Author(s): Erik Ohlsen (Contribution by); Penny Livingston (Contribution by)

Architecture / Interiors

The Regenerative Landscaper, written by acclaimed permaculture teacher and regenerative designer Erik Ohlsen, is a guide for beginning gardeners and large scale permaculturists alike. Weaving permaculture design, food resiliency, and climate adaptation with community organizing and Indigenous wisdom that you can implement in your own backyard, Ohlsen offers not just step-by-step instructions and real world examples, but also philosophical insight rooted in reverence for nature. Together we see how the seed of an idea can bloom into a well-tended patch of land, a community garden, or even an abundant food forest. In this comprehensive book, illustrated by Native American ecologist Edward "Redbird" Willie, you'll discover the secrets of creating lush, biodiverse landscapes through revegetating the planet, building water and soil health, and living in harmony with the creatures of the landscape by attracting bees and creating animal habitats. Inside you will find a rich collection of case studies from fellow earth tenders, including no-till farmers, water activists, mycologists, and seed savers. Ohlsen and his collaborators show us how to practice ecological forest management, tending the wild by harvesting responsibly and returning good fire to the land through the millennia-old tradition of cultural burning. Drawing upon decades of experience, Ohlsen showcases landscape designs and planting plans that regenerative degraded ecosystems, providing useful guidance and inspiration for designing your own garden or working with clients. His holistic approach pays respect to animistic worldviews and acknowledges the vital role of humans in addressing species extinction and ecological collapse. When we listen to the land, recognize its patterns, and practice awareness, we become stewards of the earth we love. His words offer hope and tangible action, inspiring readers to restore planetary health one garden at a time. According to Ohlsen, "the human heart is the greatest asset we possess for protecting the living world."