AND THE LORD GOD PLANTED A GARDEN (OASIS) IN THE EAST, IN EDEN (DELIGHT, LAND OF HAPPINESS); AND HE PUT THE MAN WHOM HE HAD FORMED (CREATED) THERE. AND [IN THAT GARDEN] THE LORD GOD CAUSED TO GROW FROM THE GROUND EVERY TREE THAT IS DESIRABLE AND PLEASING TO THE SIGHT AND GOOD (SUITABLE, PLEASANT) FOR FOOD.GENESIS 2:8-9

FOOD FOREST OPTIONS

There are numerous interesting and exciting variables to consider when creating a food forest.

MULTI-OPTIONS

Since natural forests vary greatly, it makes sense there are many different types of food forests as well. Each food forest is unique according to size, location, intentions, and preferences. They can be simple or elaborate systems.

Picture Your Food Forest As

Paradise/Wonderland - images on this site & elsewhere, scenic places in nature, and beautiful gardens/orchards will provide inspiration.
Favorite Outdoor Area - for leisure, recreation, exercise, cooking/baking, entertainment, gatherings, creative space, workspace.
Treasured Marketplace - that's always open and filled with fresh, delicious, ripe, healthy food, flowers, natural medicine.
Education, Demonstration & Therapeutic Place - making use of activities, programs, workshops, events, rest, solitude.

Take Some Time To

Imagine what you & others will see, hear, smell, touch, and taste.
Contemplate the peace, comfort, joy, healing, health, activity, creativity, sufficiency, resiliency, and satisfaction that will take place.
Appreciate the profound interactions with God, people of all ages & types, animals/pets, plants, nature & food.

Your Mission, Vision, Goals

What is the reason for your food forest?
Additional Elements - What other outdoor elements would you like amongst your food forest (greenhouse, nursery, work/wash area, shed/garage/barn, animal housing/shelter/stables, patio/deck, gazebo/pergola/cabana, al fresco dining, kitchen, bbq, pizza/bread oven, fireplace/pit, pool/ponds/streams, water fountain, game/sports/fitness/wellness area, workspace, creative space, communal space, etc)?
Aesthetics - What type of environment would you like your food forest to be (refined/structured or rugged/wild)? Both can be incorporated.
Time Frame - When would you like to start your food forest? When would you like the installation to be completed?
Participation - Who will be participating in the creation/installation of your food forest?
Maintenance - Who will be maintaining your food forest after it has been installed?

Your Land

How much land will be exclusively used for your food forest? You can always scale up over time.
What type of landscape currently exists where your future food forest will grow (flat, hilly, grassland, woodland, savanah, desert, rocky, valley, mountain)? What are the contours of the landscape?
What is the quality/condition of the existing soil?
What is the climate like? Are there any micro-climates? What are the sunlight, shade, wind conditions?
Are there any climate & environmental hazards/risks (cold, heat, drought, flood, soil erosion, rain, sun, wind, fire, pollution/contaminants)?
Is there any existing irrigation and/or nearby access to water? If so, what kind (public, well, spring, stream, river, pond, lake)? Are there any rainwater harvesting methods in place (storage tanks, cisterns, ponds, trenches, swales)?
Are there any existing protective barriers on the landscape where your future food forest will grow? If so, what kind (fencing, walls, vegetation)?

Your Choices Of Foods, Herbs, Trees, Plants, Flowers (That Can Grow In Your Location)

What food do you love to eat and/or desire to grow (fruits, berries, veggies, nuts, seeds, herbs, edible plants & flowers)?
What medicinal plants?
What native & ornamental (decorative) trees, bushes/shrubs, plants, flowers, vines?
What aromatic trees, bushes/shrubs, plants, flowers, vines?

Animals

Animals/Pets - Do you currently have any? Do you plan on getting any? If so, what kind(s)?
Wildlife Management - What local wild animals are a nuisance?

Free Consultation

Please Note: The minimum size space I work with (to be exclusively used for a food forest) is 1/2 acre.

In order to best serve you, please consider the above options before contacting.

Looking forward to exploring your food forest endeavor.

FOOD FOREST OPTIONS

ADDITIONAL LEARNING RESOURCES