In episode 121, Cormac chats with John Metcalf from Sow and Grow Regenerative about How a Permaculture Designer Builds Gardens, Community, and Regenerative Projects from Scratch

John is a permaculture designer, teacher, and regenerative practitioner with several years of experience. Their work includes designing gardens, teaching, and building community projects focused on growing food and working with nature.

Early Exposure to Gardening and Allotments

The journey began through helping on an allotment and eventually getting a personal plot. The allotment provided a dedicated space for growing food and experimenting with different approaches.Allotments are described as allocated land spaces where individuals can grow food, often rented annually.

Discovering Permaculture and Education

Permaculture was first encountered years earlier but only pursued later through a course.Studying permaculture provided a structured framework that made existing practices clearer and more intentional.Additional learning included soil-focused education and reading influential books.

Designing for People First

A key theme is designing gardens based on the person using them.Factors like available time, energy, age, and family situation influence how a garden is designed.The approach is described as contextual, adapting to each individual situation.

Observing Nature and Plant Health

The discussion explains how plants behave based on their environment.Weak plants are more likely to attract pests due to stress signals.This shifts perspective from fighting pests to understanding plant health and ecosystem balance.

Rethinking Pests and Ecosystems

Insects and animals are described as part of a natural system rather than enemies.They act as a “cleanup crew,” removing weaker plants.This perspective reduces frustration and encourages working with natural cycles.

Small-Scale Growing and Accessibility

Growing food is presented as accessible to everyone, regardless of space.Examples include balconies, windowsills, and small raised beds.Starting small is encouraged as a practical entry point.

Community and Food Systems

The conversation highlights the importance of local food systems and community.Historical examples of small holdings and shared growing are discussed.There is an emphasis on reconnecting people with food production and local relationships.

From Personal Practice to Professional Design

The guest describes moving from personal gardening to designing for others.Opportunities came through connections and community interactions.Projects expanded from small plots to larger spaces, including a one-acre site.

The Walnut Project and Community Space

A current project involves developing land into a permaculture-based space.It includes elements like a market garden, forest garden, and shared facilities.The goal is to create a community-focused growing space.

Design Process: Digital vs Hand-Drawn

Both digital tools and hand-drawn designs are used.Hand drawing is described as a more tactile and connected process.Digital tools are useful for precision and larger-scale planning.

Building Community Through Platforms

The conversation explores building communities around shared interests.Online platforms are used to connect people interested in permaculture and nature.These spaces allow for sharing knowledge, courses, and collaboration.

Future Plans and Regenerative Projects

Future plans include expanding projects and creating educational content.There is a focus on interviewing people involved in regenerative practices.The aim is to explore connections between soil, health, and environment.

Final Message

Listeners are encouraged to take action and start, even on a small scale.Trying something new is framed as low risk with potential benefits.The focus is on enjoying the process and engaging with the present moment.

https://sowgrowregen.co.uk/

https://www.skool.com/regenerative-co-creators-2504

In episode 120, Cormac chats with Lindsay Brandon and Hue Man form Permaculture Canada about their recent Central American Permaculture Tour.

Starting a Permaculture Project in Mexico

The journey begins in Puerto Vallarta where land was secured near hot springs. The goal is to create a community-focused space centred on growing food and shared living.

Plans include multiple lots with different purposes:

* A communal building for gathering and storage

* A shaded living area using existing trees

* A showcase build designed to inspire others

The intention is to create a long-term hub while using other plots for future development and potential sale.

Designing for Community and Long-Term Use

The project is structured to support ongoing use rather than quick turnover.There is a focus on:

* Shared infrastructure

* On-site management

* Spaces for friends and collaborators to stay

The idea is to ensure someone is always present to maintain the land and gardens.

Challenges with Land and Water

Across Mexico, a recurring issue is poor water management.Key observations include:

* Limited interest in water catchment systems

* Lack of storage for dry seasons

* Failed planting efforts due to no water access

Simple solutions like cisterns and seasonal storage become essential for any viable project.

Common Mistakes in Land Investment

Many buyers are drawn to cheap land but overlook practical realities.

Issues observed:

* No road access or degraded access routes

* Lack of tools, materials, and workforce

* Long delays waiting for infrastructure

Some projects are abandoned while owners wait years for development to catch up.

Building with Limited Resources

The approach shifts toward simplicity:

* Using local materials

* Building basic structures

* Working within existing conditions

This reduces reliance on external systems and makes projects more achievable.

Learning and Teaching in Guatemala

At Lake Atitlán, the focus moves to education and hands-on design.

Activities included:

* Teaching permaculture design courses

* Mapping land using physical markers and drones

* Applying design concepts directly on-site

The model blends learning with real implementation rather than theory alone.

Community Networks and Collaboration

Multiple groups operate in close proximity but remain loosely connected.

Observations:

* Independent projects sharing knowledge

* Visitors moving between sites

* No unified system linking opportunities

There is potential for more coordinated collaboration across projects.

Living Systems in Nicaragua

On Ometepe Island, the environment supports continuous growth.

Key features:

* Year-round food production

* Strong microclimates

* Established permaculture farms

The abundance of fruit and water creates a stable and productive system.

Community Culture and Simplicity

At a local gathering, systems were intentionally simple:

* No phones or digital devices

* Shared meals from local production

* Daily schedules created in person

This created a strong sense of presence and participation.

Larger System Challenges

In Panama, discussions highlight broader issues:

* Pressure from corporations

* Displacement of local communities

* Water risks and environmental damage

There is a gap between permaculture solutions and large-scale systemic problems.

Returning to Canada: A Contrast

Returning home brings a sharp comparison.

Challenges include:

* Increased regulation

* Higher building costs

* Limited material choices

A project that could cost tens of thousands abroad may cost hundreds of thousands in Canada.

Final Reflection

The journey reinforces a clear direction:

* Simpler systems are more achievable

* Smaller-scale projects are more resilient

* Practical, hands-on solutions are needed

There is a strong pull toward environments where building, growing, and living can happen with fewer barriers.

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In episode 119, Cormac chats to Michael Wardle from Saviour Soil Permaculture about his journey from discovering his first Permaculture book to full-time consultant: Learning, Teaching, and Building a Practice.

Discovering Permaculture in a Library

The journey began with finding permaculture books in a neglected library section. The ideas immediately appealed, leading to early experimentation, but not full commitment. Life priorities delayed deeper involvement until later.

Learning Through Trial and Practice

Initial learning came from testing ideas directly on land. Techniques like digging swales, composting, and observing water movement were explored. The focus was on seeing what worked in a specific landscape rather than relying on theory alone.

From Informal Learning to Formal Training

Formal education came much later through a series of courses taken in a short period. This included a PDC, market gardening, and hands-on experience on-site. The PDC revealed gaps in knowledge and expanded understanding significantly.

Starting a Consulting Career by Accident

A consulting opportunity came immediately after completing the PDC. Despite feeling unprepared, the work began with simple designs and careful listening to clients. Word-of-mouth led to more projects without active marketing.

Keeping Designs Simple and Client-Focused

Early work focused on simplicity and understanding client needs. Emphasis was placed on aligning the landscape with the client rather than imposing ideas. This approach built confidence and trust over time.

Expanding into Education

Teaching developed alongside consulting work. Running courses started after recognizing a lack of local education opportunities. Practical experience from consulting informed teaching content.

The Role of Multiple Courses and Perspectives

Completing many PDCs and other courses provided exposure to different approaches. The goal was not certification but understanding varied perspectives and applications. This helped refine tools and improve design decisions.

Teacher Training and Developing Skills

Teacher training programs introduced methods for presenting information in different ways. They emphasized adaptability, especially when conditions change. These skills supported both teaching and client communication.

Moving Beyond Design Handover

Early consulting involved delivering designs without follow-up. This evolved into longer-term engagement with clients, including education and co-creation. The focus shifted to helping clients understand and manage their systems.

A Three-Year Client Process

The current approach involves working with clients over several years. This includes design, education, and implementation support. By the end, clients can manage systems independently.

Changes in Students and Learning Trends

Students now often arrive with prior knowledge from online sources. The key value of courses is providing structure and a framework. There is increasing interest in social and internal aspects rather than just gardening.

Shifting Toward Community-Based Systems

Personal growing systems have shifted toward community-focused work. Efforts now include supporting shared spaces and local initiatives. The goal is to distribute production and responsibility across communities.

Rethinking Food Production at Scale

Instead of centralized systems, distributing small actions across many households is explored. Examples include planting one tree per home or diversifying crops across groups. This reduces risk and workload while increasing output.

Building Resilience Through Shared Effort

Encouraging people to grow different crops and share results creates diversity. This approach supports resilience when individual efforts fail. It also strengthens community connections.