Permablitz... What??? Permaminka!
“Changing the world, one garden at a time”

by Mariana Sayagues


A permablitz or, more precisely, a permaminka, is a transformation of an urban backyard, garden, or communal space into a garden that reflects Permaculture principles and design systems.

People gather to build an urban garden, share knowledge and skills about organic food production, and other aspects of sustainable living, while building community networks and having fun.


Anyone can attend a permaminka, regardless of age, experience, or physical condition. It is both a community and gardening event. It combines learning, practice, and socializing, with each aspect being as important as the others.


This idea is based on volunteering and nonprofit organizations, with reciprocity in mind. If someone wants a permaculture garden at their home, they are encouraged to help in other permaminkas first. Those who have already had a permaminka at their home are encouraged to return the favor by helping in other permaminkas.

But just because it’s fun doesn’t mean it’s unorganized! Every permaminka involves planning through one or several pre-minka design visits, the prior organization of labor, materials, tools, plants, and necessary knowledge for the activity, as well as follow-up visits after the permaminka to check how the people are doing with their new gardens.

Well, at least that’s how it is in Australia. Let’s see how it all began.

A bit of history

Permablitzes began in 2006 in a suburb of Melbourne (Australia) as a collaboration between permaculture designer Dan Palmer, his friends, and Codemo (Community Development and Multicultural Organization), a local community group composed mainly of South American immigrants. After hearing Dan rave about permaculture and the joy of having a backyard full of practically free organic vegetables, Codemo members visited the surprising and beautiful permaculture system that Dan and his friends had created in his backyard. Some of them expressed interest in growing food in their own backyards.

The first permaculture-based backyard transformation took place in Dandenong, at the home of Vilma, a Salvadoran woman. Since then, permablitzes have spread across Melbourne, then throughout Australia, and over the years, they have extended to other countries around the world.

Here

What if we also make history in Uruguay by turning gardens into permaculture gardens?

Following the premise of thinking globally and acting locally, we took the idea of permablitz and started by giving it a more local name: permaminka.

The previous experience of these initiatives in Australia is helping us shape our own proposal, consistent with our reality, and, above all, based on permaculture principles. From Permaculture Uruguay, we want to promote permaminkas with this spirit, to help each other continue taking steps toward a more sustainable life.

In the next edition, we will have more information, and we hope to be able to invite you to participate in this experience. Stay tuned!



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