Dar’ali Journal

Before Dar’ali | Life at Dar’ali

to swale, or not to swale...?

As the weather warms earlier than expected, I’m questioning whether the swales in my front yard are the best use of energy or if I should instead focus on enriching the sandy soil, caring for the existing plants, and shifting my efforts to create a more private backyard space. 🌿☀️

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Before Dar'ali, Garden prep, Garden design Katrina Lezaic Before Dar'ali, Garden prep, Garden design Katrina Lezaic

re-designing the garden

The garden has been left to grow wild over winter, in both beautiful and challenging ways. As spring approaches, I’m planning a redesign guided by permaculture principles: installing swales to manage water flow, relocating the chicken coop, and making better use of the shady and sunny areas with native plantings. It’s time to prepare for the seasons ahead so check out the latest photos and follow along as the transformation begins. 🌱🌧️🐝

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Permaculture Katrina Lezaic Permaculture Katrina Lezaic

permaculture design course at ‘Bandusia’

I recently completed a Permaculture Design Course at Bandusia with the Sydney Permaculture Institute. As part of the course, I created this brief outline of the core principles of permaculture covering everything from energy-efficient planning to diversity, biological resources, and the edge effect.

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hot summers

Australia’s harsh summers and sandy soil have challenged my dream of a lush, UK-style garden. After failed irrigation and endless mulching, I’m learning to adapt - leaning into permaculture, rethinking plant choices, and reshaping the garden to suit the land, not the other way around.

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