pendragon orchard and vine

In permaculture, all things should have multi-functions. Topping my list this year is a lesser known sunflower that is perennial, edible, pollinator-friendly, drought tolerant, and just beautiful. It's Helianthus maximiliani, Maximilian Sunflower. I use this species on every project, as does our charity All Hands on Earth . Seeding is easy: sprinkle on the soil and press down lightly; water regularly until the shoots, which are edible, reach about 6-8" in height. Then let it

Today we installed Yamaimo (Japanese Mountain Yam) as part of a permaculture food forest and gardening project on Orcas Island. Yamaimo often makes the species list for our projects by providing a high calorie, delicious, and reliable food source. Here below we are growing Yamaimo in pots filled mostly with sand and a little dirt taken from nearby plantings. Growing in pots makes harvesting the tubers easier: you dump the pot over when you are ready to harvest and they spill

Conversion of an established Square pattern orchard to a food forest on Orcas Island. Principal goals for the project: Improve Species (Food) Diversity; Convert Annuals to Perennials; Use Guilds and Super Guilds; Lower Long Term Maintenance Cost; Four Season Food Production; Restore/Add Privacy Screens; Create Social/Gathering Area; Improve Soil Structure; Add Color in the Winter; Native Habitat Restoration. Species List