Design a productive living system for your place
Drawing on permaculture and practical experience from transforming 38 The Parade and helping redesign other properties, I help people create connected urban gardens that grow nourishing food, build healthy soil and make better use of the space and resources already available.
A practical approach to permaculture
I'm Davina Ewing, the designer and gardener behind Seed to Sea.
I have completed a Permaculture Design Certificate through training led by David Holmgren, one of the co-originators of permaculture.
My approach also comes from practical experience transforming my own Island Bay property from a mostly grassed city section into a productive urban garden.
I have also helped redesign other properties using these principles, adapting each approach to the site, its conditions and the people who live there.
Seed to Sea now includes raised vegetable beds, fruit trees, chickens, composting systems, a worm farm, a greenhouse and potting shed, flowers, food crops and spaces for community sharing.
This living garden allows me to observe how permaculture principles work in practice through Wellington's changing seasons, strong winds, sandy soil and coastal conditions.
What is permaculture?
Working with nature, not against it
Building healthy, living soil
Using resources wisely
Growing food that supports people
Turning waste into useful resources
Creating spaces that are productive and beautiful
Permaculture is a way of designing gardens, homes and communities so that the different parts work together.
Journal Note
To design with whenua is to begin by listening—to the soil, the seasons, the water and the people who belong to that place.
How we can work together
Every property begins with a conversation. Depending on the support you choose, we can explore your site, identify opportunities and develop practical ideas that work with your space, resources and the way you live.
Choose your design service
A relaxed consultation at your property to explore your garden, challenges and ideas. You’ll receive practical recommendations and clear next steps.
Garden Consultation
A focused plan for growing more nourishing food, with planting recommendations, layout ideas and practical guidance suited to your site.
Productive Garden Plan
Whole-Property Living System Design
A broader design that considers your property as one connected system—including food, soil, water, plants, animals and the way you live.
Tell me about your garden
Share a little about your property, what you would like to change and the kind of support you are looking for. I’ll get back to you to discuss the most useful place to begin.