Creating a forest garden from scratch
Course slideshows & notes always available at natureworks.org.uk/backyard
Whatever the size of your garden, you can create a lush food forest using forest garden techniques. Step-by-step, you’ll learn how to work with nature to grow edible crops, all the while creating a haven for wildlife.
- Observe & plan
Where you observe, measure and document your garden to start the planning process, then on to create the map to enable the design process. - Structural planting
Establish the windbreaks & protective structures, start a productive perennial veg bed and plant the canopy tree layer. - Fill in the structure
Prepare the ground so that you can plant the shrubs and the ground cover. A forest garden emulates the edge of woodland, working with nature to reduce the amount of watering and maintenance, with a permanent living ground cover and a self-sustaining ecosystem of nutrients & pest control. Mostly perennial plants are used, in all three dimensions, as they are more resilient, lower maintenance and more nutritious.
The full course outline, with links to slideshows:
Testimonials
“Very informative, organised presentation and easy to follow!”
~ Kartini Clapham, June 2021
“I would highly recommend this course for anyone interested in wildlife or permaculture”
~ Courtney Saunders, June 2021
“So much interesting information here. Am filling my notebook rapidly!”
~ Louisa Ferrante, March 2021