My family and I are contemplating a SC move. Any insight into the permaculture opportunities, volunteer opps, green culture support/education there? Your help is greatly appreciated. Charles

Charles, I am here in Alabama as well. When do you guys plan on moving? Charleston is a beautiful place but I know nothing about the permaculture community there. Have you and your family dapple with permaculture here in AL? I am shoring up my erosional issues and am reinforcing property structures since I live on a steep hill, but after that will add more trees, shrubs, vines, veg/flowers, etc.

Hi,
We live in central Alabama and have organically gardened for years. Two years ago, two community gardens where started here in Montevallo. We have been deeply involved in the establishment of these gardens. Through study to make the gardens better and through contact with like minded people, we discovered permaculture. We are always interested in talking with other permaculturish, hearing about their projects, and learning new things from them.
We are in the process of establishing a hugelcultur along our property line. We plan on planting blackberries and raspberries allong the top and a verity of vegetables (strawberries, kale, chard, lettuce, sorrell, and Arugela ) along the slopes. Also we are planning on planting figs, plums, mulberry, and pears trees. We are studying what herbs to plant in the understory that will contribute to the health and welfare of the trees.
We plan to move to Charleston by Christmas but retain our house as rental property. We are hoping that by establishing a food forest, that our garden can continue in our absence.
Thanks for your reply and we look forward to further post.
Charles

Charles,
A permaculture discussion group has been set up, FYI. Check the other Southern USA postings if you haven't already!
-Miriam

Thanks, I will.

Charles Thompson wrote:My family and I are contemplating a SC move. Any insight into the permaculture opportunities, volunteer opps, green culture support/education there? Your help is greatly appreciated. Charles

I moved to Charleston and decided to move to the upstate after 4 years. It is unbearably hot and humid in Charleston in the spring summer and fall where a typical 105 degree temperature feels like 125 degrees.... and that affects the growing season. In Charleston you'll be running your A/C 24/7 for most of six or seven months and for 5 of those months there is NO relief at night even. At least the upstate is a lot more dry and it is cooler at night.
90 degrees here, just feels like 90 degrees.

The farmers' markets sell more crafts than produce and only a tiny percent of the produce sold is organic.

Downtown Charleston is very pretty but I think it is a nicer place to visit.

Just don't get your hopes up about finding a lot or in fact any permaculture awareness there. Traditional organic farming is just beginning to catch on there. You'll find much more of what you are looking for in the northern part of SC and if you don't find enough there you are a stone's throw from Asheville, NC 45 mins from Greenville, where it is practically Permaculture Central.