Paradise Lot

Eric Toensmeier’s “Paradise Lot” is a fascinating story of two plant lovers who turn a desolate lot in Holyoke, Massachusetts a tenth of an acre into a productive urban farm. This “permaculture paradise” includes tropical crops, urban chickens, silkworms, an edible water garden, low-maintenance food plants, and a year-round, unheated greenhouse.

The book is a beautiful account of their journey, complete with their successful search for partners who share their enthusiasm, in addition to being a guide to permaculture ideas and techniques.