The aim of the project is to grow low maintenance food and to increase biodiversity in a small urban The house was occupied by Rakesh's parents, who loved gardening and growing their own food, but were getting too old to handle any intense physical work. We therefore created a low maintenance forest garden around the edges of the garden with a mixed annual/perennial growing space in the middle for a variety of conventional/unconventional vegetables. The design specification was to design mundane physical work out of the garden. Hence we looked at and addressed the following: Weeding: Cover soil with ground cover plants, which are edible, insect attracting or nutrient cycling Watering: Plenty of trees cycle wayet and help the mostly perennial plants under to not need watering. The area that does need more water is fed by an overspil from a greywater treatment system. Composting: An in-situ composting susyem invented by Rakesh means we only need to add organic matter to the bin, and the nutrients are moved by nature to where they are needed. No need for turning, or working in any way Planting: Using 99% perennials and self seeders, means there is no need to seed and bring annuals on (unless you have time time and patience) Harvesting: This is the only regular work that is necessary. But if you forget occasionally, then the fruits will decompose, and feed the soil Since the design, Rakesh's parents both passed away. So the garden was largely abanoned until COVID. Rakesh started living there during the lockdown, and got 80% of his food from the garden. If you would like visits, how should people arrange their visit? By appointment only. Email me to arrangements. Sustainable transport options Overground train to Goodmayes (via Liverpool Street or Stratford). 10 minutes walk from the station. Copied to clipboard Practical Solutions Categories Built environmentWater and sewagePonds Culture and educationEducation approachesTransition culture Health and well-beingStaying wellComplementary medicine Type of project Private (visits by arrangement only) Physical Elements/Features Alternative energy Forest garden Garden Services/Activities Courses Workshops Contact name Rakesh "Rootsman Rak" Postal address of project Ask for full address TALBOT GARDENS ILFORD IG39TA United Kingdom Contact telephone 07575009322 Contact email [email protected] Website Roots n Permaculture Facebook https://www.facebook.com/rootsmanrak/ Instagram https://www.instagram.com/rootsmanrak/ Twitter https://twitter.com/RootsmanRak