Two Years of Permaculture Application

To learn more about permaculture watch the Permaculture Masterclass, a 4-part documentary-style film, here: www.discoverpe....
I've returned to the Greening the Desert site in Jordan which is located 10km north of the Dead Sea, 6km east of the Jordanian-Palestinian border, and directly east of the West Bank. When we started this project, our aim was to set up a permaculture system of permanence, one that could be extended and replicated throughout the community.
This is Abla's place and she lives across the road from the project site. Two years ago she took a permaculture course with us and then began transitioning her own property into the beautiful garden you see today. Many of you have already met Abla but if you haven't, you might want to go back and have a look at two previous videos, "Permaculture is Greening the Desert", Oct 2018 ( • Permaculture is Greeni... ) and "Permaculture in the Desert", May 2019 ( • Permaculture in the De... ).
In this video here, I take you on another tour of Abla's property. We begin on her rooftop and from there you can clearly see what she started with, which was mostly rock and sand, and what she has now. It's quite dramatically different. She is still producing a lot of her own food from fruits and dates to herbs, vegetables and eggs but she's also increasing her shade and, after a recent chop n' drop, mulch is now plentiful.
P.s. If you are not familiar with the term Chop n' Drop then please watch this video, "The Forested Garden: What is a Food Forest?", where the concept is explained in the full context of a food forest: • The Forested Garden: W...
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About Geoff:
Geoff is a world-renowned permaculture consultant, designer, and teacher. He has established permaculture demonstration sites that function as education centers in all the world’s extreme climates - information on the success of these systems is networked through the Permaculture Research Institute and the www.permaculturenews.org website.
About Permaculture:
Permaculture integrates land, resources, people and the environment through mutually beneficial synergies - imitating the no waste, closed-loop systems seen in diverse natural systems. Permaculture applies holistic solutions that are applicable in rural and urban contexts and at any scale. It is a multidisciplinary toolbox including agriculture, water harvesting and hydrology, energy, natural building, forestry, waste management, animal systems, aquaculture, appropriate technology, economics, and community development.
#permaculture #greeningthedesert #foodforest

[@gorgeousjoanna]

Alba, you are still clearly a teacher, a leader. I've been sitting here in dry, drought-stricken Australia watching my garden burn, shrivel and die, and slowly allowing despair to creep over me. At its driest, my land is not as dry as yours. I am humbled by your achievements, by your hard work, by your determination, your positive attitude and your contentment. And I am inspired. Thank you for showing me what is possible. Tomorrow I start anew.

[@Im-just-Stardust]

Very nice message

[@TLFarm]

Alba is an incredible inspiration to the rest of us. You can almost feel the love she's put into her little permaculture oasis 💪

[@dutyforce233]

Congratulations! Great work of love.

[@1cognito]

Her name is Abla I believe. She is an amazing and very inspirationnal woman indeed!

[@HFTLMate]

almost? I can definitely feel the extreme love and care.

[@1cognito]

@@rolfpoelman3486 Thank you for the link and for your comment Rolf.

[@drpk6514]

Leigh you see its not only you who has to deal with moon soil

[@chrisnewellarts]

Beautiful! "if you don't do it for yourself, do it for your children" ❤️

[@bismanaufa5618]

111 likes

[@jhosk]

Exactly! That's what it is all about

[@victorlledo6812]

When people ask me what I want to do with my homestead project in South Spain I link Abla's previous video, and I explain It Will be 10 times less difficult because we have 10 times much water. You are such an inspirational person ... Best wishes for everyone, specially you, Abla

[@b_uppy]

Her soil looks much better than the surrounding dirt. Looks great. Good on her, and you. Absolutely fantastic for 2 years old. Exciting to see.

[@sajanah1253]

She carried each stone of that wall! What a badass! #justdoit

[@eldonelder7254]

Yes. She did it, bit by bit. People get overwhelmed by thinking about the end result before they've even started. If you do what you can on a daily or weekly basis, little by little it adds up and, before you know it, you've accomplished a lot more than you ever thought possible. Persistence and patience are key.

[@yengsabio5315]

@@eldonelder7254 #HearHear Persistence & patience, something automation cannot have! In this case, I'm admiring the human spirit here!

[@lindavilmaole5003]

I can say "yes" to that... I have my own small garden that surrounded the former quarters I was living. I touched every inch of the soil as I cultivated my garden. When we constructed a water catchment, every hollow block that was used in that project was touched by me... If you do things with passion. then you will have the energy to accomplish then and at the end you can say: "I carried every stone for that wall!"

[@vintagetrishgarden]

Abla, you have done such an amazing job over a short time with so little water. Thank you for allowing us to see your permaculture garden. Thanks Geoff, great video.

[@jimwilleford6140]

VintageTrish Well,then reduce. Don’t complain.

[@jameskniskern2261]

"We need it. Just do it. Start. Start. Start." Thank you Abla. Thank you Geoff. And for all of us in the world in places that have abundant rain, there is absolutely no excuse for *not* doing this. It really is that easy. The most time consuming thing is harvesting and figuring out how to eat and share all of the food we grow.

[@xxxtincho]

I can't stop crying, this is so inspiring. Thanks for sharing! Greatings from Argentina.

[@zerrinekinci9219]

As a teacher herself, Abla continues teaching what "passion is" to us by taking her place in Geoff's education videos. What a true inspiration! May Allah bless you and your beautiful garden.

[@joeb8167]

Pure Inspiration!! Having lived in Middle East and experienced that aridity and heat for 2 years myself, Alba's progress is inspiring! Could not agree more with her, we need this, the world needs this. I'm 'retired' from teaching as well and hopeful to find a plot to garden.

[@einarabelc5]

You wanna resolve "Climate change"? Garden!!!

[@nathanlewis42]

Joe B what kind of humidity numbers did you typically encounter?

[@joeb8167]

@@nathanlewis42 If memory serves, I think it ran around 17% in summer, 20-25% during winter rainy season of 2 months. During those 2 years I think it rained maybe 5 times, with only a couple showers lasting more than 20 minutes, the others just sprinkles. Arid!

[@joeb8167]

@@nathanlewis42 ... I was in central part... coasts of course are more maritime humid.

[@nathanlewis42]

Joe B cool, thanks

[@anisbenhariz684]

She is a strong women with big heart ...i agree with her, life is too short and we schould start as soon as possible .

[@farisasmith7109]

I the other video she described how her health and mental health improved dramatically after starting her garden. She looks so happy . Really amazing work. That whole area is changing as people begin to implement permaculture techniques. As she said. "Just do it. Start!"

[@sanewfield1]

Her confidence is so much more apparent then before. Love watching how much her garden has grown. 🤗

[@yLeprechaun]

Great update. Abla is simply heroic! Awesome property.

[@rubygray7749]

Magnificent! I love this lady for turning stones into an oasis home, and I love you Geoff for what you are doing in that land of extremes.

[@thewanderer6444]

First time I saw your work I was living in China and doing translation work for a friend in one of Bejings' Universities. I worked on one of your videos used for teaching. Not long after that, on a visit back home to Jordan I discovered my youngest brother spent time with you in the valley. Over the years since I have studied your work and admire what you have to teach us all. Thank you from all of humanity.

[@ausfoodgarden]

Fantastic job by Abla. I feel so lazy seeing how well that garden is growing in such harsh conditions. I'm in Melbourne and have far better conditions, sure my garden is good, but I could do so much more. Challenge accepted 😊👍

[@espiritualismouniversal4002]

Yes Gerry, we have no excuses here in the southern hemisphere. In Rio de Janeiro and Melbourne it rains a lot more. Let's grab our vases and start implementing permaculture! Rio is begining to see harsh weather and extendend drier seasons. I'm collecting native tree seeds, learning about them, and planting them, 😉😊😊where there have been landslides.

[@HFTLMate]

Very strong, powerful, inspirational, perfect student! So grateful for her garden and the greening the desert project.

[@clairewithbanjo4992]

Can’t agree more, I’m two years into my permaculture project and it only gets better

[@aron8949]

She is so smart, one of the only neighbors who see the value in the greening the desert project, clearly she is a solid few notches above the rest.

[@dougveganparadisebuilder5808]

The problem is that we are taught to worship grass, not trees. Grass in the form of meat, dairy, grains, lawns and meadows so that we are on top and can dominate. Trees are too tall and drop things on you and your stuff like leaves, birdshit, branches, flowers, seeds, nuts and we can't have any of that because we humans are Superiorrrr!

[@jimwilleford6140]

Doug Vegan Paradise Builder I fear too many fit your description. However, I hope that you never let them guide your actions.

[@markroeder2491]

@@dougveganparadisebuilder5808 Many of todays youth and elders forget that we are the caretakers of this planet. We can make either heaven or hell on earth.

[@dougveganparadisebuilder5808]

@@markroeder2491 It's pretty obvious what the majority chooses. Hell on planet lawns and meadows.

[@saucywench9122]

"It was like a crime" . Her delivery of that was priceless! Yay Abla, so glad to see how far you've come. Congratulations.

[@serradojapi]

Geoff! What a nice site and a nice video. I was a student at Geoff’s first online PDC and my admiration and Geoff’s passion has only grown!

[@roderickbowes2482]

This has to be one of the most amazing things that has happened on Earth in the last 2000 years !!! Seriously --- well done Geoff and what a fantastic thing to see the passion with which Abla has turned her garden into an absolute oasis !!! Just incredible and so inspirational. So -- we have the people of South America and other places on earth chopping down life- giving forests , and these good folk growing food and green belts in the desert. The human race goes from insanity to Hope and ingenuity !!!

[@LeJimster]

Awesome update. Her garden is coming along leaps and bounds. I hope those Mangos make it. I would suspect they need a lot of shading during the summer for the first few years in that climate.

[@beesplaining1882]

What a wonderful inspirational story. All we need now is to expand the use of permaculture techniques across the region and across the world.

[@Here_Today_]

She's done amazing, the start of an oasis!

[@Nick-vl7lk]

Incredible work Alba. Glad to see Geoff back over there to get some updates.

[@boringopr4369]

Got to love this woman spirits just do it!!! start!! It's for us!! If not for you do it for your kids!!! Great video Mr Lawton👍bring us more videos like this when ever possible

[@gregorylivanos]

If Abla started a KZbin channel I'd subscribe in a heartbeat! She is one of my heros!! There's something special about her strength and spirit. Geoff, you're a legend too! Very inspiring!

[@BarbaraC02]

Just love seeing the progress in Alba's garden. Wonderful and hopeful video, thank you. Looking forward to your 5 week update.

[@BarbaraC02]

@@rolfpoelman3486 Thanks, dyslexia.):

[@lindavilmaole5003]

The site is small, yes, but you can grow it BIG! Congratulations, Lady!!!! and what you are saying ABOUT THIS WHOLE THING is right!!!

[@aaronvallejo8220]

Amazing food forest with no rain for 12 months and still green and growing!! Amazing example for global replication. My 2 large swales in the high desert now have 6 healthy fruit trees. I put all the weeds under the fruit trees keeping in moisture and giving them nutrients. There are now bugs, grubs, beetles in my swales where before it was hot, dead and super hard soil.

[@gabrielasantos8289]

That’s amazing! I’m very much inspired to start my own garden now! 😍 If she accomplished this beauty in the desert, with ONE rain drop every YEAR, imagine what I can do in the tropical humid Brazilian lands 🌱🙏❤️

[@allanturpin2023]

Thanks Geoff. The updates and visible progress on these projects are inspirational. Abla is rockin it.

[@Rapto01R]

Big congrats! :) Good luck for the future! This site worth mentioning. Nobody has excuse, not to make a permaculture garden! :)

[@ren2ski]

Thank you Geoff for the update. Abla we love seeing your garden. We’re in terrible drought Lockyer Valley Qld Australia but seeing your gorgeous site keeps us going. We can do it, we just have to do it differently and look to yours and greening the desert as the most amazing examples of what can be accomplished. All the best to you xo

[@Christodophilus]

Hi Renee, we live in the Lockyer too. Had bushfire smoke for November. Hope you're safe from bushfires. Fortunately, we've only had to deal with smoke, not the actual fire. But live in a bush landscape. Depending where you live in the Lockyer, you'lll know what I'm talking about. We're in the hills of Upper Lockyer, so plenty of tall eucalyptus trees. My carob has done well on natural rainfall (so virtually nothing) and is drying some pods at the moment. My site has become a dustbowl from the drought, but I still have trees that are living, which aren't eucalyptus. But the garden is doing it pretty tough at the moment. I have a bunch of swales, but no rainfall to fill them. Yet they'll catch every drop (like Alba's garden) when it does rain. So I still have that hope.

[@ren2ski]

Chris hi yes total dust bowl - will design for drought and hope for rain :) I am curious how much water is used on average in the greening the desert plot ;)

[@Christodophilus]

@@ren2ski They recycle their site water (re: showers, sinks) and put it through a reed bed. Then it goes on the garden. What they use on top of that, would be interesting. Although, I know the trees Geoff has selected, tend to stay green, even in a drought. Especially leucaena. We have them here, along with Carob and citrus. All stay green, in the dry. My citrus did so well, for so long without rain, because we gave them a heavy layer of tree branches, several years ago. Unfortunately, they were deteriorated enough, for the brush turkeys to push them out of the way, and it dried the soil out, almost immediately. We're actually in the process of putting new (heavier) branches/logs down, so they can't scratch them up again. So I can vouch for the strategies Geoff is using, in his Greening the Desert project. They work in the Lockyer too. Mulch heavily, keep animals off and plant a lot of hardy trees. Especially leucaena. This is all without additional water. Bar the occasional pass with grey water. But we have more plants than our grey water can irrigate. Although the ground covers have bitten the dust, the trees remain green.

[@ren2ski]

Chris yes Geoff mentions that they bring in water and the mains come on a couple times a week assume they top up tanks then 😊

[@ren2ski]

Chris yes Geoff mentions that they bring in water and the mains come on a couple times a week assume they top up tanks then 😊

[@ELBLOKE503]

Jeoff lawton thank you so much for this update. I have been wondering about her, i have seen her first video like 20 times and i will see it again because what an amazing human being she is. Give her a hug on my behalf. Much love and respect.

[@eldonelder7254]

This woman is a real inspiration to anyone simply because she has the persistence and willingness to do the work necessary to create a better world. Keep doing the little things because, eventually, they result in big effects.

[@yukey2587]

Great to see you still healthy and kicking! Isn't it great to see the multiplication of your efforts to share Permie stuff.

[@espiritualismouniversal4002]

I'll pray Alba and all the Middle East people get all the water you need from South America! I live alone in an apartment in Rio de Janeiro, but I decided to grow my own mini garden too. You Alba and your garden are an inspiration to all of us! You have all ten green fingers! I Have two Bougainvilles here in my apartment. One is orange and the other is pink like yours. I had to prune them and I'm using the leaves to composte the vases. Geoff I'm really enjoying learning about permaculture from you. You are a source of inspiration to all of us!

[@seals70]

Energy invested - exploding as life! Inspiring and also moving. Keep it up Alba, you’re making a difference. Fabulous seeing this update and I am keen to see more over the years ahead.

[@gm2407]

She has created top soil and root structure in a very rocky area. When it rains her land will hold more water than the surounding ground. Its impressive stuff what plants micro organisms and fawna do to the ground. This looks like it is going to become even greener over the next few years.

[@spoolsandbobbins]

Wow! Wow! Wow! Such an inspiration. Just look at that dryness! If not for the plants it’s just barren but one you begin feeding that soil it brings forth life, just as God designed. Terrific! Thank you for sharing this.

[@adnanalhasan3746]

Abla is a real hero to me.. I enjoying talk to her every single day during my PDC there beside you Geoff, Estivan and Sam.. thank you all for being there for us, for earth and humanity.. And ohh I enjoyed seeing my car in the video 😂 Thank you

[@katjordan3733]

Thanks so much for the update, Geoff and Abla! It's so good to see a small-scale project that is 'woman-powered'.

[@Tetoro249]

I would love to see an update this video . You guys are awesome 👏🏼

[@cesarmagdaleno6009]

All I could say is “WOW” when she found moisture under the compost. Amazing. I wish more people would do that here in California.

[@blarknee7672]

A 1% increase in soil organic carbon equates to about a 2% increase in water holding capacity.

[@danalungu1964]

Thank You Geoff, Thank You Abla! I feel so overwhelmed with joy and I am so encouraged to do what I do seeing the wonders of your garden. These are the true miracles right now: creations from the heart and for our own joy and happiness!

[@simplegrower5838]

That was phenomenal. She is phenomenal. Really, thanks for posting. Blessings.

[@elenidemos]

Saw her first video, just getting better & better.

[@eryximaque6310]

Abla ,you are an exemple to be followed! Thank you too, Geoff. Greetings from France

[@liveswithgarden6566]

Blessings to this wonderful lady. You put a smile on my face and a hope in my heart. Thank you.

[@Peppersfirst]

Love Geoff and Abla. Very inspiring. I cant wait to start planting seeds in 2 months. 😊

[@erNomic]

Palestinian woman who is so much like my own mother from Illinois on the other side of the planet. It would be so nice if the world could realize we are all the same, human. Thank you

[@AlanSledd]

Geoff, love the project- so happy to see the green finally spreading beyond your walls!

[@NCaron-55Mtgny]

Thank you Geoff. Abla est remarquable ! Toutes mes félicitations à cette femme pleine de bons sens et de courage.

[@polbragulat8012]

Absolutely astonishing work Abla, the site not only works but is incredibly beautiful!😍

[@indarafarms]

Wow what an inspiring woman !! Definitely inspired to just do it. Well done you both should be so proud. Geoff for inspiring the passion and providing the education and this woman for taking in the information and then doing it so well.

[@bonniebrock5109]

I loved the video Abla did before. Noticed how close her property was during your last Chop and Drop video from you property's roof where you are standing at .I'm glad Abla is happy now.

[@michaelmarchese3567]

Great channel man! Exactly what I'm looking for. Thanks!

[@nitanice]

Beautiful garden!

[@hassaneslaibi3183]

Geoff welcome to the Middle East! We’d love to host you in Lebanon. Your work is truly inspiring and I would love to hear your insights about what we can do for our beautiful country and the planet.

[@1cognito]

Great content Geoff! Very inspirationnal for people in dry/arid climates.

[@тито-к9в]

Abla is an incredible woman, creating so much from such an arid place. and thank you, Geoff, for the work you're doing.

[@spritzpistol]

What an amazing site, and amazing lady. It’s incredible what we can do if we just set our heart, and mind to it. If every person just cultivated a little piece of their garden, used less concrete, planted more perennials and appreciated the Earth beneath their feet, we would start to resolve the issue of getting carbon form atmosphere, back into the ground where it belongs. Unfortunately, in this day an age and often in the westernised world, it takes a disaster for people to sit up and take note. The disasters are going on around us (here in the UK we suffered a minor few- a long drought during this summer and flipped to flooding in places, this autumn), and still, people expect the governments to wave a magic wand. It’s obvious from the recent COP there’s no hurry for them either, politicians are still burying their heads in the sand (so to speak), ignoring the signs and blaming other countries. It annoyed me when they still meet up, jet setting around, why can’t they use the online platforms to discuss these huge issues. I’m trying to educate those around me, and it’s like pulling teeth sometimes, their flippant comments about it’s all hype, exaggerated, people scare mongering. Peoples ignorance is scary, yet this lovely lady said you’ve got to look after yourself and your neighbours, she was spot on! Thanks Geoff for spreading the word, it’s great to see permaculture work so well in arid regions. All the very the best.

[@keawhitmore3842]

A Thousand Blessings to Abla! Thank you.

[@florafauna4584]

Impressive, incredible, inspiring, hard working woman you are. Thank you very much to both.

[@irinabelichenko8611]

What a brave woman she is. Excellent work been done after taking lessons from amazing professional like Geoff.

[@wildlifegardenssydney7492]

Alba, wow! You did it all from rocks , so little water and passion. I watched your garden update and now I see this newer version of your garden. Geoff wow thank you. If you could source some labour for vertical growing and shade structures for Alba that would help her to create even more. So well done. I really hope you are safe and away from the fighting since war broke out again!

[@VDT95]

So Beautiful. I wish more souls could see it

[@aldas3831]

Amazing woman! Very inspirational! Great video.

[@neridahstockley6744]

looking awesome abla! visiting your house 2 years ago was a highlight for ben and i.

[@briannacooper2628]

A wonderful update. Thank you Alba for sharing your garden and passion for permaculture with us.

[@chloechadwick7945]

Her place is amazing for just 3 years. She has to work very hard. Younger generations could learn a lot.

[@hhwippedcream]

Beautiful garden, Alba! So many ideas to try! Thank you for sharing and for teaching.

[@hhwippedcream]

Have you used dove/bird guano farming? Would require some biosecurity measures but am sure there is a practical solution somewhere,

[@ericvocke2604]

Well done! Abla should start a KZbin channel of her own. Im sure many people would support her on Patreon

[@vincentemery839]

Amazing. Very inspirational woman. It brings lot of emotions and tears in my eyes

[@coffeemachtspass]

Beautiful little garden. It has given me some ideas for my own plot. Thanks!

[@ncooty]

A very inspirational lady (who speaks very good English).

[@1876Susan]

Oh this is so inspiring. I'm in love with this garden.

[@Kizarat]

Was there last year for the PDC and Internship, and Abla is the most strong-willed woman I've ever met.

[@natskis]

Phenominal! Well done! Any updates from this garden? I love it!

[@jimwilleford6140]

I watch this every so often. She is an inspiration.

[@fCLEF007]

That lady is an international inspiration!!!

[@jonschaffer4410]

Wow congrats to her!!! Way toooo gooooo!!!!

[@AbdulJaleelStrimling]

That's amazing!!! Luv it, luv it, luv it. Got my wife to want to garden too.

[@AusLanderJack]

Mate, come home and help save Australia. Bugger the politicians, we need people like you. Simple as that. Cheers.

[@storm3772]

couldn't agree more. Our government should look at paying Geoff's team to help our farmers future proof Australia. We know it works. A great way for taxpayer's money to be invested.

[@joanturri5500]

Exactly. If governments were smart they'd hire Geoff as a consultant. This is needed world wide and it will heal the Earth.🌍

[@VK-qo1gm]

@@joanturri5500 Agree, but politics & big business go hand in hand. How would these companies who sell their useless, poisonous chemicals etc to farmers agree, & all the rest of them who are destroying our land, all for the sake of their bloody pockets.

[@joankirby1944]

Its great to see the green amongst all the sandy colours and its so pretty too.

[@chantaltulliez8066]

Fantastic effort in that arid climate... would be good to see an update in a few years...keep on doing the good work...

[@gethinrees1]

What a fantastic woman. I could listen to her all day.

[@stefanomoretti3664]

Great work Abla ! And teaching people... women real empowerment. Best luck fomr Italy

[@loneforest6541]

A small paradise in middle of desert....great work done by her 👍

[@spiritwog]

Wow thats amazing! Go alba!!

[@moiragoldsmith7052]

The best time to start a garden is.....twenty years ago! 🤣... Yes, "Start, start". Beautiful!

[@muzzu7826]

How beautiful, if not for u do it for ur kids.. they need it the most very inspiring well done sister 🙏

[@natemorlock2379]

Way to go Alba! Cheers from Oregon, USA. You give us hope

[@PermieCulture]

"We need it for us, on this planet. we need it. We need it. Just do it. Just do it". She's dropped out of the system to build a permaculture system. This is a simple act of non-compliance with the system and if we all do it we would grow the system to replace the existing one. Just do it. Just do it. I love it.

[@christiangoubaud]

Pure Gem! lots of hope✌🏽🌴❤

[@tricknameless4710]

Greetings, Geoff Lawton!I always watch your videos here in this cosy channel and in any other videos with great interest. I am very glad that there are people like you on the planet Earth and that these people work hard for the benefit of our Nature and people and share their knowledge with others.I wish you to do as much good as possible for the Earth and humanity as a whole!I am from Russia myself, I have a hard time understanding the English language (even this text is written with the help of an online translator) and still try to benefit from your work.I have one question that keeps me busy...)Several times I have seen a girl in a hijab next to you in your video .So I want to ask you, are you a Muslim? With respect!