The principles of permaculture design are based on three ethics: care for the earth, care for people, and fair share. These are applied through 12 design principles, which are:
1. Observe and interact
2. Catch and store energy
3. Obtain a yield
4. Apply self-regulation and accept feedback
5. Use and value renewable resources and services
6. Produce no waste
7. Design from patterns to details
8. Integrate rather than segregate
9. Use small and slow solutions
10. Use and value diversity
11. Use edges and value the marginal
12. Creatively use and respond to change
Landscape architects can apply these principles in their work by:
1. Observing the existing conditions of the site, including weather patterns, natural resources, and existing vegetation, to inform the design
2. Incorporating features such as rain gardens and green roofs to catch and store water and create habitats for wildlife
3. Designing spaces that provide a yield, such as edible landscapes and community gardens
4. Creating designs that are adaptable and responsive to feedback from the community and the environment
5. Using materials and resources that are renewable and sustainable, such as locally sourced materials and solar energy
6. Minimizing waste and incorporating principles of circular design
7. Creating designs that respond to patterns in the landscape and that are integrated with existing ecosystems
8. Creating designs that encourage connections between people, nature, and communities
9. Incorporating small-scale solutions that are adaptable and can be easily implemented
10. Valuing diversity in plant and animal species, as well as cultural diversity in the community
11. Designing for and valuing the edges of a site, such as the transition between a garden and a natural area
12. Creating designs that are adaptable to changes in the environment and that prioritize resilience.
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