What is permaculture?

Short for “Permanent Agriculture”, Permaculture is a design methodology that aims to mimic nature’s blueprint. It’s a conscious approach to food production and sustainable living. Permaculture seeks to produce more outputs, like food, with fewer inputs, like labor and resources. The Principles of Permaculture are excellent building blocks for food production, housing, relationships, and lifestyle design. While permaculture is not yet widely known, it is rapidly gaining traction within the environmental and sustainability movement. We believe it is a vital component of a sustainable future. Learn more about Permaculture.

What is South Shore Permaculture?

South Shore Permaculture (SSP) is an educational organization focused on teaching permaculture and building a community around shared values. We offer a range of educational opportunities, from afternoon workshops to our flagship six-month Permaculture Design Course (PDC). While we were created on the South Shore of Massachusetts, we have expanded our offerings to include opportunities for learning and community engagement  to other parts of the state and New England. Click here for more ways to get involved with us!

What is a PDC?

A PDC, or Permaculture Design Course, consists of 72 hours of instruction, learning permaculture design from experienced teachers. While the information taught during this course may vary from program to program, a PDC should include everything covered in Permaculture One by Bill Mollison and David Holmgren. Though a certification in permaculture design is not a formal license, it signals to potential clients and employers that you possess valuable knowledge and a passion for sustainable design. There are myriad ways to utilize this certification after graduating, such as consulting, designing, and incorporating permaculture into educational curriculums and social projects.

Can I Take Your PDC If I don’t Live on The South Shore?

The Permaculture Design Course from South Shore Permaculture is ideal for people eager to learn more about sustainable agriculture and design who live in the greater Boston area, or within driving distance of Massachusetts’ South Shore, however it is open to everyone! Since the course is run in a hybrid format and most of that instruction is online, it is open to anyone with an internet connection. Part of the course are four on-site weekend instruction sessions (plus graduation!), and while those are not mandatory to attend for graduation, they does offer a valuable element of the course. A tentative course schedule including the dates of the on-site learning weekends is on our PDC page. Also, one of the benefits of our PDC is how our teaching is specific to the New England region. So, while the course is ideal for those in greater Boston and New England, you certainly do not have to live on the South Shore to take our course!

Is the pDC Appropriate For Graduates of Other PDCs?

Absolutely. Whether you’re brand-new to permaculture or a seasoned permie professional, there’s always something new to learn or experience with our Permaculture Design Course. Especially because our permaculture design course also includes a specific focus on the New England ecosystem, this localized approach empowers students of any level to apply their education to healing and strengthening our community.

is this course accessible to folks who are not able-bodied?

Most of this course is accessible to anyone. Some in-person events, like our Earthworks Workshop, may present challenges for participation, but your presence is always welcome and encouraged. Our goal is to make this information accessible to as many people as possible. Please feel free to reach out to todd@ourgratefulgarden.org if you have any additional questions or need any special accommodations.

What if I am not available for some of this course? Would I still be able to access the class content?

Yes! We will record our the online portion of our permaculture design classes and share them with students so that they can watch and rewatch classes. Unfortunately, we will not be able to record our in-person events and will, therefore, not have a recording to share. However, as a PDC alumnus, you’re welcome and encouraged to join in-person events for free during future PDCs.