Edible forest gardening is the ultimate in producing, food whilst keeping in harmony with nature. This workshop will give you a practical understanding of how to design and implement gardens, to mimic natural forest ecosystems. It is suited to anyone looking to grow a low maintenance, aesthetic landscape of any size or scale.

Edible forest gardeners use the forest as an inspirational design tool. You can carefully design your outdoor space with similar structures and functions to a forest. Using productive and useful plant species allow you to focus on creating a resilient ecosystem, to meet human needs in a small space.

Anyone with a small patch of land can grow a forest garden. They’ve been created in small suburban backyards and large parks, on suburban blocks, and in small plots on rural farms.

This workshop will give you an introduction to:

• The theory behind Edible Forest Gardens
• Plant guilds (polycultures) and the different functions that plants can play
• Wildlife, insects, domestic animals and how they integrate with an Edible Forest Garden
• Mycelium and Soil Succession and the role it plays in Edible Forest Garden
• Different types of plants we use in the foodscapes we implement for clients
• Design considerations for Edible Forest Gardens
• Preparing the soil and planting an Edible Forest Garden

At the end of the workshop you will understand the basics of Edible Forest Gardening. It will cover background theory, but focus on the practical aspects of Edible Forest Gardening. Especially design considerations and how to prepare and plant one in your own backyard.

A set of notes will be provided to all participants. All materials required for the practical and design activities will be provided.

The workshop will involve a combination of theory in a class room setting and practical activities, including:

• Exploring different plants, their functions and how to propagate them
• Exploring the property gardens to discuss elements of Edible Forest Garden Design
• Design activity to create your own guild or polyculture
• Planting an example polyculture (group activity)

What to Bring:

• Enthusiasm for learning
• Notepad and Pen
• Your lunch
• Water bottle
• Closed toed, practical shoes

This is an all-weather event. Most of the workshop will be conducted indoors, including the design activity. However, we will be spending time outdoors, touring the garden and conducting some activities, so please dress appropriately.

Class size is limited to just 8 participants to ensure you have plenty of opportunities to ask questions and to receive support and feedback with your design activities.

Early Bird Pricing Ends June 8th 2023