Perma—What?!

Behind The Orchard Shop at Minnetrista, there is a secret garden. Unassuming as it is, you might walk right past it. But take a closer look. This garden is bursting with food! And people! And…dogs? This is the Permaculture Demonstration Garden at Minnetrista, started in partnership with The Permaculture Initiative.

You might be asking yourself…

“I’ve always been curious about permaculture,” says Jack, a local dog. “Now I can see it in action!”

What is Permaculture?

Permaculture is a sustainable way of growing food that’s modeled on natural systems. It is the idea that by observing and mimicking nature, we can create an agricultural system that is also an ecosystem.

In many permaculture gardens, including Minnetrista’s, the intent is to emulate a forest—tall fruit and nut trees create the canopy, while fruiting shrubs fill in the understory. Edible groundcovers trail underfoot as vines clamber through the undergrowth. Annuals fill in sunny spaces, while legumes improve the soil. It’s all about design. The goal is to look at how things work together in nature, and integrate them into a garden.

Permaculture Initiative members water newly planted tomatoes.

What is the Permaculture Initiative?

The Permaculture Initiative is a community organization devoted to spreading permaculture in Muncie. The Permaculture Initiative partners with Minnetrista and other local entities to create and maintain gardens. It’s a great way to expand your garden knowledge, meet friends, and take home some food. Here are some pictures from a recent work day at Minnetrista. Ball State students, community members, and Minnetrista staff created a new garden bed for tomatoes and tomatillos.

Permaculture Initiative members, a.k.a. “permies,” build a new garden bed.

“Permies” pose for the camera after a day of hard work.

How can I be involved?

Come and see us! Work days in the Permaculture Garden at Minnetrista happen Wednesday evenings from 4 to 7 p.m. Produce is sold at Farmers Market at Minnetrista on Wednesday from 3 to 6 p.m. and Saturday from 8 to noon. Anyone is welcome to help in the gardens or at the sales booth. Come out and join us!

Brittany Blankenburg and Max Butler sell produce from the garden during Farmers Market at Minnetrista.