Permaculture: A Designers’ Manual

Author(s): Bill Mollison

Publisher: Ten Speed

ISBN: 0908228015

Order From: Amazon.com
(links will open in a new window)

For those of us searching for an ecologically responsible lifestyle amid urban and suburban insanity, Bill Mollison has a real and exciting answer. This book is full of helpful advice presented in a very readable way. (The only problem might be getting stuck in the chapters on climates that don’t concern you; just skip them until later!) The groundwork philosophy of permaculture is laid first, and the book moves from there to the practical business of actually designing one. The emphasis is on letting various plant and animal species work together as much as possible, to form a basically self-sustaining system from which people can reap a continual harvest, not only of food, but of interest and self-respect. What a prospect! It is certainly a very different one from what we young people have been taught to expect from life! This volume is much more complete in both the philosophy and the practice than were the original “Permaculture One” and “Permaculture Two.” It is also much less focused on the Southern Hemisphere, which is helpful for North Americans trying to visualize their own permaculture. I can only hope that more people happen upon this book as I did and are themselves inspired to create a fulfilling life for themselves and their children.

— Wendell Berry

This is the permaculture bible, written by the great guru of permaculture. Site design issues are interwoven throughout the text.

Regenerative Design for Sustainable Development

Author(s): John Tillman Lyle

Publisher: John Wiley & Sons

ISBN: 0471555827

Order From: Amazon.com
(links will open in a new window)

Landscape Architecture

Regenerative Design for Sustainable Development Winner, 1994 Merit Award for Communications, American Society of Landscape Architects

“Regenerative Design for Sustainable Development is nothing less than a user’s manual for planet Earth that integrates the principles of ecological design with practical realities better than anything I’ve read. John Lyle has written the best book now available on the theory and practice of sustainability . . . essential reading for natural resource professionals, architects, planners, educators, environmentalists, and the general public.” –David W. Orr, Professor and Chair Environmental Studies Program, Oberlin College.

“John Lyle has written a splendid book, Regenerative Design for Sustainable Development. It is perfectly topical; it is committed to the unity of art and science, design and planning, man and nature. It is itself exemplary, and it is a repository of exemplary adaptations. It has carried the environmental movement to a new threshold of ecological planning and design. It should be widely read and employed.” –Ian L. McHarg, FASLA.

“In these times of widespread urban stress and regional disruption, the cogent thoughts of John Tillman Lyle on sustainable cities are on target and highly constructive. They are must reading for planning professionals and all concerned citizens.” –John Ormsbee Simonds, FASLA.

“More designers need to broaden their horizons in the way John Lyle has put forth in this book. In general, there are far too few land planners, landscape architects, or architects who have any working procedure that approximates what sustainable design entails. This book provides important historical background and contemporary experience to help guide the way.”–Pliny Fisk III, Center for Maximum Potential Building Systems.

From the despoliation of our rivers and lakes by industrial runoff to the destruction of our atmosphere by sulphur emissions and CFCs, production cycles based on a one-way flow of materials and energy have pushed us to the brink of environmental collapse. It is time for a change, and in this groundbreaking book, John Tillman Lyle offers us a blueprint for implementing that change.

This book provides civil engineers, architects, land development planners, and others with practical, realistic approaches to reversing this deadly course. Throughout, the emphasis is on proven regenerative practices for water use, land use, energy use, and building design. Most importantly, it provides ways to reestablish connections between people and nature, between art and science, and between technology and daily life.

From the Publisher

200 years of global industrialization have brought the Earth to the brink of environmental crisis. One of the most respected figures in environmental design presents methods for reversing past trends in practical and realistic ways. Describes a broad sampling of practices and technologies that are inherently self-renewing along with examples which demonstrate how they have been applied through carefully conceived design in various situations. Explores the roles of regenerative design in social, physical, and political contexts.

Earth User’s Guide to Permaculture

Author(s): Rosemary Morrow, Rob Allsop (Illustrator)

Publisher: Seven Hills Book Distributors

Paperback: 144 pages

ISBN: 0864175140

ISBN-13: 978-0864175144

Order From: Amazon.com
(links will open in a new window)

The principle for permaculture is simple: provide back to the earth what we take from it to create a sustainable environment. The three principle aims are: Care for people; Care for the earth; and Redistributing everything surplus to one’s needs.

This completely revised and updated edition of Rosemary Morrow’s highly successful Earth User’s Guide to Permaculture is a straight-forward manual of practical permaculture. Fundamentally, permaculture is design science and in this new edition design is emphasised. This book will be most beneficial if you apply it to the space where you live and work. The same principles apply for becoming more sustainable and living lightly whether you live in a small city apartment with a balcony, in a house with a garden in the suburbs, or on acreage in the country.Included in this new edition are chapters on seed-saving, permaculture at work, integrated pest management, information about domestic as well as rural water usage, a non-destructive approach towards dealing with weeds and wildlife, and designing to withstand a disaster.Earth User’s Guide to Permaculture is suitable for beginners as well as experienced permaculture practitioners looking for new ideas in moving towards greater self-reliance and sustainable living.

Roof Gardens: History, Design, and Construction

Author(s): Theodore Osmundson

Publisher: W. W. Norton & Company; 1st edition (November 1997)

Hardcover: 320 pages

ISBN: 0393730123

ISBN-13: 978-0393730128

Order From: Amazon.com
(links will open in a new window)

Sometimes called “green roofs” by promoters of sustainable architecture, roof gardens have stimulated much discussion among architects and urban planners. A great many roof gardens, from intimate private enclaves to enormous public spaces have been built in the last fifty years. But there has been little formal research into the systems that support successful roof gardens, the technical requirements of a long-lived, healthy roof garden — nor about the costly failures that can result when such requirements are ignored.

In the first comprehensive study published in English, respected landscape architect Theodore Osmundson provides the practical information professionals need to be able to include well-designed and well-constructed roof gardens in their projects. Roof Gardens covers site considerations, construction, design elements, and maintenance, as well as useful data and sources of supply and information. It presents a wealth of material, including typical sections and details of raised planters, walls, paving, drainage and lighting. It also discusses planting soils and root-proofing. New construction techniques — largely unknown in the United States are also reviewed.

In addition, Roof Gardens offers a richly illustrated tour of roof gardens around the world and through history.

“This should become the guidebook on the subject of roof gardens, acquired by every landscape architect employed in the task of greening cities and buildings.”-Ian McHarg, FASLA

“This long-awaited treatise on rooftop landscape architecture is . . . an authoritative work . . . a practical, creative, and stimulating book that is bound to make a difference.”-John Ormsbee Simonds, FASLA

1999, 320 pages, 100 in color, Hardcover

Conservation Design for Subdivisions

Author(s): Randall G. Arendt

ISBN: I559634898

Order From: Amazon.com
(links will open in a new window)

This practical handbook explores better ways of designing new residential developments. Site designers, developers, land-use planners and landowners will learn how to implement new ideas about land-use planning and environmental protection. Abundantly illustrated with site plans (many in color), floor plans, photographs and simple renditions of houses and landscapes, it describes a series of simple and straight-forward techniques that allow for land-conserving development.

The book proposes a step-by-step approach to conserving natural areas by rearranging density on each development parcel as it is being planned so that no more than half of the buildable land is dedicated to houselots and streets. Homes are built in a less land-consumptive manner, so the balance of property can be permanently protected. These areas are to become an interconnected network of green spaces and green corridors. Included in the book are model zoning and subdivision ordinance provisions that can help citizens and local officials implement these innovative designs. 160 pages. 1996

Introduction to Stormwater: Concept, Purpose, Design

Author(s): Bruce K. Ferguson

Publisher: Wiley; 1 edition (February 13, 1998)

ISBN: 047116528X

ISBN-13: 978-0471165286

Order From: Amazon.com
(links will open in a new window

Hardcover

This professional reference tool combines basic concepts of hydrology with the latest applications for landscape architecture and site engineering–including effective, eco-friendly, and people-friendly design methods for:
* Wetlands construction
* Groundwater recharge
* Infiltration
* Porous pavements
* Stream restoration
* Water harvesting

Stormwater management is an essential component of all landscape architecture and site engineering projects. Introduction to Stormwater helps solve environmental problems that arise in the process of planning, implementing, and evaluating the built environment.

This useful guide is of singular importance to landscape architects, civil engineers, architects, wetlands scientists, and other environmental professionals who must comply with ever-changing government regulations. Concepts such as drainage, runoff quality, and drought control are presented in an easy-to-learn, nontechnical format, using case studies drawn from all regions of the United States. Over 200 charts, tables, photographs, and examples aid in conceptualization and calculations. Each chapter contains exercises to ensure that the user acquires applied skills essential to professional licensure exams and practice in the field, as well as information on related software.

From the Publisher

Stormwater management is a growing concern for landscape architects and related professionals–most urban development projects now require some type of stormwater management to comply with local, state, or federal regulations. This book gives designers and others involved in these projects the fundamental concepts of stormwater management from the local to the regional scale.

The Green Kitchen Handbook: Practical Advice, References, & Sources for Transforming the Center of Your Home into a Healthy, Livable Place

Author(s): Annie Berthold-Bond, Mothers for a Livable Planet, Meryl Streep

Publisher: HarperCollins (paper)

ISBN: 0060951869

Order From: Amazon.com
(links will open in a new window)

The Green Kitchen Handbook: Practical Advice, References, and Sources for Transforming the Center of Your Home into a Healthy, Livable Place

Paperback, 304 pages
Publication date: March 1997

From Booklist , 03/15/97:
Berthold-Bond’s practical guide answers dozens of questions environmentally conscientious and curious cooks have wondered about for years, such as the geographic origin of common healthful foods, their processing or production, and what makes them healthful or not. High points are the detailed discussion of oils and their uses, fatty acid profiles, and smoke points; the microbiology and biochemistry of food preservation in lay language, along with step-by-step procedures for freezing, drying, canning, and preparing a root cellar; a survey of organic agriculture and its standards; and suggestions on how to reduce food packaging and its attendant toxins and nonbiodegradable waste. The last section covers nonfood issues, including household hazardous waste, alternative and safe cleaning supplies and pest control, water purity and conservation, energy-saving appliances, and equipment choices. Well formatted for easy reference, this handbook offers numerous charts of equivalencies, substitutions, and cooking times and concludes with a resource list and an index. Copyright© 1997, American Library Association. All rights reserved

Synopsis:
Featuring everything from lessons on reading labels on packaged foods to buying organic, from canning and community gardening to creating a root cellar, this unique handbook offers suggestions for economical and environmentally conscious alternatives which make keeping a green kitchen a viable, practical option.

Card catalog description
Maintaining an ecologically sound kitchen makes cooking and eating more enjoyable and contributes to the well-being of the environment and your health and family. The Green Kitchen Handbook offers a wealth of practical advice, references, and sources for turning your kitchen into a healthful, livable space. It contains simple tips for immediate use: how to buy organic foods as inexpensively and conveniently as supermarket foods, how to clean and control pests with nontoxic materials, what to look for on food labels, and how to reduce packaging. It also offers advice for more ambitious solutions, including information on canning, creating a root cellar, foraging, and joining community environmental projects. In addition, there are valuable insights on how to buy seasonal, fresh, local foods; how to avoid processed foods and refined sugars; how to recognize the hidden costs in commercial packaging; the best way to prepare and store foods; and how to embrace the new green diet without wasting time and money.

From the Publisher:
The Green Kitchen Handbook contains basic tips on and simple solutions to: what to look for on packaged food labels, how to recognize which food additives to avoid, and how to buy organic foods as inexpensively and conveniently as supermarket foods. And it offers advice for more ambitious projects including information on canning, creating root cellars, buying kitchen appliances, and joining community gardens. The Green Kitchen Handbook also includes valuable insights on how to buy local foods in season; how to avoid excess fat, sugars, and salt; where to locate the best food sources; preparing and storing foods; and integrating the principles of keeping a green kitchen with your daily routine. This unique handbook offers economical and environmentally conscious alternatives that make keeping a green kitchen simple, sensible, and delicious.

Table of Contents
Foreword By Meryl Streep
Preface By Wendy Gordon
1. Introduction
2. The New Green Diet
Step 1. Eating Organically Produced Food
Step 2 and 3. Eating Local, Seasonal Food
Step 4. Eating a Variety of Foods
Step 5. Eating Low on the Food Chain
Step 6. Eating Whole Foods with Adequate Fiber
Step 7. Avoiding Processed Food
Step 8. Reducing Packaging for Public Health and the Environment
3. The New Foragers: New Ways to Shop and Acquire Whole Food
Conventional Stores
Alternative Ways of Finding Whole Foods
Food Packaging
4. The Green Pantry
Grains and Flours
Dried Beans and Peas
Nuts and Seeds
Herbs and Spices
Teas
Whole Food Sweeteners
Healthful Oils
5. Preserving the Foods of the Harvest
The Secrets of Food Preservation
Freezing Food
Drying Food
Root Cellars
Canning Food
6. The Ecological Kitchen
Under the Kitchen Sink: Household Hazardous Waste
Cleaning
Pest Control
Water
Energy Use in the Kitchen
Equipping the Green Kitchen
Dealing with Garbage
Appendix. Nutritional Data
Resources
Index

Courtyards: Aesthetic, Social, and Thermal Delight

Author(s): John Reynolds

Publisher: Wiley; 1 edition (November 15, 2001)

Language: English

ISBN-10: 0471398845

ISBN-13: 978-0471398844
Order From: Amazon.com
(links will open in a new window)

Courtyards are special areas that allow the inside and outside to mingle; where rain, wind, daylight, darkness and sound can be showcased. Simply, they are niches of beauty and solace. Since at least 3000 B.C., courtyards have been incorporated into the architecture of the day as a significant part of the physical and cultural landscape. Today, the courtyard continues to be an evolving and popular aspect of design through which landscapers and designers can create privacy amidst increased property development.

Most people have seen the beauty of a courtyard or have experienced its social benefits, but very few studies have shown how successful courtyards are at cooling. Reynolds career-long interest in energy use, especially solar energy, is on display in the chapter on climate and comfort. Here and throughout the book, he addresses energy issues in both quality and quantity.

Courtyards presents a survey of courtyards, contemporary design guidelines and a diverse selection of examples. You will acquire a basic understanding of the balance that must exist between garden and building, including practical advice for planting.

Part One presents the characteristics of courtyards, including classifications, plants, orientation, exposure, materials and changes over time. Part Two offers a tour of some particular courtyards in Spain and Mexico, including details on thermal performance and responses to the urban environment. This section is generously supplemented with 50 color photographs. Part Three presents design guidelines, including day-night temperature ranges, zoning regulations, proportions and innovative proposals incorporating driveways and uses of rainwater.

John Reynolds is a professor emeritus of architecture at the University of Oregon. He has been actively involved in the American Solar Energy Society for many years and served as its president.

242 pages, 2002

Ecological Design and Planning (Center Books on Contemporary Landscape Design)

Author(s): George F. Thompson (Editor), Frederick R. Steiner (Editor)

Publisher: John Wiley & Sons

ISBN: 0471156140

ISBN-13: 978-0471156147

Order From: Amazon.com
(links will open in a new window)

Ecological Design and Planning (Wiley Series in Sustainable Design)

Paperback
Publication date: March 1997

Card catalog description
The common thread that runs through these essays is the authors’ conviction that the growing rift in landscape design – ecology vs. aesthetics – is an artificial one. Each author expresses abiding concern for the ecological preservation and enhancement of the site, while demonstrating clearly – with both words and pictures – that the best designs are those that harmonize aesthetic form and ecological function. Ecological Design and Planning is a source of ideas and inspiration for landscape architects and planners, architects, and all those who understand the importance of designing with nature.

The publisher, John Wiley & Sons:
This collection of essays on ecological landscape design and planning stresses the preservation and enhancement of the site’s ecological function. It discusses a central issue of the field–the incorporation of ecological principles into landscape design and planning. It addresses the growing rift in landscape design–ecology vs. aesthetics–is an artificial one. Each author expresses abiding concern for the ecological perservation and enhancement of the site, while demonstrating clearly–with both words and pictures–that the best designs are those that harmonize aesthetic form and ecological function.

Table of Contents
RETROSPECT

Landscape Ecological Planning (F Ndubisi)
The Expanded Field of Landscape Architecture (E Meyer)
Ecology and Landscape as Agents of Creativity (J Corner)
Landscape Design and Nature (L Olin)

PROSPECT

Landscape Architecture and the Changing City (M Laurie)
Ecology and the Urban Aesthetic (M Johnson)
Bioregional Planning and Ecosystem Protection (C Reiniger)
Signature-Based Landscape Design (J Woodward)

RESPECT

Beyond Stewardship Toward Partnership (SSchauman)
Fostering Living Landscapes (C Franklin)
Images of an Ideal Landscape and the Consequences for Design and Planning (M Vroom)
Ecology and Design (I McHarg)

Index.

Behind Adobe Walls : The Hidden Homes and Gardens of Santa Fe and Taos

Author(s): Landt

Publisher: Chronicle Books

ISBN: 0811811646

Order From: Amazon.com
(links will open in a new window)

Behind Adobe Walls : The Hidden Homes and Gardens of Santa Fe and Taos

Paperback, 144 pages
Publication date: June 1997

Amazon.com:
Once upon a time these New Mexico towns were rough-and-tumble settlements peopled by drifters and dreamers. Sante Fe and Taos are still very much a cultural rendezvous, but far removed from their humble beginnings; Sante Fe has lately become known as the Beverly Hills of the Southwestern U.S. Among its full-time residents are the Dennises, the husband and wife author-photographer team who host this tour of their neighbors’ private homes. The owners and designers weigh in with their own words about creating these eclectic sanctuaries, making it a very personal tour.

Customer Comments – Seattle wa USA , 10/24/97, rating=8:
Colorful presentation of some of the most colorful homes in the Santa Fe and Taos area, inspirational for those of use who love the Southwest in all its forms