Permaculture guilds are a groups of plants that you select for your garden based on their complementary characteristics and functions. Normally, you create a plan when designing your garden so you can mimic the complexity found in natural ecosystems.

When you do this you can get multiple benefits  from your garden like food, medicine, soil health, pest control, and biodiversity.

To create a permaculture guild, first start with a central plant. This is often called the "keystone" or "dominant" species. You then surround this central plant with various support species. these support plants will serve different functions.

You should first include nitrogen-fixing plants, then pest-repelling plants. You also will need nutrient-cycling plants, and plants that provide shade. Having some plants that cover the ground well will be a real bonus to the area. 

You can also incorporate, fungi,  in the form of mycelium. Make sure to feed the fungi straw or wood chips. Fungi will definitely enhance your garden's overall health and resilience.

Guild Example 1: Keepsake Apple and Pawpaw Guild

Here are two example of permaculture guilds from the video.

1. Keystone Species
   • Keepsake grafted Apple
     • Role: Central plant providing fruit for consumption and structure for any vining plants
2. Support Species
   • Pawpaw (placed to the north of the apple)
     • Role: Companion plant that is almost as tall as you. Can tolerate the shade from the apple. This will also provide fruit.
   • English Walnut
     • Role: Grows tall and lanky, and provides nuts
3. Functions and Benefits
   • Food Production: Apples, pawpaws, and walnuts
   • Diversity: Multiple fruit and nut sources
   • Structure: Vertical layers created by different tree heights
4. Implementation Tips
   • Place the pawpaw to the north to ensure proper growth and fruiting.
   • Allow the walnut to grow naturally, even if it becomes tall and lanky.

Guild Example 2: Peach Tree and Companion Plants Guild

1. Keystone Species
   • Peach Tree
     • Role: Original central plant providing both fruit and structure
2. Support Species
   • Pawpaw (placed to the north of the peach tree)
     • Role: Companion plant providing additional fruit
   • Plum (placed just to the south of the peach tree)
     • Role: Companion plant providing additional fruit
   • Shag Bark Hickory
     • Role: Grows through the guild, providing nuts and vertical structure
3. Ground Cover and Additional Plants
   • Various types of bulbs
     • Role: Provide seasonal flowers and acts as a ground cover
   • Sweet Sicily
     • Role: Ground cover and adds to the biodiversity
4. Special Additions
   • Ashworth per Oak
     • Role: Represents someone or something you care about, adding a personal touch to the guild
5. Functions and Benefits
   • Food Production: Peaches, pawpaws, plums, and hickory nuts
   • Biodiversity: Variety of plants creating a complex ecosystem
   • Ground Cover: Bulbs and Sweet Sicily providing coverage and preventing soil erosion
6. Implementation Tips
   • Ensure the pawpaw and plum are positioned correctly relative to the peach tree for optimal growth.
   • Add bulbs and Sweet Sicily as ground cover to support soil health.
   • Incorporate personal elements, like the Ashworth per Oak, to make the guild meaningful to you.

Why Guilds Are Important

Guilds play a crucial role in sustainable gardening. You are essentially creating systems that closely mimic natural ecosystems. Here are several reasons why guilds are important:

Enhanced Biodiversity

You increase biodiversity when you plant a variety of species together. This diversity helps you to create a more resilient ecosystem. Monoculture planting are very susceptible to pests, diseases, and environmental changes. Each plant and organism in a guild contributes to a well balanced micro environment.

Improved Soil Health

The different plants that you choose to include have varying root structures and nutrient needs. When you combine plants that complement each other, your guilds promote nutrient cycling. Your soil fertility will go through the roof. For example, nitrogen-fixing plants will replenish soil nutrients, while deep-rooted plants like comfry and vetiver grass will bring up minerals from deeper soil layers.

Pest Management

You can naturally control pests by planting species that repel bad insects and attract good insects. Certain plants will produce scents or chemicals that deter pests. Flowering plants attract beneficial insects that prey on harmful ones. This reduces your need for pesticides.

Efficient Use of Space

When planting out your guild you need to think in 3 dimensions. Permaculture guilds utilize vertical and horizontal space very effectively. When you layer plants of different heights, you can maximize your productivity. Planting ground covers protect your soil and prevent weeds. Planting taller plants provides both shade and support for climbers.

Water Conservation

The diverse set of plantings you choose will create a microclimate that retains moisture in the soil. Ground covers will reduce surface evaporation. Efficient water use is going to really be beneficial if your garden is in a drought-prone area.

Self-Sufficiency and Food Security

When you grow a variety of food plants, you are guaranteeing self-sufficiency and food security. Your guilds will provide a continuous harvest of fruits, nuts, vegetables, and herbs. Your family will reduce their reliance on external food source.

Aesthetic and Emotional Benefits

Beyond any practical benefits, permaculture guilds are also visually pleasing and emotionally fulfilling. The diverse nature of a well-designed guild can create a beautiful, tranquil space. You connect to nature and and will feel a sense of well-being.

Integrate guilds into your garden A.S.A.P.  You will create a more sustainable, resilient, and productive system.