Gold Certification

Remember to incorporate the 3 ethics of permaculture: earth care, people care, and fair share. Avoid using invasive plants and ensure that all plants are safe for children, wildlife, and pets. Use either 3 stepping stones and a pathway or 7 stepping stones and include 7 native plants. Planted areas should have evergreen ground cover and be fully planted with ground cover from spring through fall to maintain a neat appearance. Use only natural mulch and avoid colored post-wood products. Add a large artistic element and one interactive feature to the design. Follow all 12 principles of permaculture, including producing at least 3 human food crops, using renewable resources and services, and designing from patterns to details. Remember to use small and slow solutions over a year and value diversity and change. Achieving a $250 Gold certification with a metal sign is possible with these guidelines.

Include all of the following elements.
Use 3 ethics of permaculture- earth care, people care, fair share
No Invasive Plants
All plants are child, wildlife, and pet safe
Use 3 Stepping Stones and a pathway or 7 stepping stones
Use 7 Native Plants
Planted areas must have some evergreen ground cover and be fully planted with ground cover spring through fall to keep the space looking good and easy to maintain
Natural mulch only (no post-wood product colored mulch)
Include a large artistic element
Include one interactive element
Principle 1- Observe and interact
Principle 2- Catch and store energy
Principle 3- Obtain a yield (must produce 3 human food crops)
Principle 4- Apply self-regulation and accept feedback
Principle 5- Use and value renewable resources & services
Principle 6- Produce no waste
Principle 7- Design from patterns to details
Principle 8- Integrate rather than segregate
Principle 9- Use small and slow solutions (over a year)
Principle 10- Use and value diversity
Principle 11- Use edges and value the marginal
Principle 12- Creatively use and value change
$250 Gold certification with a metal sign