Jenny – Restoring Hope Through Permaculture
by Simmone Sache
Jenny is always learning, improving, and sharing her enthusiasm for permaculture. Her positivity is infectious, but she also brings thoughtful reflections on navigating difficult times and living in challenging conditions.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Jenny noticed a big shift in people’s behaviours. “In a crisis, people turned to gardening, cooking, and self-sufficiency, which are essentially permaculture principles even if they didn’t realise it” she says. Interest in Permaculture Design Courses (PDCs) skyrocketed, and Jenny saw firsthand how permaculture brought light and hope during dark times.
But she reflects on how short-term our memories can be. “Now that COVID isn’t front of mind, many have abandoned these wonderful ideas. They stopped thinking about self-sustainability, their connection to the earth and to each other” she says.
For Jenny, these principles aren’t something to be left behind. Her journey started shortly after arriving in Australia when she realised supermarket fruits and vegetables lacked flavour. “I didn’t know what I was doing, but I threw some seeds in pots. To my surprise, I was able to grow my own food. My husband suggested I look into permaculture, and I haven’t stopped learning since.”
Jenny acknowledges its complexity can feel overwhelming for newcomers. “That’s why I avoid using the word permaculture in the first conversation when sharing information. Once I realised, people want to know more, only then I start sharing about ethics and principles. There are so many small steps people can take without making it complicated, ” she explains.
Renowned permaculturist Rosemary Morrow is Jenny’s hero. “Rosemary’s idea that we can all be earth restorers really speaks to me. We all have a responsibility to care for the earth, for our children, for future generations.”
Rosemary, born in Perth, shared this sacred knowledge around the world, from Vietnam and Cambodia to Uganda and Ethiopia, empowering communities to reconnect with the earth. Jenny carries this torch of hope, believing that permaculture has the power to transform lives.
“I wish more people could see that permaculture isn’t just about crises or living in harsh conditions. It’s a mindset that brings us closer to the earth and to each other.”
Start your journey
Permaculture is about taking small, practical steps towards a sustainable and connected future. Learn more at PermacultureWest
Explore Rosemary Morrow’s work
Discover the legacy of a true earth restorer at Blue Mountains Permaculture Institute.
Q&As
Did your grandparents have any clever gardening tricks?
My grandparents lived on a tiny tropical island off the mainland Philippines where they ate fish and vegetables they grew themselves. There weren’t any tricks—it was just their way of life. They had no shops or markets, so they grew what they needed i.e. corn as staples, pumpkins and leafy greens.
School holidays were spent hanging out in custard apples and mango trees, eating fruit straight from the branches. It was a contrast to the city, where I lived with no trees or gardens, and people packed together. What we had at home was a strong community, so I know about connecting with people and nature.
What is something you grow that you’re passionate about?
I’m growing my soil. My PDC course has taught me that your best water tank is in your soil. My relationship and connection with the soil has only got better since and the proof is in the pudding! Our garden has diverse ground covers most of the year when so many others in the area are drying out early. My soil grows many trees, fruit trees and vegetables to supplement our fresh food supply and feed the wildlife. Our property was designed using the help of permaculture principles and it shows the benefits.
One plant Jenny is especially passionate about is the Moringa tree. With the drying climate, this tree can aid in the fight against desertification since it thrive in arid climates and has deep taproots to combat dry spells. “I call it miraculous because it offers so many health benefits and one is alleviating malnutrition. I’m so connected to my Moringa plants, I crack the seeds with my teeth, raise them in worm castings and nurture them through their first two years. Once established, they don’t need water but it will keep giving benefits”. Jenny has a lot of hope for Moringa, just as she hopes Permaculture tools and thinking will help more homes and communities in challenging times ahead.