This interesting volume on permaculture and small scale alternative farming techniques provides detailed practical information while showing readers a glimpse inside the life and work of Sepp Holzer, a Austrian farmer who has transformed a small farm in Salzburg into a beacon for gardeners and activists for food independence around the world seeking alternatives to corporate controlled agriculture. The work is divided into sections covering landscape architecture, alternative agriculture, fruit trees, cultivating mushrooms, and gardens. Chapters discuss topics such as designing permacultural systems, multi-use livestock, mushroom cultivation methods, and kitchen and medicinal gardens. The work is packed with full-color photographs, illustrations, and technical drawings. It is an excellent companion to larger and more technical guides to permaculture and provides readers with a wealth of both useful information and inspiration. Annotation ©2011 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)