Edible Forest Gardens
"Nature is orderly. That which appears chaotic in nature is only a more complex kind of order." - Gary Snyder
Horticulture has traditionally focused primarily on two horizontal dimensions. In a forest, there are many vertical layers: tree canopy, vines, shrubs, herbs, ground covers and fungi. When we mimic this pattern we can reap some of the benefits of nature's design.
Biodiversity in the garden breeds crop resilience, attracts beneficial insects, creates more beauty and abundance, and ultimately makes tending less of a chore. Weeds become minimal, soil fertility is taken over by beneficial microbes, and you suddenly find that you only wander into the garden to experience the buzzing of all of this life, and to see what's for dinner.
Biodiversity in the garden breeds crop resilience, attracts beneficial insects, creates more beauty and abundance, and ultimately makes tending less of a chore. Weeds become minimal, soil fertility is taken over by beneficial microbes, and you suddenly find that you only wander into the garden to experience the buzzing of all of this life, and to see what's for dinner.
Summer veggie garden adjacent to edible fuschia berries and nasturtium in the shady understory of oak and fig trees. A young jasmine vine will soon overtake the bamboo arbor.
A diverse array of fruit and nut trees, and a smattering of culinary, medicinal, and insectary herbs for year-round, back yard bounty.
Fungi play an important role in the breakdown and recycling of organic matter. They also are a healthy and delicious food and make interesting displays for shady areas.
"It's a cliché that the city is a jungle. The problem is that it isn't jungle enough!" - Terence Mckenna