Permaculture patterns - Spirals - all in a whirl!

This is a thread to share and discuss patterns in permaculture - specifically the use of spirals. Let's think about spirals, examples in nature and how they might beneficially be applied in a permaculture design.

First of all, here's a few examples of spirals in nature:

snail shells:


Gastropods

whirlpools:


Old Sow Whirlpool

sunflower seeds in a flowerhead:


fibbonacci sequence

What other examples can we think of?

We have a thread on the mathematic principals behind the patterns, and Burra linked this fabulous video there:




Jasmine dale in the permaculture design companion suggests that the pattern suits systems that represent growth, stretching space and renewal.

What practical examples can we think of that use spirals in a constructive way as part of a permaculture design?

The obvious one to start is the herb spiral, creating different microclimates for different plants, and increasing planting area with height.


Nicole's herbal hugel spiral of randomness

I can't resist posting more examples of natural spirals:

very small spiral:


DNA structure

very big spiral:


triangulum galaxy by hubble