An Introduction to Forest Gardening

A two day Introduction to the principles of Forest Gardening. Suitable for anyone interested in creating a productive and low maintenance food growing area.

A forest garden is primarily a food-producing habitat, based on the model of a natural woodland in its early stages of development. Comprised of several layers – and usually including fruit and nut trees, fruit bushes, perennial vegetables and other useful plants – it can be tailored to fit any garden. With careful design, a forest garden will be low maintenance and highly productive for many years to come. This course will cover:

- Concepts and principles of forest gardening
- Food crops and other benefits of forest gardens
- Forest garden design and grouping of plants
- The basics of plant selection and establishment

There will be a chance to have a go at designing a simple forest garden and a special visit to the diverse forest gardens at Angie’s smallholding. No prior knowledge will be assumed, though participants may wish to learn more about some specific gardening and fruit growing techniques, such as pruning, after the course.