News » Food Forests and Permaculture in New England

10/05/2023 - Food Forest, Permaculture

Food Forests & Permaculture Gardens

What are they...

Food forests or Permaculture style gardens focus on usefulness and building sustainable connections. Plants are selected for food, medicine, supporting beneficial wildlife, shade, beauty and much more. These landscapes mimic natural environments making them less fussy, more productive, lower maintenance and more beautiful.

Benefits...

• Edible plants to feed and heal your family
• Attract beneficial insects, birds and other pollinators
• Less water, pesticides and fertilizer needed
• Adds beauty and provides relaxing spaces

Design...

Plants are arranged to support, shelter and physically help one another.
Soil is improved to conserve water and feed plants. Perennials are favored over annuals and gardens are kept in young productive state. Nitrogen fixing plants help lessen the need for fertilizer. Pesticides are minimized by attracting birds and beneficial insects. Connections between elements should save time, energy and promote symbiotic relationships. Maximize planting by using keyhole layouts. (see sketch below)

Plants...

Trees: Chestnut, Black Walnut, Apple, Pear, Peach, Mulberry, Pawpaw, Persimmon, Cherry, Plum, Fig, Russian Olive & Quince

Shrubs: Raspberry, Blackberry, Blueberry, Elderberry, Honeyberry, Chokeberry, Hazelnut, Nanking Cherry, Beach Plum & Lingonberry

Bamboo: One of the most useful plants in the world. Needs to be contained with mowing or physical root barrier.

Vines: Grape, Hardy Kiwi, Hops, Chocolate Vine & Honeysuckle

Perennials, Herbs & Groundcover: Strawberry, Lovage, Asparagus, Ground Cherry, Rhubarb, Garlic, Horseradish, Rosemary, Mint, Thyme, Miners Lettuce & Clover

Call or email Atlantic today to start planning your Food Forest!