There aren't many better things one can do to improve their health than to organically grow some fruits, vegetables and herbs for personal consumption. Our goal is to turn as much of our small acreage in west/central Indiana into an edible landscape. We want to do so without tilling up the lawn. Our research has led us to the concept of permaculture. Permaculture gardening is a way of gardening that provides abundance while regenerating the Earth. Once a permaculture garden is established, it requires less labor and environmental stress than conventional gardening and agricultural practices demand. We found a great resource right down the road from us in Bloomington, Indiana. Please visit Permaculture Activist at www.permacultureactivist.net

We are currently working on their questionnaire for a future consultation on turning our 3 acre semi-wooded property into a mostly edible landscape, addressing some water drainage/conservation issues, and steps toward a more "green" home and lifestyle.

We would also like to investigate the feasibility of having solar panels installed on our home.

We believe that anyone can make a step and grow some of their own food, if it is in containers on a small patio or deck or even an herb garden in a sunny window. Our own back yards are a starting point to improve our own lives and help to sustain the planet.

Some good books to read on the subject are "The Permaculture Garden" by Graham Bell and "Gaia's Garden: A Guide to Home-Scale Permaculture" by Toby Hemenway with Forward by John Todd.