Tree of Life – A Permaculture Oasis

Tree of Life: Making of a Permaculture Oasis

The Beginning: From Neglect to Regeneration

This is a small 70′ x 20′ backyard in a city in the Bay Area.
It had an overgrown tree with roots colliding into the house, and its canopy shadowed the possibility of growing a bounty in this backyard.
The tree was all set to be cut down and sent to a dump yard.
The soil had degenerated and dried out — lifeless and compacted.

Here began the making of a Permaculture Oasis.

The Permaculture Approach: Regenerating Life

We followed the permaculture approach of regenerating life and sequestering carbon starting with this very tree.
The entire backyard was converted into one large Hügel Bed, which will provide carbon and nutrients to the plants for at least the next 15–20 years.

This regenerative system significantly aids in water conservation and eliminates the need for external compost or nutrient supplements.
Over the years, the soil in this backyard will become incredibly rich, biologically active, and full of life.

The Living System: Hugel Bed and Pond Integration

Here, you see a completely self-sustainable ecosystem.
While the Hügel Bed nurtures and builds soil, the landscape is tied to a unique natural pond system with three components:

• A Koi Pond,
• A Biological Filter Pond of bog plants, and
• An Intermediate Biofilter Pond.

This balanced pond system is self-sustaining — aquatic plants provide shelter and food for the fish, which in turn supply nutrients to the plants.
The biofilter breaks down fish waste into organic nutrients.
Excess water from this nutrient-rich pond system further nourishes the planting bed through a French Drain system.

The Closed-Loop Ecosystem: Nothing is Waste

There is no “waste” in this backyard.
It is a tightly woven closed-loop system where every element serves multiple purposes.
Each plant in the garden has multiple uses and is paired with complementary species to create guilds — groups that share resources, provide mulch, and enhance overall ecosystem health.

The integration of nitrogen-fixing trees such as Alders, alongside bulbs, berries, medicinal herbs, dwarf fruit trees, and California natives, forms a highly intentional guild suited for a small urban backyard.
Surprisingly, this compact backyard hosts over 200 plants!

Design Philosophy: Working with Nature, Not Against It

We have worked with nature, not against it — utilizing the character and microclimates of the yard for design advantage.
Whether shady, sunny, dry, or close to the house wall — every area was studied and designed for its natural strengths.
Each element was harmonized to create a truly self-sustaining, regenerative Permaculture Oasis.

The Backyard: Now a Permaculture Oasis

A unique self sustainable natural pond system. Complete with fish life and plants.

The waterfall!

A complete closed-loop self sustainable ecosystem.