Forest gardens are modelled on natural woodland with a diversity of mostly-perennial plants meeting a variety of human and non-human needs – such as food, craft materials, timber, medicines, dye materials, food for pollinators and more…
They can be large or small, and by redesigning a small space you can create a low-maintenance, ecological space that is productive for you and your family (and beautiful too).
What will I learn?
In the morning session you will learn
what is a forest garden
some examples – large and small
what is permaculture
the seven layers of a forest garden
forest garden design
designing in fertility and low-maintenance
plant choice
how and when to plant
maintenance, pests and diseases
signposting to further resources
In the morning we will tour Sarah’s forest garden at St Brides, established in 2011 as part of her permaculture design for her smallholding. In the afternoon we will head to Whistlewood Common, to look at their design and early-stage forest garden and carry out practical tasks on the site, whilst learning about permaculture and forest gardening. There will be plenty of time for Q and A.
Tutors:
Sarah Spencer is a permaculture designer and holder of a Diploma in Applied Permaculture Design. She has designed her own smallholding and was the lead designer for Whistlewood Common and Melbourne Schools food forest. She is founder of Think like a Tree supporting people in how to use natural principles for our own health and wellbeing and for the wellbeing of the world.
Samantha Woods (Seed of the Forest) is a certified Permaculture teacher