Because regional differences can be a major factor in determining how a
permaculture will be created, it really helps to mention where we are located when we post our ideas on this forum. I happen to be in Southern Oregon, USA – a place with its own very unique challenges.
Climate and soil-types are probably the two most significant issues influencing any
permaculture. Just about every region has its own advantages & disadvantages, and the whole idea here is to efficiently utilize whatever resources happen to be available in your given ecosystem.
However, we see many cases where a grower attempts to force something where it doesn’t really belong. Example: new-comers to the high desert here in Oregon often have their minds set to grow blueberries. As consultants, we analyze their soils and survey their environment to determine if such a crop is feasible. Most of the time it isn’t, but despite a recommendation against planting blueberries, they may go ahead and invest money into the
project anyway. As predicted, within a few years, they give it up. In the mean time, they have lost their investment in plants, fertilizers & amendments, and production potential for those years wasted (not to mention the emotional discouragement).
What usually happens is that newbees (or wanna-bees) to
permaculture happen to see an article or website that entices them to attempt something similar. Never mind that they might live in Kansas but their inspiration comes from South Africa (Chelle?). While there may be fundamental aspects of
permaculture that are similar, we still need to practice within the limits of our natural environment. So please don’t fail to mention the regional characteristics that you are referring to in your discussion. Thanks.
