G R E E N   M A N

The Green Man: Usually depicted as a face surrounded by leaves. In mythology he represents the latent power or life force within nature. He is interpreted primarily as a symbol of rebirth, of the cycle of growth in nature which begins anew each spring. The Image: The Green Man holds his staff aloft. Hail the Green Man! The raised staff symbolises vitality and victory. A New Interpretation: This is an image of the Green Man as Eco Warrior, a "fierce gentleman" who is earth advocate; a present and future vocation. The Eco Warrior is usually regarded as being an environmental activist, but is simply a more radicalised kind of earth advocate. Warrior energy as an archetype of the mature masculine represents energy in service to or in defence of the realm. In this context, the realm is the natural world.

REFORESTATION Young native trees, including Kahikatea, Karaka, Kohekohe, Miro, Pukatea, Rewarewa, Rimu, Tanekaha and Totara. Some of these trees have been planted in a reforestation project at the edge of Egmont National Park.		PERMACULTURE IN ACTION Harvesting beans off a bamboo frame. Forest garden (fruiting forest) and vegetable beds run according to permaculture principles.
EVOLUTION OF A GARDEN (1) The same area of garden with subsequent plantings. Following the removal of the bean frame, plant material was mounded in a pile at the rear. Some remaining vegetables have been allowed to flower, which will help attract bees into the garden. These plants then go to seed, eventually producing new seedlings.	EVOLUTION OF A GARDEN (2) The compost bin has been lifted and started again further over to the right, making more compost available. The pile of plant material has now broken down, producing a very rich mulch/compost and replanting has started at the right rear.	EVOLUTION OF A GARDEN (3) The garden has been cleared and some replanting has been done. An area at the front is ready for further planting. At the left rear, white polythene covers the unused compost pile to prevent it drying out too much.
SEEDLINGS IN A MULCHED BED Mulch produced from the breakdown of plant material, combined with leaf mulch. The mulch helps to retain soil moisture and limits weed growth. The containers with their bottoms removed help protect plants against slugs and snails.	SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT Sustainable development considers the interrelationships between economic, environmental and social factors and focuses on policies and activities which are equitable, bearable and viable. Unfortunately when decisions are based primarily on conventional economic thinking and imperatives, social and environmental costs are not adequately considered and real viability is never established. Read more here.
LINKS Bioregional Development Group, Surrey, U.K. Department of Conservation Green Futures Magazine is published by Forum for the Future, the UK’s leading sustainability charity and think tank. Green Party of Aotearoa New Zealand Greenpeace Aotearoa Permaculture Magazine - solutions for sustainable living

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