On Saturday I’m facilitating my 5th Permablitz, but the first I designed and organised without Dylan. It’s a bit scary going solo, but being a community project really exciting! As I got the final preparations in order and butterflies fluttered in my stomach, I realised how daunting it must be for first time designer/facilitators. If you are a bit scared of putting yourself out there here are some random tips I’ve picked up along the way. Not at all exhaustive, but I hope it encourages you to get involved.
Don’t try and do everything yourself!
I have designed and facilitated at all 5 of my Permablitzes and been head facilitator at 3 of them (and although it is hard to believe someone who doesn’t take her own advice) don’t do both, for your own sanity! Get someone from the collective to be head facilitator on the day and take a back seat role. It will allow you to relax a bit more while someone with experience takes the reins. They will also pick up on logistical issues such as bottle necks to the compost pile that you might have missed.
Have fun!
The people who attend the permablitz are volunteers so whilst a little bit of hard work is fine, don’t run them into the ground like slaves. Temper hole digging with easier fun activities like planting and workshops. If people feel like they have learnt something when they leave then it’s a beautiful thing! You’ll get a lot of first time Blitzers attending and you don’t want this blitz to be their last!
Dream big, but not too big!
It’s okay to design the perfect permaculture garden that will feed 3 families of 4 come the apocalypse, but know what is achievable. Ask yourself is this too much for the host to maintain? Is it too much to do in a day? Yes, cut it back. Perhaps suggest staging it, with 2 blitzes a year apart. Not only will the Blitzers have a manageable amount of work to do on the day, but it won’t be too much weeding, planting, watering for the host to deal with come the morning. If it is all running like a well oiled machine months later then the host can hold another blitz to finish the job, if not, maybe just a Permabee to help maintain what is already there.
Know your soil
If there is any digging to be done on the day make sure you know what you’ve got yourself into. Heavy clay might mean you decide not to do that swale and build up instead. If you aren’t building the soil up it might even be a good idea to suggest a soil test in case of contaminants. If you are digging down on public land also consider dialing before you dig, to make sure you don’t cut something important. That would be awkward!
Know your micro-climates
Soil, sun and moisture can vary so much on the one site! Lastcweek I marked the path for Sqturday’s Blitz with a shovel, it was hard work, but now I can relax the morning of the Blitz, the markings won’t wash away like spray paint, it will be clear to see where to scalp the turf and I was able to have a good look at the different soil types and moisture patterns on site. And on a 27+C day I definitely worked out where the shade was. This will be really helpful when it’s time for planting, making sure the soft moisture lovers are not hanging out where the tough guys should be lurking.
Don’t forget the plants!
That might seem obvious, but hosts tend to get so concentrated on compost and mulch that hardly any time and budget is left for plants and a Permablitz without plants leaves it looking unfinished, more opportunity for weeds to grow, exposed to the elements and nothing for the host to eat. If money is an issue then remind them to get propagating ASAP, and their friends and family, and please anyone who can donate seedlings!
Value design, but don’t be precious
Its your host’s garden so apart from a design and list of materials it is not your job to run around ordering materials and plants for them. By creating a kickass design you have already given them a lot of yourself. Remember if you value good design others will to. And for host & designer, don’t make promises that are going above and beyond that you can’t deliver. Too hard? Be honest! Although some ideas might be amazing, they might be impractical, not everyone is blessed with a ute, learn to let go. By the same token, it’s not your garden so don’t force your ideas on resistant ears.
Prepare for a rainy day.
Despite your best intentions some things are out of your control. One of these is the weather another is your volunteers. Be prepared! Can you tarp an area? Can you reduce the scope in case people don’t turn up? Or maybe it is way too hot, how can you provide shade? Don’t forget sunscreen and hydration! Whatever comes your way have a contingency plan. If it’s too wet to dig paths out in the slosh, it’s okay to save it for another day (make sure the host is aware of this). Perhaps you can get the sheet mulching done and a timber planter built under cover. Quality not quantity!
Don’t double handle
If it’s easier to do things inefficiently at a blitz you have too many people. Carefully plan circulation and access paths to avoid bottle necks. Make sure you have enough wheelbarrows and tools. When you send out a reminder email a week before the blitz ask people to tell you what they can bring. Divide the Blitzers into smaller groups with a facilitator for each who can look after their questions rather than you being the only go to person. Spread these groups out so they don’t get in each others way or all need the hose at once. Let them look after an area rather than a task, no one wants to be on compost moving all day.
Be inspired
Throughout the day take a moment to realise what you all have achieved. You came together as a group of strangers to create something beautiful, not only for the garden’s owner, but for the community as well. Back pats and beers all round! See you on Saturday!
