Desert or Paradise: Restoring Endangered Landscapes Using Water Management, Including Lake and Pond Construction Paperback – November 15, 2012

Apart from being a fascinating story (as his other books are as well); the practical information given, such as how to build ponds so they maintain themselves (long ponds oriented toward the wind, with multiple levels of depth); the shocking story of the desertification spreading across southern Europe; and the sensible, balanced approach to healing whatever bits of nature you can, are more than worth the price of the book.I suspected the pond I wanted to design was going to turn into a scummy, stagnant mess, but didn't know what to do about it. Now I do.His explanation of how governments actively create havoc and damage by their policies, and discourage good land management won't cheer you up, but they are informative.In my own area, homeowners are not allowed to cut more than three 8-inch diameter trees a year without government permission, whether they own 1/10 of an acre, or ten acres. This, despite the fact that the forest is choked and overgrown. The trees are so overcrowded (often only 3 or 4 feet apart) that they are spindly and weak, and we often have forest fires.All of Sepp Holzer's books are worth having, and keeping on your bookshelf as a permanent reference.

Like any of Sepp's books that I've ever read, this one's dense with practical guidance for Living High on the Porcines while Collaborating with Mother Nature instead of Fighting Her and damaging the Planet in the process. A joy to read because of his attitudes. Disappointing to finish, because few other books are as informative, enjoyable, and refreshing, and uplifting to read.

Coming independently to ideas behind permaculture, Sepp Holzer brings his own unique blend and insights that made him famous with his first book "The Rebel Farmer" which I have not been able to find available in the English speaking world. Starting with a family farm south of Salzburg, known as the Siberia of Austria, he transformed it from alpine spruce forest into a paradise of multiple fruit trees, vegetables, stock raising, ponds and plentiful water that appeals aesthetically as well as functionally.His observations from childhood shaped his approach. Bucking agricultural imperatives and directives for his area, he pursued what he understood worked. His profitable farm, a contrast to surrounding ones, has allowed him to expand its area over time.With his knowledge and experience formed over 30+ years, he has helped local and many overseas farms transform from dry, near barren and dying tree areas into verdant, productive spaces abundant with water. Whether it be amongst dying cork trees in Spain and Portugal to countries much further away he has shown how to transform them into productive, living oases.His somewhat quirky approach of listening to the trees, sleeping by them and receiving ideas of working transformation in dreams, may not be understandable to everyone. But his approach in attempting to understand what has gone wrong with each specific area so it can be individually transformed is definitely replicable.Knowing how much industrialised agriculture and monocultures have damaged our environments and lead to extensions of deserts and near desert areas he calls for massive changes in our customs. As he details, this misinformed approach is producing our current problems with wildfires, flooding and slips that threaten huge numbers of people each year. He points out how siting of villages, cities and roads in valley areas that naturally drain water is a disaster waiting to happen.With many examples he details how we can transform our regions and countries into productive, water-filled paradises. This at a time when water is considered to be the next major flash-point for conflict.Well written and explained in an excellent translation to give another, unique perspective on a permaculture transformation from a dying world that people consider they need to flee to Mars and further worlds to escape from to one we can enjoy for millennia to come. But only if we change our ways.....

Let me start this review by describing what this book is not. This is not a book that describes how to build a pond. This isn't a book that describes how to grow lemons in the Alps.The book gives Sepp's principles for restoring land. First, he describes how the land becomes degraded. Secondly, he explains that water is the key to the fix. Thirdly, he describes ways to use the water to effect change.There are diagrams and real world examples. Sepp also gives instructions for building equipment he uses, such as the monk, ring waterer, etc. Example plans for a farm are given.This is a great book. My only knock against it would be translation. The english is muddy in a couple places.