introducing forest garden design
By zteve t evans
A forest garden is a managed, low-maintenance, sustainable way to produce food and useful products and designed to be beneficial to the environment while serving the needs of humans. It can be part of a permaculture design system for producing food and other useful materials, or can be grown as a separate system. Many ideas used in permaculture are used in the design of a forest garden.
High oil prices
With the growing complications caused by high oil prices and pollution there is a growing interest in the temperate regions of the globe, such as the UK and North America in finding ways to produce good quality food in an environmentally friendly and economic way. Many people see forest gardens as part of the answer to the problems of food production when oil production peaks and transport costs rocket.
Forest garden design
The Agroforestry Research Trust says, ‘A forest garden is a designed agronomic system based on trees, shrubs and perennial plants. These are mixed in such a way as to mimic the structure of a natural forest – the most stable and sustainable type of ecosystem in this climate.’
If designed right then a system that is both sustainable and stable can be achieved that can produce crops that are edible or be of use in some way. Another benefit is that an area will be created that will enhance the environment and become a place of beauty while giving home and shelter to a multitude of different plants, insects, animals and birds.
Essential aims for the system
The system needs to be designed to produce as many different edible or usable crops and products as possible. It needs to be designed to be biologically sustainable and survive stress caused by climate changes. The system should also be designed to be as low maintenance as possible and use local materials where possible. Existing plants can be included in the design.
Crops and products
A well designed forest garden can give forth many different types of yield. Food such as nuts, edible leaves, fruit, spices and herbs. Products can also be used in making medicines, sap products, honey, poles, fibers, materials for basket making, wood for fuel, game for meat, fodder for animals, mulches for plants and many other products and uses.
Forest gardens in tropical regions
In the tropical areas of our planet forest gardens are also known as home gardens. Frequently they play an important role in the production of food and other products that the local people need and can also be a useful means of earning income. They are closely knit with the prevailing social and economic traits of the local area and developed to produce crops suitable for the geography, climate and needs of the people.
With the growing complications caused by high oil prices and pollution there is a growing interest in the temperate regions of the globe, such as the UK and North America in finding ways to produce good quality food in an environmentally friendly and economic way. Many people see forest gardens as part of the answer to the problems of food production when oil production peaks and transport costs rocket.
Forest garden design
The Agroforestry Research Trust says, ‘A forest garden is a designed agronomic system based on trees, shrubs and perennial plants. These are mixed in such a way as to mimic the structure of a natural forest – the most stable and sustainable type of ecosystem in this climate.’
If designed right then a system that is both sustainable and stable can be achieved that can produce crops that are edible or be of use in some way. Another benefit is that an area will be created that will enhance the environment and become a place of beauty while giving home and shelter to a multitude of different plants, insects, animals and birds.
Essential aims for the system
The system needs to be designed to produce as many different edible or usable crops and products as possible. It needs to be designed to be biologically sustainable and survive stress caused by climate changes. The system should also be designed to be as low maintenance as possible and use local materials where possible. Existing plants can be included in the design.
Crops and products
A well designed forest garden can give forth many different types of yield. Food such as nuts, edible leaves, fruit, spices and herbs. Products can also be used in making medicines, sap products, honey, poles, fibers, materials for basket making, wood for fuel, game for meat, fodder for animals, mulches for plants and many other products and uses.
Forest gardens in tropical regions
In the tropical areas of our planet forest gardens are also known as home gardens. Frequently they play an important role in the production of food and other products that the local people need and can also be a useful means of earning income. They are closely knit with the prevailing social and economic traits of the local area and developed to produce crops suitable for the geography, climate and needs of the people.
Forest gardens in temperate regions
In more temperate regions of the planet such as in the United Kingdom, forest gardens are a much newer concept. The late Robert A. de J. Hart championed their use and developed his own project in Shropshire, UK. His book ‘Forest Gardening – Rediscovering Nature and Community in a Post Industrial Age’ has been a major influence in spreading the concepts of Forest Gardening as a sustainable system for producing food and goods in the UK and other temperate countries.
Even so, Hart warned, ‘It might be emphasized at once, that in temperate zones little or no fresh produce can be gathered from the forest garden during the winter months, as the trees and bushes cease fruiting and herbs and perennial vegetables die down.’
Limiting factors for forest gardens in temperate regions
One of the main problems for the forest garden in countries outside the tropical zones such as the UK is the strength of the light. In the tropics the light is stronger and penetrates to the lower levels of the forest plant growth, whereas in temperate zones the light is often not strong enough to achieve this fully.
When designing a forest garden in temperate zones consideration needs to be given in choosing plants that do not need so much light. There are many plants that may be less well known but will grow very well in the shade. Glades or small clearings can also be used in the design to cater for those perennials or shrubs that require more light.
In more temperate regions of the planet such as in the United Kingdom, forest gardens are a much newer concept. The late Robert A. de J. Hart championed their use and developed his own project in Shropshire, UK. His book ‘Forest Gardening – Rediscovering Nature and Community in a Post Industrial Age’ has been a major influence in spreading the concepts of Forest Gardening as a sustainable system for producing food and goods in the UK and other temperate countries.
Even so, Hart warned, ‘It might be emphasized at once, that in temperate zones little or no fresh produce can be gathered from the forest garden during the winter months, as the trees and bushes cease fruiting and herbs and perennial vegetables die down.’
Limiting factors for forest gardens in temperate regions
One of the main problems for the forest garden in countries outside the tropical zones such as the UK is the strength of the light. In the tropics the light is stronger and penetrates to the lower levels of the forest plant growth, whereas in temperate zones the light is often not strong enough to achieve this fully.
When designing a forest garden in temperate zones consideration needs to be given in choosing plants that do not need so much light. There are many plants that may be less well known but will grow very well in the shade. Glades or small clearings can also be used in the design to cater for those perennials or shrubs that require more light.
Utilizing small plots for forest gardens
It is also possible to design small forest gardens that can be grown in the backyards and gardens of many ordinary houses in countries such as the UK. They will not supply all the food needed but can make a useful contribution to the gardener’s diet and be an absorbing hobby giving hours of pleasure.
Key features of a forest garden
One of the key factors in the sustainability and stability of a forest garden is the diverse and large numbers of plants that are utilized in the design. The system is not then dependent on the success or failure of a single species.
When designing a forest garden thought should also be given to taking advantage of symbiotic association between plants and micro-organisms ensuring nitrogen fixers and plants that improve fertility are included. Examples of these are Broom (Cytisus scoparius), shrub lupins (Lupinus arboreus) and Alders (Alnus spp). Another important symbiotic association is mycorrhiza which takes place between fungi and plants. Researchers are only just beginning to realise the importance of this and much remains unknown.
The design should also include deep rooting plants that are dynamic accumulators of minerals in the subsoil. Comfrey, Tansy, Chicory and Yarrow are examples of these plants whose roots dig deep to exploit minerals in the subsoil and export them to the surface topsoil to the benefit of other plants.
Many plants such as aromatic herbs are umbellifiers and have the capacity to attract enemies of everyday pests and should be included in the design as they act as good ‘companion’ plants. Their tiny flowers attract ladybirds, predatory flies, parasitic wasps and other beneficial insects that will help keep down pests. Where possible disease and pest resistant species of plants should be used.
The design should also aim to improve resistance to drought and nutrient cycling. This can be done by taking into consideration the function of good tree cover and how fallen leaves decay and are taken back into the ground and used as nutrients.
It is also possible to design small forest gardens that can be grown in the backyards and gardens of many ordinary houses in countries such as the UK. They will not supply all the food needed but can make a useful contribution to the gardener’s diet and be an absorbing hobby giving hours of pleasure.
Key features of a forest garden
One of the key factors in the sustainability and stability of a forest garden is the diverse and large numbers of plants that are utilized in the design. The system is not then dependent on the success or failure of a single species.
When designing a forest garden thought should also be given to taking advantage of symbiotic association between plants and micro-organisms ensuring nitrogen fixers and plants that improve fertility are included. Examples of these are Broom (Cytisus scoparius), shrub lupins (Lupinus arboreus) and Alders (Alnus spp). Another important symbiotic association is mycorrhiza which takes place between fungi and plants. Researchers are only just beginning to realise the importance of this and much remains unknown.
The design should also include deep rooting plants that are dynamic accumulators of minerals in the subsoil. Comfrey, Tansy, Chicory and Yarrow are examples of these plants whose roots dig deep to exploit minerals in the subsoil and export them to the surface topsoil to the benefit of other plants.
Many plants such as aromatic herbs are umbellifiers and have the capacity to attract enemies of everyday pests and should be included in the design as they act as good ‘companion’ plants. Their tiny flowers attract ladybirds, predatory flies, parasitic wasps and other beneficial insects that will help keep down pests. Where possible disease and pest resistant species of plants should be used.
The design should also aim to improve resistance to drought and nutrient cycling. This can be done by taking into consideration the function of good tree cover and how fallen leaves decay and are taken back into the ground and used as nutrients.
The layers of a forest garden
A forest garden should be designed to reproduce the natural layering of plants and trees found in wild forests. These layers are also known as stacks, or storeys and are roughly the different heights of the different species of trees and plants that make up the forest.
In a forest garden design it is necessary to take into consideration many factors and variables such as the individual needs of each species for light, shelter, mineral and nutrient requirements, pollination, pest-control, companion plants and moisture.
The seven layers are the canopy trees, small trees and large shrubs, smaller shrubs, herbaceous perennials, ground cover plants, climbers and vines and the last layer is the root zone, also known as the rhizosphere.
In small areas such as back gardens it may not be possible to reproduce all the layers such as the Canopy storey. Even so, it should be possible to choose lower scale trees or plants to suit the space available.
Where possible always use local materials and resources to cut down on oil and transportation. Even this small act will help a little towards a better environment and help lighten your carbon footprint.
Robert Hart describes the stacks that make up his main forest garden at Wenlock Edge, Shropshire, UK, saying,
‘The ‘storeys’ comprise:
‘Canopy’: consisting of standard or half standard trees;
‘Low-tree layer’: consisting of fruit and nut trees on dwarfing rootstocks and bamboo;
‘Shrub-layer’: currants and gooseberry bushes and Rosa rugosa;
‘Herbaceous layer’: herbs and perennial vegetables;
‘Ground-cover layer’: creeping plants such as rubus species;
’Rhizosphere’; shade-tolerant and winter root-plants;
‘Vertical layers’: climbing berries, nasturtiums, runner beans, and vines, trained up trees, over fences, and over a shed.’
A forest garden should be designed to reproduce the natural layering of plants and trees found in wild forests. These layers are also known as stacks, or storeys and are roughly the different heights of the different species of trees and plants that make up the forest.
In a forest garden design it is necessary to take into consideration many factors and variables such as the individual needs of each species for light, shelter, mineral and nutrient requirements, pollination, pest-control, companion plants and moisture.
The seven layers are the canopy trees, small trees and large shrubs, smaller shrubs, herbaceous perennials, ground cover plants, climbers and vines and the last layer is the root zone, also known as the rhizosphere.
In small areas such as back gardens it may not be possible to reproduce all the layers such as the Canopy storey. Even so, it should be possible to choose lower scale trees or plants to suit the space available.
Where possible always use local materials and resources to cut down on oil and transportation. Even this small act will help a little towards a better environment and help lighten your carbon footprint.
Robert Hart describes the stacks that make up his main forest garden at Wenlock Edge, Shropshire, UK, saying,
‘The ‘storeys’ comprise:
‘Canopy’: consisting of standard or half standard trees;
‘Low-tree layer’: consisting of fruit and nut trees on dwarfing rootstocks and bamboo;
‘Shrub-layer’: currants and gooseberry bushes and Rosa rugosa;
‘Herbaceous layer’: herbs and perennial vegetables;
‘Ground-cover layer’: creeping plants such as rubus species;
’Rhizosphere’; shade-tolerant and winter root-plants;
‘Vertical layers’: climbing berries, nasturtiums, runner beans, and vines, trained up trees, over fences, and over a shed.’
The Agroforestry Research Trust
Understanding how these storeys are structured in a natural forest and reproducing that structure in a Forest Garden design is crucial to the success of achieving a sustainable and productive Forest Garden. The Agroforestry Research Trust describes these layers as;
Canopy trees
This is the highest layer and fruit trees are often chosen for this storey for their food value but other trees that give non-edible yields may also be utilised.
The Under storey, or low tree layer
This consists of small trees and large shrubs. Good choices for this layer are dwarf fruit and nut trees.
Shrubs layer
These will need to consist of species that are tolerant of shady conditions. Such as the Japanese rose, or Ramanas rose (Rosa rugosa) which can be used to make pot pouri. There are also many kinds of berry and currant producing plants that can be used in this layer.
The Herbaceous layer
Comfreys, Mint, Sage other herbs and perennial vegetables are a good choice for this layer. Some of these plants in this layer can also help with the ground cover.
The Ground cover layer
These are mostly horizontally creeping plants that form a carpet over the forest floor. Some of these species are used to create a living mulch to help perpetuate the Forest Garden as well as providing useful products.
Examples of these are Creeping Raspberries ( Rubus calycinoides) or – Creeping bramble (Rubus tricolour). Other suitable plants for this layer are some herbaceous perennials previously mentioned and other perennials such as Creeping Dogwood (Cornus canadensis).
Climbers and vines layer
Good choices for this layer include Kiwi fruit and grapes.
Root zone, or rhizosphere
This layer may include such root plants as beets, Jerusalem artichokes, and carrots. Fungus such as edible mushrooms can also be included in this layer. The attributes and requirements of roots of other species in the system also need to be considered in the design.
Creating a forest garden
To create a sustainable forest garden considerable a vision of the future and a willingness to work for the benefit future generations of humanity is essential. A well designed forest garden created from scratch does takes a lot of work, a large number of plants and a considerable time for those plants to become established.
When they do become established they can provide a durable and sustainable system for producing food and other materials that humans require for many generations to come. Importantly, being largely self-sustaining with very low maintenance needs and when viewed in the long-term forest gardens make excellent and productive investments while providing food and products for the benefit of humans in a very eco-friendly way.
© zteve t evans
Understanding how these storeys are structured in a natural forest and reproducing that structure in a Forest Garden design is crucial to the success of achieving a sustainable and productive Forest Garden. The Agroforestry Research Trust describes these layers as;
Canopy trees
This is the highest layer and fruit trees are often chosen for this storey for their food value but other trees that give non-edible yields may also be utilised.
The Under storey, or low tree layer
This consists of small trees and large shrubs. Good choices for this layer are dwarf fruit and nut trees.
Shrubs layer
These will need to consist of species that are tolerant of shady conditions. Such as the Japanese rose, or Ramanas rose (Rosa rugosa) which can be used to make pot pouri. There are also many kinds of berry and currant producing plants that can be used in this layer.
The Herbaceous layer
Comfreys, Mint, Sage other herbs and perennial vegetables are a good choice for this layer. Some of these plants in this layer can also help with the ground cover.
The Ground cover layer
These are mostly horizontally creeping plants that form a carpet over the forest floor. Some of these species are used to create a living mulch to help perpetuate the Forest Garden as well as providing useful products.
Examples of these are Creeping Raspberries ( Rubus calycinoides) or – Creeping bramble (Rubus tricolour). Other suitable plants for this layer are some herbaceous perennials previously mentioned and other perennials such as Creeping Dogwood (Cornus canadensis).
Climbers and vines layer
Good choices for this layer include Kiwi fruit and grapes.
Root zone, or rhizosphere
This layer may include such root plants as beets, Jerusalem artichokes, and carrots. Fungus such as edible mushrooms can also be included in this layer. The attributes and requirements of roots of other species in the system also need to be considered in the design.
Creating a forest garden
To create a sustainable forest garden considerable a vision of the future and a willingness to work for the benefit future generations of humanity is essential. A well designed forest garden created from scratch does takes a lot of work, a large number of plants and a considerable time for those plants to become established.
When they do become established they can provide a durable and sustainable system for producing food and other materials that humans require for many generations to come. Importantly, being largely self-sustaining with very low maintenance needs and when viewed in the long-term forest gardens make excellent and productive investments while providing food and products for the benefit of humans in a very eco-friendly way.
© zteve t evans
References and Attributions
Copyright zteve t evans
Copyright zteve t evans
- File:Forgard2-003.gif From Wikimedia Commons - Forest Garden Diagram by Graham Burnett Integrated Design for Local Environmental Resources - Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0 Unported licence. Subject to disclaimers.
- Hart CC BY-SA 3.0 Robert Hart pictured in his forest garden, July 1997 Photographer: Graham Burnett