Canterbury Permaculture Institute offers education through a range of hands-on and theory-based learning.

​Our Permaculture Design Course (PDC) is divided into 10-weekend modules, held over a 12-month period. Below are the dates and topics that we will cover in this design course, and information on course logistics and payment options ...

​2023

August 26-27: Module 1: PERMACULTURE PHILOSOPHY, DESIGN & PATTERNS

Introduction to the course and each other

Permaculture Ethics & Principles

Permaculture Design Philosophy and framework

Design Elements #1: Define;  Observe & Interact

Patterns in Nature & Pattern Language

Macroclimates, Weather Patterns, Microclimates & Micrometeorology

Hardiness Zones, Biomes & Biome Shifting

September 23-44: Module 2: WATER & SOIL

Design Elements #2: Survey;  Catch & Store Energy

Pedogenesis

The Soil Food Web

Succession

Soil Types & Chemistry

The Nature of Water.

Earthworks & Landforms for Catching Water

The Journey of Water

Water Management - Catchment, Storage & Irrigation

Greywater & Blackwater Systems

October 21-22: Module 3: GROWING SOIL & PLANTS

Design Elements#3: Analysis;  Obtain a Yield

Soil - Different composting techniques; Soil Amendments; Vermiculture; Making Bio-complete Compost

Edible Garden Systems - Different Growing Techniques; Rotation planting; Companion Planting

Nursery Systems - Pollination; Seed Saving; Potting mix; Propagation; Transplanting; Growing under cover

Zones 0-3: Home & Backyard Food Production

November 25-26: Module 4: INTEGRATED GROWING SYSTEMS

Design Elements #4: Planning;  Applying Regulation & Accept Feedback

Urban Agriculture

Orchard & Food Forest Layout & Design

Agroforestry System

Mushroom Inoculation & Wild Foraging

Integration & Management of Animals

Zones 3-4: Large Long-Term Production Systems

2024

February 24-25: Module 5: DESIGNING FOR REGENERATION

Design Elements #5: Component Placement & Zone Designs;  Use & Value Renewable Resources & Services

City Resilience: Regeneration for our City, Suburban and Rural areas

Ecological Restoration & Regenerative Practices in Farming

Forest Ecology and Tree Systems, Forest Regeneration - Natural and Restorative

Regenerative Agriculture & Crops

Zone 5: The Need for Wild Areas; 

March 23-24:Module 6: BUILT ENVIRONMENT

Design Elements #6: Design Concept Drawings;  Produce No Waste, and Use Edges & Value the Marginal

Urban Scape: Living design, urban aspects, and regenerative city concepts

Activity: Local & Renewable Resources (Waste  =  Resources)

Natural Building Design: Techniques, Material, Orientation & Layout

Energy-Efficient Planning,  Appropriate Technology,  Sources Alternatives of Energy: Renewable & Bio-Renewable, Bio Energy

Natural Building Activity: Finish off yesterday's project;

April 20-21: Module 7: PEOPLE SYSTEMS

Design Elements #7: Implementation;  Design From Patterns to Details and Integrate Rather than Segregate

Health & Well-being

Food, Nutrient, Preserving & Tinctures

Permaculture Economic

Formation of Ownership & Access to Resources

Eco-Community & Village Design

How to design Social Systems

May 25-26: Module 8:  CULTURAL STRENGTHENING

Design Elements #8: Evaluation & Maintenance;  Use & Value Diversity, and Use Edges and Value the Margin

The Nature of Values (including Personal Beliefs)

Introduction to Non-Violent-Communication

Effective Collaboration, Governance & Decision Making, and Time & Goal Setting

Cultural Traditions & Heritage

Te Tiriti o Waitangi

Seasonal Lifestyles

June 22-24: Module 9: DESIGN PROJECT

Design Elements #9Tweaking;  Creativity Use and Respond to Change

This weekend is to go through the full design process compiling the design components learned through the year into a design that we are present at the following month's module.

July 22-23: Module 10: PRESENTATION

Presenting your Design and receiving feedback

Certification of completion of the course

Celebration feast 

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For more information visit Canterbury Permaculture Insitute