When Eric Toensmeier and Jonathan Bates first moved into their duplex in Holyoke, Massachusetts, they didn’t exactly have a garden paradise waiting for them. Their small tenth-of-an-acre lot was filled with debris—think broken concrete, asphalt, and poor soil. But despite those less-than-ideal conditions, they had a bold vision: to turn that rundown space into a thriving food forest.
Paradise Lot is their story of how they made that dream a reality, creating an impressive permaculture garden on an urban plot. Their efforts brought more than 200 types of low-maintenance, edible plants to life, from perennial broccoli and pawpaws to tropical crops like bananas and moringa. Along the way, they even incorporated an edible water garden, an unheated greenhouse for year-round growing, and introduced urban poultry and silkworms. Their goal? To have a self-sustaining system where the plants themselves help manage fertility, pest control, and weeds.
- Toensmeier, Eric (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 240 Pages – 01/25/2013 (Publication Date) – Chelsea Green Publishing (Publisher)
Last update on 2025-02-16 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
More Than Just a Gardening Book
While Paradise Lot is packed with permaculture wisdom and tips, it’s more than just a manual for garden enthusiasts. It’s a real-life account of two friends navigating the ups and downs of turning a neglected urban space into something amazing. Eric and Jonathan candidly share their journey—mistakes, challenges, and all. From dealing with neighbors who weren’t thrilled about their project to plants that didn’t quite survive New England’s climate, they take readers along for the ride, showing how they learned and adapted.
The book’s charm lies in its blend of practical advice with personal storytelling. It’s full of useful information on designing a small-space permaculture garden, but it’s also relatable and fun, making it accessible whether you’re a seasoned gardener or just starting out.
Urban Permaculture: Big Ideas for Small Spaces
One of the most inspiring aspects of Paradise Lot is how it demonstrates what’s possible on a small scale. Eric and Jonathan didn’t have a sprawling homestead; they had a tenth-acre city lot. Yet they turned it into a thriving, food-producing ecosystem. The book proves that you don’t need a ton of space to grow your own food or create a permaculture garden. With thoughtful design and the right plants, even the smallest spaces can become abundant and productive.
A Garden of Plants—and Possibilities
It’s not all about the plants, either. As they worked on their permaculture paradise, Eric and Jonathan were also hoping to find partners who shared their love of gardening and sustainable living. Spoiler alert: they did! Their garden became more than a source of food—it fostered community and connection, showing how gardens can nurture more than just the soil.
Why You Should Read Paradise Lot
Whether you’re interested in permaculture, urban gardening, or just enjoy a good story about perseverance and creativity, Paradise Lot is a book worth picking up. It’s full of practical advice for anyone wanting to grow their own food, but it’s also an enjoyable, uplifting read. If you’ve ever dreamed of transforming a small patch of land into something more, this book will give you the inspiration and guidance to get started.
So, whether you’ve got a tiny backyard or a city lot, Paradise Lot shows that with creativity and persistence, you can create a little slice of paradise anywhere.
Paradise Lot by Eric Toensmeier
Summary
Paradise Lot by Eric Toensmeier and Jonathan Bates is a unique blend of memoir and permaculture guide, detailing their journey of transforming a small, urban tenth-acre lot into a thriving permaculture garden. The book shares the challenges they faced—such as poor soil, climate limitations, and neighbor issues—while providing practical lessons in sustainable living, plant diversity, and ecological design. It serves as both inspiration and a practical guide for anyone interested in urban homesteading, proving that even small spaces can support abundant, productive ecosystems through careful planning and adaptation.
