Sustainable gardens: Why permaculture makes so much sense

With permaculture, a garden is designed to be as sustainable as possible – in other words, ecologically, socially and economically viable. Photo: Christin Klose/dpa

Not all gardens are sources of joy. Some are a constant headache. For example, gardens in which the plants don’t suit the location require a lot of gardening and even drive away native insects and birds. But there is an alternative: permaculture.

This involves designing a garden so that it is as sustainable as possible – one that is ecologically, socially and economically viable. While also suiting the homeowner.