Holiday with permaculture
Organic, ecological, biodynamic, and above all, chemical-free: many hobby gardeners want to cultivate and nurture their crops as naturally as possible. In recent years, the term permaculture has been increasingly used in the context of natural gardening. Many sustainable vacation rentals also embrace this concept. advertise with it, that they cultivate their fruit and vegetable gardens according to these principles. But what does that actually mean?
Where does the concept of permaculture come from?
The concept was developed in the 1970s by Australians Bill Mollison and David Holmgreen. They were convinced that permanent agriculture - A sustainable, natural, and self-regulating agriculture—is more sustainable than industrial agriculture, which is all about short-term yield maximization. Although Mollison and Holmgreen had large-scale agriculture in mind at the time, their ideas have so far borne fruit primarily in private gardens. For example, with these Good Travel hosts:
3 permaculture accommodations in Germany
Permaculture: Gardening based on nature's example
Permaculture isn't just for creative dreamers. Its design aims to create productive ecosystems. Typically, a unique concept is developed for each garden, making optimal use of the available space while simultaneously providing space for humans and nature to thrive. Nature itself is always the source of ideas and inspiration: Permaculture designers consciously strive to mimic natural ecosystems in which plants, animals, and other organisms interact symbiotically.
3 permaculture accommodations in ITALY
What is special about permaculture gardens?
Those who take permaculture seriously avoid chemicals like herbicides, pesticides, or fungicides, cultivate the soil gently, and return waste to the cycle as compost or mulch. In addition to traditional beds, permaculture gardens often feature raised beds, herb spirals, biotopes, ponds, dry-stone walls, nesting boxes, leaf piles, hedges, and trees. These elements not only provide structure but also offer veritable luxury accommodations for beneficial insects such as bees and butterflies. It's no wonder, then, that permaculture is booming in ecotourism—for hosts are using it to create diverse, artistic, edible oases where there's always something to discover. Another advantage: the better the design mimics a natural ecosystem, the less maintenance the garden requires in the long run, because it regulates and regenerates itself.
Permaculture accommodations in Austria, Switzerland and France
Permaculture is more than just gardening
Permaculture may have found its way into many gardens, but its original concept extends far beyond the garden fence. According to its founders, it's not just about the responsible, resource-conserving use of our earth. Permaculture also has a social dimension. Mollison divided these into "people care" and "fair share": Those who practice permaculture should treat people with care and distribute and use available resources fairly. Just as in a garden, the aim is to create structures and conditions under which all participants can develop well and inspire one another. This includes, for example, collaborative work with neighbors or democratic decision-making structures within a community. This is another reason why we at Good Travel believe that permaculture is a perfect fit for us and our hosts – and we welcome any other accommodations that are interested in trying out the concept.
Conclusion: Holiday with Permaculture
A permaculture vacation means much more than just sustainable gardening: It invites you to immerse yourself in vibrant ecosystems, rediscover nature as a source of inspiration, and simultaneously use resources with care. Those staying in accommodations with a permaculture garden not only enjoy fresh, home-grown fruit and vegetables, but also an atmosphere that brings people and nature into harmony. This makes the stay an experience that is both grounding and inspiring—and demonstrates that sustainable travel and a good life can go hand in hand.
Here you can find more PERMAKULTUR accommodations:
Photos: Vegan Agrivilla I Pini, Michelberger Farm, Hof Obst, Gutshaus Linstow, Vegan Agrivilla I Pini, Casa Viva / Veronika Anna Photography, EcoVita, Sonnentor, Berglodge Goms, Ferm Auberge Fennematt
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Ina Hiester
Ina is a digital nomad and travels through Europe by land and sea. The journalist is always on the lookout for special places for Good Travel, philosophizes about travel in her column, takes photographs, makes music and writes articles on all kinds of environmental and sustainability topics.
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