Stunning Tour of my Permaculture Backyard!

The area in the tour is 130' x 66'. All of this area wasn't covered due to time, its a permaculture thing, just have to stop somewhere...

[@jjgrenwich264]

Such a wonderful piece of land you have stewarded There... how big is the area?? Thank you for the tour!

[@RickLarsonPermacultureDesigner]

You ought to see it now. I've been publishing videos on it all summer. 200 x 66 feet is the area I'm working.

[@salinawhite7669]

@@RickLarsonPermacultureDesigner I LOVE EAT rice EVERY meal Asian Jasmine rice

[@carolinekloppert5177]

I love your garden for its unabashed profusion and wildness. Its so refreshing to see nature being allowed to do her thing. Even in permaculture you-tubing one so often sees people who can't let go of control.

[@RickLarsonPermacultureDesigner]

Yes, the influence of agriculture, this culture is too strong for most to break its grip on their minds. Thanks for the comment.

[@pjchmiel]

Amazing garden, thank you for the inspiration! Will look forward to seeing a 10-years-later video on this space here in a few years to see how it's changed as the canopy grows up.

[@RickLarsonPermacultureDesigner]

I think that was 10 years ago! Well, maybe not quite.

[@samanthamariah7625]

Such a beautiful video and beautiful land. Your knowledge, enthusiasm and love for diversity I love so much. We need more of you in this world. I’m heading more and more in your direction and hope I can steward my piece of land in a way that honors nature’s knowledge.

[@RickLarsonPermacultureDesigner]

So nice of you to comment. I wish you the best.

[@urbanpermie6307]

I love your natural fence handy work shown in the beginning. Nice system plant wise.

[@seanleith5312]

I don't like the word "permaculture", whatever that means.

[@urbanpermie6307]

@@seanleith5312 that's ok. I don't like weirdo's.. By the way, who used that word anyway?

[@mariannegibson1407]

No, no, no no, No! This video is NOT too long! It is too short! I really enjoyed seeing around your land, and listening to your commentary on the plants and the choices you have made. It's a wonderful place, I hope you will give an update tour sometime, and talk us through the forest garden as well.

[@RickLarsonPermacultureDesigner]

Thank you!

[@ScouseJack]

Thanks for the tour. It's very pleasant to wander through the garden with you :)

[@RickLarsonPermacultureDesigner]

You're welcome. I'm happy you took the time. :-)

[@garrettt9908]

@@RickLarsonPermacultureDesigner Just saw your video now, Thank's for the share. Myself and and a friend are starting our own restaurant and bar with this idea behind us, He's a bit more talented than me but you video's are an inspiration to me.Thank's again. I'll let you know how thing's go.

[@artistben7]

And I thought we had alot of plants in our yard. I like when birds drop seeds from places they have been at, Its like a gift. Most of the time I keep the plants that form from the seeds that the birds drop. This is a great garden Rick, very impressive buddy. Thanks for sharing. :)

[@RickLarsonPermacultureDesigner]

Thank you very much for the nice comment. :-)

[@jacquibaxter1880]

This is the most amazing garden 💙

[@RickLarsonPermacultureDesigner]

You ought to see it now! My last video, the one I start by a talk on stopping the fires, the garden tour after, I click through the main crop gardens. :-)

[@latishamom2eight127]

Most permaculture info is in the tropics. So it's great to see it in a colder climate so that most of us can see what's possible. Thanks!!

[@RickLarsonPermacultureDesigner]

You're welcome!

[@garthwunsch]

You're the first person, other than myself, that I've seen companion planting carrots and leeks... I discovered it as a means to protect my carrots from a serious nematode problem I had. Works very well. Busy garden!

[@RickLarsonPermacultureDesigner]

I love when a plan works out so well!

[@Lochness19]

I planted scallions in my carrot and parsley root beds this year. We'll see how that works.

[@boringopr4369]

Good work nice permaculture system I can't wait to start my own permaculture farm

[@RickLarsonPermacultureDesigner]

Good for you!

[@patticlark9321]

Great tour... very inspiring! Makes you look at gardening from a whole new perspective. Looking forward to more!

[@RickLarsonPermacultureDesigner]

Great! Thanks!

[@markroeder2491]

I was commenting a couple of weeks ago to some permie friends that you had now pushed the limits to "the four sisters". I have never tried yacon. I read that it tastes like a cross between celery and a granny smith. Previously, I had thought it was another starchy tuber. Rick, you are doing ground breaking work and I love to see what you have designed. Keep up the good work!

[@RickLarsonPermacultureDesigner]

Yacon is more like a Jicama with more juice and sweet. Thanks for the nice comment!

[@markroeder2491]

OK what the heck is Jicama? LOL. I just googled it and I'm amazed I've never heard of it either. Are there any other South American tubers out there? So now we have 'ground apples' and 'yam beans'; both sweetened by inulin. I'm going to look for starts or seeds now. I wonder if both are nitrogen fixers to boot. Speaking of SA plants have you tried any Quinoa or Amaranth? Seems like they would compliment the wild rice harvest. Take care.

[@RickLarsonPermacultureDesigner]

Good idea!

[@crazy808ish]

Please make some cooking videos on how you prepare those odd vegetables.

[@urbanpermie6307]

Ahipa is a non climbing, low shrubby version of the Jicama, but I am not sure where to get it. I grow groundnuts and Yakon, but my favorite is Oca, or New Zealand yam. They are great for shady spots that are not normally productive.

[@brendanlittle2225]

Loved the video, what a contrast with the area next door.

[@RickLarsonPermacultureDesigner]

Thank you!

[@albanoeira372]

Hello Rick , today is Sunday , and i have some time to see some more random videos , today appeared this. I was amazed at so much diversity of plants , it looks like the NOAH´S ARK of plants...it´s almost an hour and a half of ecstasy. I got to know a little more of your ideas. I really enjoyed the high protection of the pear tree because of the deer...i also saw my beloved vines. Oh and i saw you without a beard...a lot of health for you , to continue with this excellent work...OK the video is from 2016...abraço querido amigo...

[@chetanddot]

I am so inspired by your videos. Your garden is such a beautiful space and I'm in awe of all the work you've done. Thank you for sharing and I look forward to more.

[@RickLarsonPermacultureDesigner]

Do something yourself too!

[@chetanddot]

I have a 2 year old food forest in Portland, OR. It's coming along nicely and I love watching your videos for ideas and inspiration. Oh, and I think the unidentified plant MIGHT be Geum. I have it in several places and after the petals fall off, it looks very similar to what you showed in the video. www.google.com/search?q=geum&espv=2&biw=1440&bih=710&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwjnidfgmfvNAhVM2WMKHblYAnkQ_AUIBigB

[@RickLarsonPermacultureDesigner]

Good! Thanks for the link. :-)

[@TheDevine22]

A Fella after my heart. Sweet garden!

[@RickLarsonPermacultureDesigner]

Yay! Thank you!

[@nangp5884]

I really enjoyed your garden tour, thanks for sharing 🌻😊

[@RickLarsonPermacultureDesigner]

Thank you!

[@billastell3753]

Really nice little eclectic garden. For the most part my garden is row crops which are very efficient but boring. A jumbled garden like this one is so much fun.

[@RickLarsonPermacultureDesigner]

Very nice comment, thank you. As an aside, the perennials are beginning to produce and the amount of food is increasing.

[@daveowen5583]

The difference between last year and this year is impressive... what you are doing with all your biomass and creating new soil is working so well, and only 3 years young!

[@RickLarsonPermacultureDesigner]

Indeed. The evolution will continue for about 50 years, or some such length of time, then the changes will slow down. Thanks for the nice comment. :-)

[@juliaschnelle6385]

that's the best garden ever. very nice work

[@RickLarsonPermacultureDesigner]

Thank you!

[@dandingo168]

Great garden tour Rick it is an amazing garden you have created.

[@RickLarsonPermacultureDesigner]

This is not a garden, it is also not an orchard. This is a representation of a permaculture design in a cold climate city setting.

[@pugsrock3171]

Thanks for the tour! Very inspiring.

[@RickLarsonPermacultureDesigner]

You're welcome!

[@anitameuwissen4340]

I'm very much impressed and learned a lot, thanks Rick

[@RickLarsonPermacultureDesigner]

You're welcome. Thank you for the nice comment.:-)

[@marilyncabahit218]

i love sitting with that garden very awesome

[@llwscott5720]

At some points he sounds like he's so tickled he can't hardly stand it. I like his gardens. Wow, I'm envious.

[@melaniemiles9220]

I really like the fruit tree comparison, the results speak for themselves! So many times my garden is called a mess or a jungle, but the growth/production is awesome. I think the plant you call lupine is a motherwort, it has sharp prickles around it's flowers/seedheads if it is. Love your garden and a person who sees the value of thistles instead of a battle to eradicate them!

[@RickLarsonPermacultureDesigner]

Thank you very much. People who understand how plants really work, and how humans can take advantage to grow a lot more healthy food than agriculture can, are few and far between. :-)

[@vintagetrishgarden]

How did I miss this video of yours Rick? Popped up on my recommended list today. Excellent system with massive production from your space. Just don't let those 'precocious hazelnuts' give you any lip :)

[@elliemae4525]

Hey Rick, I was wondering what planting zone you live in. I always enjoy watching your growing videos. You have established an awesome, very impressive Permaculture. One of the best I've seen. Keep up the good work. God bless you and yours!

[@RickLarsonPermacultureDesigner]

USDA Planting Zone 5. Thank you very much!

[@mikebatz200]

great video Rick thanks for sharing. amazing garden

[@RickLarsonPermacultureDesigner]

Thank you!

[@garthwunsch]

I have a 1200 sq. ft. No-Dig veggie garden so am gaining some insights here to intensify my cropping. One question - I have always been told to remove the garlic "seed" heads to improve the bulb size. Do you get decent bulbs? I chop the tops off and throw them into the raspberry bed mulch, then have green garlic in the spring. Thanks for all the work you invest in making your videos.

[@RickLarsonPermacultureDesigner]

I've cut the scapes off before they go to seed and eat them. I've also allow the seeds to form, but harvested them just before they hardened off. And I also have allowed some to go to seed for replanting for fresh spring pick just like you do. It all works!Here is a video of harvesting seeds: kzbin.info/www/bejne/iZS6eHiDoNeFqLeIhanks!

[@elainebates4642]

Hi Rick, been watching your clips for about 2yrs now and really enjoy your personality and gardening. I am letting you know if you did not know that 'Bill Mollison' passed away recently. I heard you mention his name in this clip. Thank you and happy permy gardening.

[@RickLarsonPermacultureDesigner]

Yes. I am saddened Bill Mollison has passed. Thank you, happy permy gardening to you!

[@AussiePharmer]

Wasn't sure if I was on the right channel. Didn't recognize you without the beard! Garden's looking great!

[@RickLarsonPermacultureDesigner]

The weather is predicted to go hot, so I mow'd 'er down. Thanks for the comment!

[@christasmicroflowerfarm2695]

Hi from Australia,fantastic garden.

[@RickLarsonPermacultureDesigner]

Thank you very much!

[@IsaiahLegrant]

wow Rick, your garden tho, lol nice man. You've been growing potatoes in the one spot for the past 3 years? Your Garden is looking full of great plants, great work! Also nice to meet another gardener on KZbin!

[@RickLarsonPermacultureDesigner]

Until you learn permaculture, you really are reliant on the agribusiness products. Anotherwords, you aren't a grow farm.

[@albanoeira372]

HI Mr ricky your videos are amazing we can see you make all with mutch love.All so Green and fresh ,by the away,,,where your dog?all gardener have a dog.merry christmas.abraço from PORTUGAL

[@RickLarsonPermacultureDesigner]

Merry Christmas, no dog yet!

[@chancellorism]

Wow, great garden and lots of interesting experiments. Does anyone know where he is? In re climate etc

[@RickLarsonPermacultureDesigner]

Manitowoc Wisconsin USDA Planting Zone 5!

[@mrcharrington1]

So impressive. How do you fertilize everything?

[@RickLarsonPermacultureDesigner]

I make my own compost! kzbin.info/aero/PLDCRYtmkDsX_QlOOIplztpges3GehQ1x6

[@branimirmarold7343]

thanks for sharing, respect!

[@RickLarsonPermacultureDesigner]

You're very welcome, respect! :-)

[@TheKristenGibson]

Branimir Marold amazing!

[@Rhonda_B]

awesome tour! I'm very jealous, my yard is tiny but i do what i can. Do you sell your surplus at the farmers market?

[@RickLarsonPermacultureDesigner]

I did last year, but this year I am making a concerted effort to eat more.

[@jacquelynnstroup6134]

I see you have the moringa tree, the one grab around by the chicken wire, right? I also have one, every morning I strip around 15 small leafs and chew them, they are high in vitamine.

[@RickLarsonPermacultureDesigner]

No Moringa here. This is USDA Planting Zone 5.

[@jeimmortal]

I don't understand some of your terminology. But it's probably because I have not read up on permaculture, maybe. I have an idea about pollinating to run by you....what if you took a bag and placed over the the early blooming/pollinating (elderberries?) and jiggling it to make pollen go in, then later put it over the ones that bloom late without a pollinator? Has anyone ever done that?

[@williamshaw667]

Wow cool garden how much land do you own? Is it more than one acer?

[@sirjimmy71]

Since you're letting the birds have their dust bath area, you might consider adding a bit of DE to that spot.

[@RickLarsonPermacultureDesigner]

Oh. Hey. That is a good idea. Thanks!

[@LauraTeAhoWhite]

Hi rick, is that massive lawn a part of your property too?

[@RickLarsonPermacultureDesigner]

No. That grass line is the property line.

[@jacquelynnstroup6134]

I love your garden, what state do you live? The weather must be nice.

[@RickLarsonPermacultureDesigner]

Wisconsin! Four seasons here.

[@1lakeaccess]

Nice. Can't wait to see the UP video;-)

[@RickLarsonPermacultureDesigner]

I have a few up already. :-)

[@Lochness19]

Is there any benefit to keeping black walnuts, even in your "wild land"? Most gardeners seem to recommend remove them due to the toxins they emit.

[@RickLarsonPermacultureDesigner]

there are many plants that can life with black walnuts. There is also a study with fertile well aerated soil then more plants can live with them.

[@phoenixkay7191]

Very nice!

[@RickLarsonPermacultureDesigner]

You should see it now!

[@phoenixkay7191]

Everything looks so lush and healthy!

[@RickLarsonPermacultureDesigner]

@@phoenixkay7191 I wasn't smart enough to go the seed route back then. :-)

[@melodieobryan916]

What do you add to enrich the soil, Rick?

[@RickLarsonPermacultureDesigner]

I make aerobic compost. Here is a playlist: kzbin.info/aero/PLDCRYtmkDsX_QlOOIplztpges3GehQ1x6

[@myrnhussey8230]

I'm enjoying this, Rick. What zone are you in? 5 or 6?

[@myrnhussey8230]

PS: This is Myrn in Paris from FB...the irony if that milkweed is, as seems likely helping the corn to grow...how much has been taken out to grow corn? Also that is the tallest damned milkweed I have ever seen. is that normal in your area> or is it just so happy with your soil amendments?

[@RickLarsonPermacultureDesigner]

I'm in 5, some maps have it at 5b. My backyard is a mile or so from Lake Michigan and there is definitely a maritime effect here. Thank you!

[@davidhuston139]

very good video rick

[@RickLarsonPermacultureDesigner]

Thank you!

[@marilyncabahit218]

wowwwwww!look like very healthy

[@michelebrooke3206]

What state are you in and what is the date of the video? I have not viewed the entire video - maybe you identified your state and the date. Thank you.

[@Lochness19]

I thought dill was supposed to be bad for carrots and tomatoes. So is that just a myth? They seem to be doing fine here?

[@RickLarsonPermacultureDesigner]

I think my soil is so rich in carbon now with the compost I'm making, it doesn't matter.

[@danworley3806]

What do you do with honey locust? I have been over run with them in my pastures, with deer spreading seeds . Cut them down and they sprout right back. Kill em by painting tourdon herbicide on exposed stump as soon as possibile after cutting. Horrible with big thorns.

[@RickLarsonPermacultureDesigner]

Chop the branches full of leaves off the trees when the pasture is spent, and the cows will eat them. The cows will also use them for shade, so they won't suffer in the heat of the day, which will fatten them up. If you fence the trees off for a time, the grass beneath them will grow lush. And if your cows are eating the bark, that is an indication your pasture is deficient in minerals. Locusts are drought-proof feed for your cows, you are lucky to have some persistent ones.

[@Lochness19]

29:59 what's the plant you mention there? It sounded like "ochira"?

[@RickLarsonPermacultureDesigner]

Achira. A main crop staple of the Americas.

[@Lochness19]

@@RickLarsonPermacultureDesigner thanks!

[@ajwrightnz01]

Rick, could you sketch a map of your property and show it in a video?

[@RickLarsonPermacultureDesigner]

I have thought about a white board sketch mixed with video taken from the top of my garage and shed. Just haven't done it yet. Maybe your comment will be the motivation!

[@ajwrightnz01]

That would be awesome. I get a bit disorientated during your walk-throughs. Your work is inspirational. Hoping to have a decent sized property one day that would be modelled to look somthing like yours!

[@RickLarsonPermacultureDesigner]

Ok!

[@precisiont5188]

Where is this?

[@RickLarsonPermacultureDesigner]

Wisconsin planting zone 5.

[@marilyncabahit218]

that is ur new vid Sir?what year?

[@RickLarsonPermacultureDesigner]

You can see the date it was published below the video. This particular one was recorded about a week beforehand.

[@marilyncabahit218]

ahhh!ok Sir.thank you

[@lisadurham2545]

Are you sure that you should be digging out peat?? One of our most important carbon stores,

[@RickLarsonPermacultureDesigner]

I don't know, hadn't thought of it. My idea has been to grow food so I don't buy food from the agriculturists, who are releasing gobs of carbon. I'll think about this, thanks.

[@reneebrown5598]

What zone are you in?

[@RickLarsonPermacultureDesigner]

Five.

[@mtnmanrab]

What state do you live in?

[@RickLarsonPermacultureDesigner]

Wisconsin!

[@svetlanikolova7673]

I hope you donate to local food shelters?

[@RickLarsonPermacultureDesigner]

No. They ought to grow food at the community garden.

[@svetlanikolova7673]

@@RickLarsonPermacultureDesigner same thing

[@ninjabeatz905]

nice Rick

[@RickLarsonPermacultureDesigner]

Thank you.

[@moirakemp867]

You would make much better video`s if you carry your camera and film at the same time while you`re talking. To see close up what you are talking about, would be great.

[@RickLarsonPermacultureDesigner]

Ok.

[@mingsong]

dont u worry about birds eating fruit?

[@Michael_McMillan]

Yack-On .... no it is Yah-Cone

[@RickLarsonPermacultureDesigner]

Yeahyeahyeah.

[@Michael_McMillan]

When I get drunk, I'm going to yacon you.

[@RickLarsonPermacultureDesigner]

I could think of worse!

[@garybushwacker]

i think that was nut weed you broke off

[@RickLarsonPermacultureDesigner]

Huh.

[@rachaelthomas1611]

Long rambling video. Not educational. Where are you? What zone?

[@RickLarsonPermacultureDesigner]

Yes. No. Since you aren't pretending to be nice you'll have to figure that out yourself.

[@rachaelthomas1611]

Sorry for the negative comment. It probably had more to do with my mood than your video. I felt bad right after I did it. My 2 year old was trying my patience at the time. That being said, not all teachers connect with all students. I tend to enjoy long garden tours. I think maybe a little more focus or organization would have helped the video be more enjoyable for me. Beautiful plants! Thank you for taking the time to share them with everyone.