Inevitable Change
Embracing Change: Principle 12 of Permaculture in the PNW
Permaculture’s twelfth principle, “Creatively Use and Respond to Change,” reminds us that change, while inevitable, can serve as a powerful catalyst for growth and innovation. In the Pacific Northwest, where seasons shift dramatically and weather patterns can be unpredictable, learning to respond creatively to change is crucial for resilient gardening and land stewardship.
Change as an Opportunity
Change isn’t something we can always control, but it offers opportunities to adapt, improve, and thrive. The way we respond to these shifts can make the difference between a system that merely survives and one that truly succeeds. For instance, think about composting: if you’re an avid gardener who enjoys homegrown produce, you likely produce an abundance of vegetable scraps. The common solution might be to discard these scraps in the municipal green bin, contributing to waste management challenges. But with a creative response, these scraps can become a valuable resource.
Composting: A Full-Circle Solution
Instead of viewing your vegetable scraps as waste, consider transforming them into compost. This approach keeps nutrients within your garden’s ecosystem, enriching your soil and boosting the productivity of future crops. By incorporating composting into your gardening practices, you create a self-sustaining cycle that benefits your plants and the environment. Even better, turning vegetable scraps into food for your vermiculture (worm farming) operation yields nutrient-rich worm castings and worm tea—potent allies for nurturing your soil and boosting plant health.
This cycle illustrates how we can creatively respond to change by viewing problems as solutions. As we close this regenerative loop, we set the stage for the next cycle of growth, reinforcing the interconnectedness of permaculture principles.
Repurposing Weeds: A Hidden Resource
Weeds are often seen as an unwelcome nuisance, but with a shift in perspective, they can become an asset to your garden. Instead of pulling and discarding them, consider repurposing weeds to create a nutrient-rich compost tea. This simple process involves soaking weeds in water for a few weeks to extract their minerals and nutrients, resulting in a natural liquid fertilizer. Applying this compost tea to your plants provides them with essential nutrients and promotes healthy growth.
By turning weeds into a beneficial resource, you address the challenge of invasive plants while enhancing your garden’s fertility. This approach showcases how we can turn an obstacle into an opportunity, strengthening our garden’s resilience and closing yet another regenerative loop.
Why Eco-Restore Can Help
At Eco-Restore Consulting & Design, we understand that responding to change can be daunting, especially in a region like the PNW where seasonal shifts and climatic variability pose unique challenges. Our team is here to help you integrate adaptive strategies like composting, soil enrichment, and regenerative garden practices tailored to your space and goals.
Reach out to Eco-Restore for personalized guidance in turning change into opportunity and enhancing your garden’s resilience. Together, we can cultivate gardens that not only adapt but thrive amid change—nurturing healthier ecosystems and creating a lasting impact.
