Unlocking Abundance

Applying the Third Permaculture Principle in the Pacific Northwest

In the lush landscapes of the Pacific Northwest (PNW), where rainforest meets the ocean and mountains, the principles of permaculture find a natural home. Among the foundational tenets of permaculture, the third principle, "Obtain a Yield," resonates deeply with the inhabitants of this region. It's not just about reaping rewards from the land; it's about fostering a relationship with nature that nurtures both the environment and the community.

At its core, the third permaculture principle urges us to consider how we can extract tangible benefits from our endeavors sustainably and regeneratively. In the PNW, this principle manifests as a call to creatively engage with our surroundings, whether it's our homes, gardens, or broader designs, to foster abundance while ensuring the health of the ecosystem.

"The yield of a system is theoretically unlimited, or, limited only by the information and imagination of the designer."
—Bill Mollison

One of the key aspects of this principle is the concept of iterative improvement. We're constantly seeking ways to enhance our yields, whether it's through increasing productivity, improving the quality of our harvests, or enhancing the beauty of our surroundings. This iterative approach encourages us to experiment, adapt, and evolve our practices over time.

A striking example of this principle in action is the concept of "snack alleys" between neighbors or within community gardens. By planting a diverse array of mass-producing edible species like strawberries, vining peas, or beans, we create pathways that not only provide instant gratification in the form of fresh snacks, but also serve as communal spaces where neighbors can gather, converse, and participate in the maintenance of the garden. It's a practical demonstration of how obtaining a yield can be both immediate and communal, enriching both our stomachs and our sense of community.

In the PNW, where gardens are not just sources of sustenance but also extensions of our homes, incorporating elements like herb spirals or fragrant plants adds layers of functionality and sensory delight. These features not only yield culinary and medicinal herbs but also enhance the aesthetic appeal of our spaces, inviting us to engage more deeply with the natural world around us.

Another example of obtaining a yield in the PNW context is the integration of chickens into backyard ecosystems. Beyond the obvious yield of fresh eggs, chickens also contribute valuable manure for fertilizing gardens and controlling pests. This integrated approach demonstrates how every element within a system can contribute to multiple yields, creating a web of abundance that sustains both humans and the environment.

The iconography associated with the third permaculture principle—a vegetable with a bite taken out of it—captures the essence of the concept. It reminds us that while the pursuit of yields is essential for sustaining ourselves, it's also a process that requires us to engage in a bit of healthy competition with other organisms sharing our ecosystem. However, it's not just about competition; it's also about cooperation and community, as reflected in the proverb, "You can't work on an empty stomach."

In essence, the third permaculture principle challenges us to unlock the boundless potential of our landscapes through thoughtful design, creativity, and a commitment to regenerative practices. By embracing this principle in the Pacific Northwest, we can cultivate not only bountiful harvests but also resilient communities and thriving ecosystems, fostering a more sustainable and abundant future for generations to come.