Regenerative Landscaper is an exceptional guide for anyone seeking a sustainable and self-sufficient lifestyle.The book provides clear and concise information on the principles of permaculture, including design, water management, soil improvement, and sustainable food production. It gives detailed step-by-step instructions to help you create a regenerative oasis. The book emphasizes the importance of taking action and includes information on planning, designing, implementing, adapting, and scaling your project. Erik's long years of experience guarantee to make this book a permaculture classic.” –– Sophie McKay, Author of The Practical Permaculture Project
“Regenerative permaculture is a truly revolutionary approach to agriculture and land management that focuses on creating sustainable, self-sufficient ecosystems that benefit people and the planet. As Ohlsen engagingly presents them here, the principles and practices of regenerative permaculture can be applied to any scale, from a small backyard garden to a large food forest. Whether you are already a permie, or an interested farmer, a gardener, or simply someone striving towards sustainable living, this book will inspire and guide you on your journey toward regenerative permaculture. –– Jessica Carew Kraft, Author of Why We Need to Be Wild
“This is a well-written and incredibly thorough book on all things permaculture. Great reference book for those who want to dive deep!” –– Diane Miessler, Author of Grow Your Soil
For many years already, Erik Ohlsen has been teaching, awakening in countless young humans the desire to participate in our own survival. A wonderful writer, he attracts us, entreats us, enchants us with biological reasoning and poetic practicality–connecting the dots and interactions with the complex economy of life on earth. I recommend this book for its clear and comprehensive transmission of the critical principles of regenerative design, of Permaculture and restoration–for our homes, our neighborhoods, our watersheds, our world. If we decide to, each of us can be a part of the healing.” –– Severine von Tscharner Fleming, Director at Greenhorns & Author of The New Farmer’s Almanac
“This book has the potential to change the green industry – it is packed full of important paradigm shifting concepts critical to any ecological landscaping firm.” — Jessi Bloom, Author of Practical Permaculture