Frank wrote: > OK, I'm a newbie. I've read Mollison and want to learn as much as I can about > applying some of his principles, and evolved experinces, and insights into my > farm plan. Firstly let us thank Fiona for her words of wisdom. We agree. But also I'd like to apologise to you. This discussion group is just what I've been looking for... a place where experienced permaculture people can work on ideas and get technical help. I'm sorry that it doesn't fill your needs (wishes). I'd like to see your queries / desires answered somehow but my time is finite. You seem to want something that doesn't exist yet... the database of information that we're discussing starting to compile. For practical info, our advice is to get away from the computer and join your local organic growers group, permaculture group, environmental group; go and visit as many neighbouring farms and gardens as possible (permaculture or otherwise). Look at what works and what doesn't. Go and study your local natural ecosystem. Commune with nature, and start wondering. Go and practice your ideas.. small cautious trails. Then when you have specific requests come back and ask. This global network isn't geared to design your farm... a course gives a design framework to work with, then you want to get local knowledge. We've attached a file made in MS - Works that is a checklist to help with the design process (a thematic approach.. one way to start a design). We use it to ensure we are considering all relevant details. I hope it helps clarify your thoughts. You don't need a course to design your farm; you don't need our help. However pc courses are informative and fun... I'd highly recommend one to you to give you a kick start. I really believe a teacherless computer course, free or otherwise won't give you the help you are after. That doesn't mean it isn't a good idea, just that it is limited in value. A word of caution... one of the prime principles of permaculture is that of taking responsibility for ourselves. That means not waiting for a freebie, but actively getting what you want; not blaming others for any failures, but only ourselves. This principle acts to empower us... if it's our "fault" then we can do something about it. If someone else is to blame then we are powerless. We've found in the past that when offering services for free they were usually undervalued by the recipient... those people that had to strive for something usually appreciated it and made good use of it... those that were handed it on a platter often went no further. > But unfortunately imho ther'e just too much empty theorizing, worries over not > being paid, and fears of somehow passing on wisdom that other sympathizers can > use for fear they'll somehow not understand it or tell others about it at no > charge. This isn't what I've been reading in this discussion group. Most of the contributors are very active permaculture doers (not empty "theorizers"); tapping away furiously on their screens after a long days work (at least we are). I've not seen anyone here not interested in passing on their wisdom. It isn't a fear of not being paid, it's a look at the whole payment vs free issue. No one here is frightened of not getting paid.. some just feel that payment is the ethical and practical choice. There's no such thing as free in nature... everything is paid for somehow. > Where are the free tools, the sites that can give us pointed , practical > permaculture advice for our climate etc. I realize that PC probably goes far > beyond agriculture, and holistic farm planning...but that's the kind of > knowledge I'm looking for. Free tool attached. For a book that gives a basic permaculture self taught course (esp concentrating on the gardening/agricultural side) we highly recommend Ro Morrow's book : The earth user's guide to permaculture. For pc sites.. look at http://sunsite.unc.edu/london/permaculture.html...keep you busy forever! Rene and Lorraine van Raders The Green Piece Permaculture Garden PO Box 389 Malanda, Beautiful Far North Queensland 4885 Australia Int. 61 740 965138 Australia 07 40 965138 email rvraders@tpgi.com.au If enough people knock there heads against a brick wall, it will fall down. Ashleigh Brilliant
Tchklst (Microsoft Works 3.0 Word Processor)