Co-Designing with Nature: The “Do-Nothing” Approach to Permaculture

Permaculture is often described as “permanent agriculture,” an umbrella term encompassing various philosophies, methodologies, and practices aimed at creating sustainable, self-sufficient ecosystems. When you think of permaculture, what images come to mind?

Do you picture rows of weed-free heirloom vegetables, carefully mulched with sugar cane? A mandala garden bursting with vibrant flowers? Or perhaps manmade swales on a mountainside filled with banana trees?

While these are all valid expressions of permaculture and organic farming, they don’t fully align with my approach.

Inspired by the works and philosophies of Masanobu Fukuoka, Baskar Save Ji, and my understanding of plant life, I practice what is often called the “do-nothing” way. But what does “do-nothing” really mean?

In practice, it’s a departure from conventional methods: no neatly lined rows of produce, no trenches or swales. There’s minimal weeding, no daily watering, and no tilling. Instead, I work with the plants themselves, each one with its unique traits and personality. If you place a plant somewhere it doesn’t like, it can wither and die, or it will move itself over time to find a place that suits it better. They do communicate with us, such as wilting when thirsty, stretching toward the sun, or slowly moving to where they feel most at home.

Some plants are bold with big personalities, growing strong and large, while others are quiet, slow growers. The designs are co-created with them, listening to their needs and responding to their rhythms. Sometimes, nature will plant her own seeds beside mine, teaching me what thrives in each space.

“Do-nothing” designs reflect the goal of reducing energy expenditure while creating a food forest, where fruits, vegetables, native plants, ornamentals, and even certain weeds coexist in harmony. While individual crop yields may be smaller, the overall variety and abundance are far greater. This diversity not only enriches the local ecology but also enhances the nutrition and flavour of the food.

At the heart of this method is observation. By attentively watching the sun’s path, weather patterns, and seasonal changes, we begin to learn the rhythms and behaviours of the land. These insights shape the design, allowing us to work with the plants, rather than against them.

So how do we begin?

We always start with the soil.

Soil quality is our priority. It serves as the foundation for all life on land, essential for producing nutritious food, supporting a healthy microbiome, and maintaining vital fungal and ecological systems. To ensure the vitality of our soil, we begin by laying down wood or sugar cane mulch, gradually transitioning to green manure (like clovers, legumes, daikon) or green ground cover (such as sweet potato, peanut plant, or nasturtium). In doing so, we rebuild lost habitat and structure in the soil, protecting it from wind, heat, water erosion, and moisture loss. As the mulch breaks down, you’ll often see the mycelium of fungi weaving through it, a clear sign of life in the soil and the beginning of a thriving ecosystem.

Throughout the design site, we also strategically place compost bins into the ground, leaving the compost undisturbed. These bins act as lighthouses in the dark, attracting life to the surrounding area and providing food, shelter, and potential mates for our underground friends. All those beautiful worms, insects, bacteria, and fungi are our helpers here. We cultivate a habitat for them, and in return, they help us.

The deep, rich brown of the soil is a great indicator of soil quality, a sign that it's full of life, nutrients, and vitality.

The “do-nothing” philosophy focuses on minimal intervention, aligning with several core principles:

No Tilling: Preserving soil structure and the life within it.
Minimal Weeding: Allowing plants to establish their own equilibrium, working with weeds, depending on the variety.
No Chemical Fertilisers or Pesticides: Relying on mulch, chop and drop, occasional seaweed juice, and natural processes for soil fertility, as well as selective planting for pest control.
Minimal Watering: We want plants to be happy where they are. Once they’ve secured their place in the soil, they should be able to sustain themselves through natural rainfall patterns.

By observing and learning from nature, I’ve shifted from an intensive gardening approach to a more sustainable, less labor-intensive system. For me, this journey embodies the essence of permaculture: working with nature rather than against it, creating thriving, resilient ecosystems through patience, respect, and careful observation.

If you’re inspired by the idea of transforming your garden or land into a thriving food forest, this approach offers a practical and nature-aligned path. Imagine a landscape where fruits, vegetables, and native plants grow together naturally, reducing the need for constant upkeep. By letting nature guide the process, we create spaces that are not only productive but also beautiful and ecologically balanced.

Together, we can create a sustainable future, one garden, one farm at a time. Happy Growing!