Growing, Picking and cooking your own home grown fruit and vegetables is an exciting time.
The health benefits are obvious.
And although the growing of fruit and vegetables forms a large part of a backyard permaculture system, there is a lot more to permaculture than just growing things.
Though not hard, Permaculture could be considered a complex system of sustainability.
Complex in that it capitalises on the benefits of a complete system.
Besides the obvious productive benefits of permaculture, your garden is a very calming and relaxing place that can restore balance to a stressful life.
The fresh air and scenery brings back a sense of belonging with nature.
Key areas of a permaculture design system include:

1. Water - The collection of water forms possibly the most important part of permaculture.
   Water is the basis of life.
   Animals need water to drink, as do plants.
   We all need water to wash, cook and clean things down.
   Rainwater tanks are a key feature in a Permaculturalists back yard.
   The collection of grey water for watering the garden is also a must do.
   On larger properties swales are used to collect, divert or slow the flow of water down banks and slopes.
   
2. Animals - On small properties and backyards Chickens provide a regular supply of eggs and meat.
   Rabbits are also common and provide a supply of meat and fur.
   Choosing the right breed of rabbit can see young rabbits ready to eat by 8 to 12 weeks of age.
   On larger properties Cattle, Goats, Sheep and pigs provide meat, milk and leather.
   
3. Power creation - Permaculture systems can see a varied range of power supply from backyard wind generation to generators to Solar panels.
   Of course, although many permaculturalists will aim to be as self sufficient as possible, the use of mains electricity is still used by most Suburban Permies.
   
4. Shelter - I have seen many homes built using permaculture principles.
   From Mud brick homes built from bricks made on the property to mud covered straw bale homes.
   Traditional building materials and methods are also used.
   
5. Fruit, Vegetables and Grain - The list would not be complete without mentioning the Organic growing of Fruit, Vegetables and Grains.
   The animals have to eat something, so do you.
   Plants provide the basis for compost as well.
   Many vegetables and salad greens can be grown throughout the year in many areas.
   

Of course permaculture is much more than just the few things listed here.
Permaculture holds a strong basis as a key measure to feeding the world one backyard at time.
It requires an undertaking of personal responsibility and provides a level of Autonomy that no external governing system can deliver.