Permaculture gardens are modeled after nature, but in a manner that is sustainably integrated with the needs of human communities.

Many core principals of permaculture, including the relationship of each of the elements of the garden to each other and the need for each element to perform multiple functions, are used in the design of Bella Terra's Central Garden.

For example, a tree is chosen not only for the beauty of its foliage, but also for how it will provide shade and create a privacy screen between residences, how its bark and shape will look in the winter snow, whether it will produce food for residents or wildlife, etc.

The trees, plants and shrubs are selected not only for their color, flowers, size and shape, but also for their ability to provide nutrients, condition the soil, help increase beneficial microorganisms, attract pollinating bees or discourage insect pests, and more.