Permaculture getting more popular amid food-supply fears

April Sampson-Kelly on Silk Farm, which is carefully laid out in line with permaculture principles. Photo: dpa

Visit April Sampson-Kelly and you immediately get a sense of wildness – the place almost feels enchanted.

Giant trees grow in the front garden and an enormous bamboo reaches up into the sky, while little fig, lime and carob trees grow between them, alongside coffee and ginger.