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SPECIAL OFFER – SUBSCRIBE TO OUR ONLINE NEWSLETTER TODAY TO RECEIVE A 20% DISCOUNT ON THIS PUBLICATION, PLUS EVERY ORDER WILL ALSO INCLUDE A FREE COPY OF OUR ‘TOP OF THE CROPS’ GUIDE TO MAKING YOUR EDIBLE GARDEN GROW!
Permaculture fits well with the idling philosophy. Both are about embracing the slow, the subtle, the patient: understanding that true abundance – whether in crops or in life – comes not from frantic effort, but from prolonged observation, thoughtful inaction, and using the minimum effort for maximum effect.
Artist, writer, permaculturist and community practitioner Graham Burnett first met Tom Hodgkinson, founder and editor of the Idler, back in 2005. They were introduced by Penny Rimbaud of the anarchist punk band Crass, who thought they “might have things in common”. They hit it off straight away and got into an in-depth conversation over a couple of pints about organic gardening, self-reliance, and how the work culture dominating the Western world has enslaved, demoralised and depressed so many of us.
Graham has since written and illustrated regular columns for the Idler magazine. Collected together here for the first time, these articles and essays offer a mix of practical advice, insights and philosophy on subjects ranging from TV lifestyle gardening, soil life, composting toilets and wine-making through to mindfulness, alternative livelihoods, fungal connections, art, punk rock and much more. The book also includes artwork made by Graham to accompany his writings, and a number of original watercolour paintings produced especially for this publication.
“Permaculture, to me, is idling in action: while we idlers sit around talking about it, the permaculturists actually do it.”
– from the foreword by Tom Hodgkinson, founder and editor of the Idler magazine
“Make Compost Not Work is the ‘Small and Slow Solutions’ principle in action! Each piece of writing is complete, brilliant and beautiful. Taken together they become something else – a magnificent work, an emergent quality, an essence, a compelling and beautiful story of how else we could live. Put a copy next to your bed and dip into it throughout the year.” – Andy Goldring, CEO, Permaculture Association (Britain)
“Years of permaculture gardening wisdom packed into a beautifully written and illustrated book. A riveting read for both the beginner and more experienced gardener.” – Pippa Chapman, author of The Plant Lover’s Backyard Forest Garden
“Graham Burnett made me realise how important allotments and permaculture were to anyone who aspires to live more freely. He makes ideas incredibly accessible with his clear, concise and entertaining writing style, and brings them to life with his beautiful artwork. I once told him that I do the work I do because I want to live in one of his illustrations, to which he laughed and said: ‘So do I Warren, that’s why I draw them!’” – Warren Draper, Bentley Urban Farm and A Commune in the North
“I have been inspired by Graham’s approach as a permaculture practitioner and educator for many years, finding deep wisdom and generosity in everything that he shares. For this reason I am really excited to be able to explore the body of work that is included in this publication, which I am sure will bring new insights and provocation to my own permaculture practice, and life.” – Liz Postlethwaite, Small Things Creative Projects
“What a fantastic idea! So much of Graham Burnett’s brilliantly accessible wisdom and creativity in one place. I totally recommend this book for all of us craving connection with land and community.” – Katie Shepherd, creative learning facilitator, illustrator and permaculturist
ORDER NOW AND RECEIVE A FREE COPY OF OUR ‘TOP OF THE CROPS’ GUIDE TO MAKING YOUR EDIBLE GARDEN GROW! This is our no-nonsense practical guide to producing fresh and tasty vegetables, fruit and herbs in your own back garden or allotment. It contains all you need to start you off growing crops that are good for your health, good for your children, good for your community, good for wildlife and good for your pocket.
