Principles and philosophy

Nature can take care of itself

The core idea of permaculture is that nature is good at looking after itself when we create the right conditions. We are moving further in that direction all the time. In practice:

• Garlic planted next to the apple trees keeps deer from gnawing the bark.
• Several apple varieties mixed within the same row limit the spread of disease.
• Other trees and bushes between the rows increase biodiversity.

Diversity in the orchard

We have planted 3,000 new trees and 800 bushes in a varied mix. It gives food and shelter to insects and animals – and natural pest control, so nature can do part of the work for us.

Old, robust varieties

We like to work with old varieties that are robust and suited to the climate and soil. The farm lies in hardiness zone 8B, close to the sea, with salty air and clay soil – so it matters to choose trees that thrive right here.

Animals on the farm

It is not only the plants that contribute to the balance. We attract certain species and keep certain animals:

• Runner ducks eat the slugs.
• Hens live in a caravan that moves around the fields, and give us eggs.
• Goats are a fixed part of life on the farm.
• Bees pollinate the blossom – and give honey in return for a home.

On the way – not arrived

The transformation at Baksminde is an ongoing process, not a state we have reached. It is about finding the balance: between orchard and nature, and between the commercial side and what we want to share with others.

Inspection and openness