Our cherished friend and community elder, David Holmgren (below left), best known for being the co-originator of the permaculture concept, turned 70 this year, and to celebrate, a small group gathered under the grandmother pear tree at his home, Melliodora, to share food and to honour this special man in our lives, and the lives of so many.

People offered various forms of praise and story in what became an open-mic-this-is-your-life-Dave-Holmgren kind of event. Patrick prepared this honouring, which we are sharing with you today. Here’s the audio and the text, if you wish to read along (10 mins).

And here is the man with Patrick’s praise, taller than the man himself.

How has David, and his work, affected your life, Dear Reader? Your anecdotes and stories are most welcome.

Thanks Ian Lillington for the first photo and Su for the second.