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Plant an edible ecosystem and ignite a peaceful landscape revolution This richly illustrated book brings the permaculture vision of a recreated Garden of Eden to new audiences ready to dive into their own edible ecosystems. -
DAVID HOLMGREN, co-originator of permaculture
In taking an ecological approach to growing our own plants for consumption, Zach Loeks provides an approach that will be vital in a warming world. -
DAVID SUZUKI, award-winning geneticist, author, and broadcaster
HUMANS HAVE ALWAYS thrived in rich, diverse, edible ecosystems. The Edible Ecosystem Solution is a practical guide to transforming sterile landscapes of lawns and ornamentals into abundant edible ecosystems with profound benefits to biodiversity, community, and culture. Coverage includes:
- Hundreds of full-color infographics, illustrations, and photographs that outline the principles and concepts of edible landscape design
- Getting started with as little as 25 square feet of land
- Transitioning a garden plot into a biodiversity hotspot, place of edible abundance, and living laboratory
- Choosing appropriate plants for insects, wildlife, and food production
- Scaling up and networking backyard edible ecosystems at the neighborhood level and beyond to build community, food security, and resilience.
The Edible Ecosystem Solution is for everyone with access to a bit of yard and a desire to reclaim humanity's place in both a rich, abundant, edible ecosystem and a beautiful, resilient community.
Create a complete edible garden ecosystem by turning a small part of your yard into a veritable hotspot of biological diversity, regeneration, and culinary joy. -
JEFF LOWENFELS, Lord of the Roots, author, the
Teaming Trilogy and
DIY Autoflowering Cannabis Where most people see lots, grass, or property lines, Zach Loeks sees the potential for dynamic edible ecosystems that can transform our cities and neighborhoods. -
FLORENCE WILLIAMS, author,
The Nature Fix Makes a compelling case for edible ecosystems and shows the ways in which our colleges and universities can play a central role. I can strongly recommend this book. -
ALAN NASH, Professor, Department of Geography, Planning and Environment, Concordia University
ZACH LOEKS is an award-winning educator, designer, author, consultant, and grower who specializes in edible ecosystem design around the world. He is the director of the Ecosystem Solution Institute and author of
The Permaculture Market Garden. He lives in Cobden, Ontario.
List of contents
Dedication
Thesis
About This Book
Section 1: The Ecology of Humanity Precious Place in Space
Biodiversity
Ecosystems
Human Habitat
Ancestral Ecosystems
Section 2: Solutions and Opportunities Habitat Lost
Modern Ecosystem Services
Big-Picture Services
Opportunities
Livable Community Benefits
Common Lines
Micro-Landscapes
Ecosystem Spot
Section 3: Edible Ecosystem Design Inspiration to Act
Site Selection and Micro-Environment
Build a Permabed
Site-Suitable Plant Selection
Design an Ecosystem Guild
Plant a Micro-Landscape
Modular Ecosystem Landscape
Section 4: Educate, Propagate, Inspire Ecosystem Dispersal
Edible Ecosystem Qualities
Catalyzing Land Transition
EPI Is a Model for Success
Section 5: Ecosystem Culture Transitioning Our Habitat
Land, People, Culture
Change Has Many Stakeholders
Leadership
Regenerative Wealth Security
Habitat Is a Human Right
Endnotes
Index
About the Author
A Note about the Publisher
About the author
Zach Loeks is an award-winning educator, designer, author, consultant, and grower who specializes in Edible Ecosystem Design around the world. He is the director of the Ecosystem Solution Institute and author of
The Permaculture Market Garden. He lives in Cobden, Ontario.
Summary
The Edible Ecosystem Solution explores how humans benefit from edible ecosystem abundance, the immense opportunities in society for landscape change, and how anyone can build their own 25-square-foot edible ecosystem as a launch pad for community land transition and cultural transformation.
Foreword
Start a peaceful revolution by planting an edible ecosystem and sharing the experience with your neighbors
