Let's Permablitz Guelph!

The Vision

A community of volunteers who regularly congregate to implement Permaculture Design plans in backyards around Guelph, not-for-profit, and at cost. Based on reciprocity: in other words, you attend three blitzes, help out, gain knowledge (and have fun!) and you are then entitled to have a blitz at your place.

What IS a Permablitz?

A permablitz is a day on which a group of volunteers gathers to:

• Create an edible garden where somebody lives
• Share skills related to sustainability and gardening
• Build community, and have fun

Permablitzes are free events, open to everybody, with free workshops, shared food, and a chance to get some exercise and have a great time! Everyone can contribute in some way, regardless of age, skill level, or physical ability.

Each event is preceded by a site-specific Permaculture design by a certified designer. Permablitzes run by reciprocity - established Permablitz communities usually require you to attend 2 or 3 blitzes before you get to have one at your place, but there can be exceptions (such as when the community is just starting out, like we are here in Guelph!)

Why Permaculture?

Permaculture ("permanent culture," or "permanent agriculture") is a way of growing food that mimics natural ecosystems, taking full advantage of natural cycles and the relationships between organisms and the environment to minimize labour and other inputs, while sustainably maximizing outputs. Permaculture abides by three primary ethics: care for the Earth, care for people, and fair shares.

In Southern Ontario, this often involves creating backyard "food forests": groups (or "guilds") of edible trees, shrubs, and other perennial plants that work together and share resources optimally to continue to produce food year after year. To learn more, check out some of the web links at the bottom of this page.

How can I get involved?

We're hoping to organize Guelph's first Permablitzes this spring and summer. Whether you'd like to attend a blitz at someone else's place, or host your own, you can sign up to get more information and hear about future permablitzes and gatherings. For now, send an email to permablitz@transitionguelph.org to request more information and get on the Permablitz mailing list.

Permaculture Resources Online

(Note that each one of these links will open in a separate browser window)

• Permaculture at Wikipedia
  
• The Permaculture Institute
  
• Permaculture Principles
  
• Permaculture Links at Planetfriendly.net