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alison

Meet Alison

Alison has always been passionate about the environment. With a background in permaculture design, she believes that sustainable living is within reach for everyone. Alison led the redesign of The Orchard, incorporating sustainable gardening methods suited to the subtropics. Her work promotes biodiversity, encouraging bees, birds, and butterflies to thrive in the garden.

Her mission is to help others reduce their reliance on external resources while creating a lifestyle more in tune with nature. When she’s not tending to the garden, Alison enjoys exploring the local national parks, trying new restaurants, and spending time with friends and family.

will

Meet Will

Will channels his passion for sustainability into the kitchen. He focuses on the science behind cooking, and he loves teaching others how to bake sourdough and other treats using sustainable cooking methods. He’s also responsible for many of the building projects at The Orchard, using reclaimed materials wherever possible to minimise waste.

When Will isn’t cooking or working on renovations, he enjoys entertaining guests, working on jigsaw puzzles, and caring for his orchid collection. His commitment to sustainability can be seen in every project he takes on, whether it’s baking sourdough, building with eco-friendly materials, or planting in the garden.

A Place to Learn and Connect

At its core, Live More With Less is about providing practical, mainstream solutions for those looking to make small changes that can have a lasting environmental impact. Alison and Will offer permaculture workshops, hands-on resources, and real-life examples of how to retrofit homes, grow your own food, and reduce your carbon footprint—all while maintaining a balanced lifestyle.

The Orchard is more than just their home—it’s an open space for others to learn and experience sustainable living firsthand. Whether through gardening workshops, sourdough baking classes, or a weekend retreat, Alison and Will invite visitors to see how permaculture can be applied to everyday life.

Join Us at The Orchard

Live More With Less is more than just a place for tips and advice—it’s a living example of sustainable living in action. Whether you’re curious about permaculture, interested in learning about climate-adapted gardening, or looking for ways to simplify your life, The Orchard is an inspiring destination.

With workshops, tours, and downloadable resources, Alison and Will invite you to discover how small, practical changes can help you live more with less and create a positive impact on your home, community, and the environment.

Join Us Now

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is permaculture, and how can I apply it in an urban setting?

Permaculture is a design approach that mimics natural ecosystems to create sustainable, self-sufficient systems. In urban areas, permaculture can be applied through practices like container gardening, vertical gardens, rainwater harvesting, composting, and using small spaces efficiently to grow food and support biodiversity.

2. Can I practice permaculture if I only have a small balcony or patio?

Absolutely! Permaculture is highly adaptable. On a balcony or patio, you can grow herbs, small vegetables, and pollinator plants in containers, use vertical gardening for more space, and even incorporate composting and rainwater collection on a small scale.

3. How do I start a permaculture garden in my backyard or community garden?

Start by observing your space to understand sunlight, wind, and water flow. Plan your garden using permaculture principles like zoning, layering, and plant diversity. Begin with small, easy-to-manage projects, like a compost bin or a raised bed, and expand gradually as you learn.

4. What types of plants are best suited for urban permaculture?

Plants that are edible, medicinal, or support pollinators work well in urban permaculture. Consider compact or dwarf varieties of vegetables, herbs, native plants, and species that attract beneficial insects, like bees and butterflies.

5. How can I compost in an apartment or small space?

Small-space composting options include vermiculture (worm bins), Bokashi bins, or countertop composters. These methods are odor-free and require minimal space, making them ideal for apartments.

6. What are some ways to conserve water in an urban permaculture garden?

Use rain barrels to collect water, practice mulching to reduce evaporation, and plant drought-resistant or native species. You can also use drip irrigation systems or olla pots for slow, efficient watering.

7. How does urban permaculture support local wildlife and biodiversity?

By planting native species and flowers that attract pollinators, creating small water sources like birdbaths, and providing shelter through plants and small structures, urban permaculture gardens can support birds, insects, and other beneficial wildlife.

8. Is it possible to grow enough food in an urban garden to be self-sufficient?

While full self-sufficiency can be challenging in a small urban space, you can grow a significant amount of your own herbs, greens, and seasonal vegetables. Combining efforts with a community garden can also help increase yield and diversity.

9. How can I manage pests in an urban permaculture garden without chemicals?

Use companion planting to deter pests, attract beneficial insects that prey on pests, and manually remove pests when possible. Healthy soil and strong plant diversity also create natural resilience against pests.

10. How can I learn more about permaculture in urban settings?

Look for local workshops, join online permaculture communities, or read books on urban permaculture. Engaging with community gardens or urban farms can also offer practical, hands-on experience.

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Introducing my latest chilli - black pearl. A gorgeous little plant from @fruittreecottage.com.au How many chilli varieties are too many?