What is a Food Forest…
A food forest, also called a forest garden, is a diverse planting of edible plants that attempts to mimic the ecosystems and patterns found in nature. Food forests are three dimensional designs, with life extending in all directions – up, down, and out.
Generally, we recognize seven layers of a forest garden – the overstory, the understory, the shrub layer, the herbaceous layer, the root layer, the ground cover layer, and the vine layer. Some also like to recognize the mycelial layer, layer eight (mushrooms). Using these layers, we can fit more plants in an area without causing failure due to competition.
FOREST GARDEN DESIGN CAN REDUCE INPUTS IN VARIOUS WAYS, INCLUDING:
- placing emphasis on trees, shrubs, perennials, and self-seeding annuals
- planting thickly and using ground covers to shade soil and suppress weeds
- utilizing nitrogen-fixing and nutrient-accumulating plants, chop-and-drop techniques, and returning wastes to the land to create healthy soil rather than applying fertilizer
- planting a diverse array of plants that attract beneficial insects to pollinate the fruit crops and keep pest populations from exploding and causing damage
- utilizing several ground-shaping techniques to keep rain water on the site
- designing for placement of plants to create micro-climates and windbreaks
A food forest does not have to be re-planted year after year. Once it is established, it is generally very resilient. Deer and rabbits might come and munch some of the herbaceous edibles in some areas, for example, but other species will not be palatable to them or will be out of their reach. Not only will they usually grow right back, since many will be perennials and have healthy underground systems, but the trees, shrubs, and vines should be undamaged.
History of the Food Forest
Managing forests for their edible benefits to humans is an ancient practice. In fact, existing ancient food forests have been found in Africa, Asia, and the Americas. As the New World was colonized, the colonists and anthropologists didn’t know that they were looking at managed systems. To them, the forests in front of them looked like untouched forest.
What we realize now, of course, is that the early hunter-gatherer societies didn’t wander around aimlessly in search of food. In fact, they knew which areas produced which desirable foods or medicines, and at which time of year. It informed their movement. As they moved through forest and prairies areas, they encouraged desirable plant species by cutting back the growth around them. Ultimately, giving them the space to grow abundantly helped them thrive and reproduce.
It was an early form of forest gardening. They wouldn’t have spent a ton of time tending this space. However, the desired plants would certainly be given an advantage over other plants.
Geoff Lawton found a 2,000 year old food forest in Morrocco. Incredibly, 800 people continue to farm this desert oasis. Among other edible plants, you’ll find date palms, bananas, olives, figs, pomegranate, guava, citrus, and mulberry. Likewise, he found a 300 year old food forest in Vietnam that has been cultivated by the same family for 28 generations.
With these ancient stories in mind, we can create vibrantly abundant perennial gardens that require less maintenance. Above all, they can be a legacy left for future generations. This is the inspiration behind the modern food production strategy called a Permaculture Food Forest.
Galt’s Landing is a 52 acre plot with thousands of square feet of food forest that contains 200 different species of food and a private 430 acre lake. This is just the beginning though. We’re expecting to see 1,000 different species within the next 2 years. Galt’s Landing will eventually become a luxury off-grid community. Every lot will have its own food forest, well, and energy system.
Food Forest Abundance was established in 2020 to revolutionize gardening and to help people grow their own food using the design science of permaculture. The company has organically blossomed into a global movement that now teaches people how to become self-reliant all around the world.
By leveraging the science of Permaculture (permanent agriculture) and by working in harmony with nature, they design and install beautiful edible landscapes that yield incredible amounts of healthy and poison free food.
Why grow food?
- RISING FOOD PRICES - A food forest provides a sustainable and abundant source of fresh produce, reducing the need to purchase expensive items from supermarkets.
- GMO’S & PESTICIDES - Food forests can enhance biodiversity, protect soil and water, promote beneficial insects, and provide healthy food without the use of harmful GMOs and pesticides.
- FOOD SECURITY - Food forests can increase food security by providing a reliable source of fresh, nutrient-dense food that is accessible to individuals and communities.
LEARN IT - Even if you are not an expert, we will teach you. Our learning program includes:
- Permaculture design certification
- Business startup plan and coaching
- Marketing best practices
- Hands on training & installation
- Collaborate with an international network
LIVE IT - Live an off-grid lifestyle without compromise. Save money, live healthy and become independent from centralized infrastructure.
- Grow your own food
- Harvest your own energy
- Collect your own water
- Create Local Strategic Partnerships
- Normal expenses become profit centers
TEACH IT - Demonstrate Regenerative Food Production & Living. Inspire your community to live free and help them get started through:
- Consulting, Design & Installation Services
- Education and Private Tours
- Local Strategic Partners & Affiliate Sales
- Immersive overnight healing experiences