Pittsburgh Garden Experiment

Hey Everyone,

Last meeting of the Permaculture working group we discussed some site considerations and the things to look at when you first walk on a property. 

Observation is the first principle of Permaculture.  Remember to take your time in this stage. As you progress as a designer, you will more quickly recognize patterns that will lead you to your final designs.  Once the overall "dream vision" is projected, it's an easy matter to find the steps required to get there.

Main Attributes of a Site Evaluation

• Background
  • History of Land
  • Local Ordinances
    • pesticide use
    • zoning
    • construction
    • yard waste disposal
  • Surrounding Neighborhood
    • noise
    • children / schools
    • pets
    • industry
  • Traffic
  • Utility Lines
    • phone
    • power
    • sewer
    • gas
  • Access to the Site
  • Local Resources
• Physical Attributes
  • Structures
  • Tall Trees
  • Topography
  • Water Flow
    • rooftop catchments
    • drain patterns
    • creeks
    • gullies
• Local Biological Health
  • Native Species and Their Health
    • fungal/bacterial infections
    • wildlife attractors
    • types of wildlife and insects
  • Intended Use
    • weedscapes
    • beneficial attractors
    • optimum fungal:bacterial ratios
  • Chemical Soil Analysis
  • Biological Soil Analysis
    • Soil Biodiversity
    • fungal:bacterial ratios
• Local Climate
  • Sun Exposure
  • Sun Angles
  • Rainfall
  • Average Temperatures
  • Wind Intensity and Direction
  • Microclimates
    • cool/hot
    • wet/dry
    • sheltered/exposed
  • Thermal Masses
    • placement
    • color

Download the list of considerations below and describe your potential site as best you can.  You can post your results on the website for feedback from the group.

Here's a copy of my list (feel free to download and use):

• site
• evaluations
• permaculture
• checklist