Ecology & Permaculture

Does this sound very pretentious for a humble gardener?  To me, permaculture is how we can design with nature and not against it, wherever possible, to simplify gardening and horticulture:

• group specific plants together that help each other to deter pests and diseases (companion planting)
• compost as much green garden waste as possible so it can be reapplied to replace lost nutrients
• harvest rainwater to reduce reliance on mains water for watering
• use of swales (channels) to direct rainwater from roofs to flow towards dry areas of the garden where it can be absorbed deeply, protecting against times of drought
• plant the right plant in the right place! Plant moisture retaining, drought-resistant plants in hot dry areas of the garden and moisture loving, sun scorching plants in shady, damp areas
• increase the numbers and types of plants in your garden to prevent it being a sterile environment for wildlife. The more insects, amphibians and birds you attract, the more pests are eaten
• grow your own food among the flowers so your garden is both beautiful and productive, wherever possible
• influence your family and neighbours to do the same and get politicians to provide practical help to improve our local areas with us