This Orchard Doesn't Look Like an Orchard (and it's full of Trios!)

Permaculture Orchard

We chat with orchardist Stefan Sobkowiak who replaced an organic apple orchard with a permaculture orchard at Miracle Farms.

“Imagine an orchard that doesn’t look like an orchard.”

Stefan Sobkowiak at Miracle Farms, a permaculture orchard. (Photo by Myriam Baril Tessier)

We talk about:

• Why he prefers a permculture planting to a monoculture organic apple orchard

• How can an orchard be a permaculture?

• The system of “trios” he uses as a basic design unit

• Minimizing external inputs

• Using sheep in an orchard

• Timelines for establishing a permaculture orchard

• Using fruiting shrubs under trees

• Planting perennial flowers, herbs, and vegetables underneath fruiting shrubs

When it comes to the idea of permaculture, Sobkowiak says, “It’s just applied common sense.”