[Pil-pc-oceania] Pil-pc-oceania Digest, Vol 9, 23

[Susan Girard]

Jim's Permaculture

I aggree with Fiona.
I think even gardening is a big step up from mowing. Okay many of the Jim's 
out there, do have horticultural skills and qualifications.  So in advance I 
apologise to Jim and his men - perhaps they are not going to get their PDC 
and then try to change the world of their clients. I like to think it best 
to consider David Holmgren's 9th Principle 'Use small and slow solutions'.
I don't think a PDC is  enough to be able to go out and Design Landscapes 
let alone Retrofit Houses.
For example drawing in a terrace on a piece of paper may sound simple 
enough;  but there is all those Australian Standards, Building Codes and 
Local Government Legislations that have to be factored in.
Or does the design in question, get handed over to a qualified builder 
,who's first reaction is likely to be "what a wank is this permaculture 
stuff".
>From my own experience and looking back over my 'life' as a Permaculturist 
Consultant - my design  skills have got better, but I still make stupid 
mistakes. Maybe I'm a slow learner, but it has taken me a Diploma in 
Conservation and Land Management and a Diploma in Permaculture Design 
(Tagari) to feel that despite my best intentions I will not harm the 
environment further down the system.
Yes many be I am a slow learner and thats why I like that 9th Principle.

Susan Girard