Use Edges and Value the Marginal

August 31, 2026

Hi Friend

It has been some time between issues and I hope you have all settled into the change of season as we move into winter.

I have been taking this time to extend the dry space around my house by adding a lean-to roof and collecting materials to build compost for spring gardens. I’ve planted broad beans and winter greens and only just cut the last of the basil for a final batch of pesto.

Compost heap getting settled in for spring gardens

The turning of the season puts me in mind of the Permaculture Principle I want to explore this issue: Use Edges and Value the Marginal. On the edges is often where we find the most diversity. Forest edges tend to have a much more diverse set of species than deep forest, as do coastal areas of the ocean than the high seas. Where we see two different climatic zones converge or a fertile river delta meet the coast.

And on the edge of the seasons is when I have basil and broccoli in the garden at the same time!

So what can this teach us about the landscapes and gardens we care for? Or about our own inner landscape?

Looking out my window at the drain behind my house, I notice there are many more species of plant which have volunteered themselves to grow right on the edge of the drain than in the areas on either side of it.

This suggests to me that creating a landscape or garden that has edges between different types of vegetation, between water and land with a pond, and thinking of pathways and drains as an edge along which diversity can flourish, is helpful in creating a garden that naturally embraces diversity and is therefore more resilient. And that rather than clear felling an area I want to develop, can I think about, use and develop the natural edges to my advantage.

Quote of the edge giving definition to the whole

As for the marginal part, I like to think about this as using resources that may be reaching the edge of their life in their current purpose, or using techniques or plants that go against convention. My worm farm is made from an old double laundry sink that was very marginal for washing clothes but suits the purpose of a worm farm perfectly.

Farmers have long been battling gorse but for those wanting to revegetate steep areas, wetlands or riparian margins it can be a very useful species for protecting new plantings while fixing nitrogen. Just to be clear I am not advocating planting gorse, just that it can serve a purpose where it may previously only have been thought of as a pest.

Just because we are on the well beaten track does not mean we are on the right path.

And what about our inner landscape?

Growth happens on the edge of comfort. In order to expand our knowledge, experience and skill and to overcome life’s challenges we have to step to the edge of our comfort and allow ourselves time to be there. Not pushing so far that we fall over the edge into overwhelm but resting in the potent space between where we are and where we want to be.

This principle also invites investigation of our beliefs and privilege and how much we know of the underrepresented voices at the edges of society.

In essence this principle is about looking for opportunities to grow in spaces that we often overlook, both within and around us.

That’s all from the shed this time.

Next issue I’ll be exploring the final permaculture principle Creatively Use and Respond to Change.

Until then, happy gardening!

Beth

P.S.

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