up:: [[Permaculture Principles]] x:: [[Ecotones]] tags:: #on/permaculture # Use Edges and Value the Marginal [Permaculture Principle 11: Use edges and value the marginal](https://permacultureprinciples.com/principles/_11/) Permaculture Principle 11, "Use edges and value the marginal," encourages designers to recognize the potential and richness found in the intersections or edges between different elements within a system. It highlights the idea that diversity and innovation often occur at the boundaries where different elements or ecosystems meet. By valuing these edges and marginal areas, permaculture designers can maximize productivity and biodiversity. Some examples of applying Permaculture Principle 11: - [[Keyhole Gardens]]: Designing garden beds in a keyhole shape with a central composting basket. The edges of the bed have increased fertility due to the compost, supporting the growth of nutrient-demanding plants. - [[Riparian Zones]]: Valuing the edges along water bodies (riparian zones), which are rich in biodiversity. Planting native species along these edges can help filter water and provide habitat for wildlife. - [[Food Forest]]: In a food forest, the edges between different plant guilds often have diverse and productive plantings. These edge zones can yield a variety of fruits, herbs, and vegetables. - [[Hügelkultur]]: Creating raised hügelkultur beds, where the edge between the mound and the surrounding soil offers a microclimate that supports the growth of various plants, including those that prefer well-drained conditions. - [[Polyculture]] **Plantings**: Combining multiple crops in a polyculture where the different species interact at the edges, helping deter pests and improve overall soil health. - [[Wildlife Habitat]] **Creation**: Planting diverse vegetation at the edges of your property or garden to attract beneficial insects, birds, and other wildlife that can contribute to pest control and pollination. - [[Swales and Berms]]: Implementing swales (contour trenches) and berms (raised banks) in the landscape to capture and slow water at the edges of fields, helping to recharge the soil and reduce erosion. These examples illustrate how permaculture designers leverage edges and marginal areas to enhance productivity, biodiversity, and resilience within their systems.