Food Forests
A food forest, or forest garden, is a low-maintenance, sustainable food production system modeled after natural woodland ecosystems. It incorporates multiple layers of edible plants that work together to create a productive ecosystem. It's one of the most common projects that Local Bloom hubs do, because it creates economic and/or free food opportunities for the community, beautiful recreational space, and a healing connection with nature.
Seven Layers of a Food Forest
- Canopy - Tall fruit and nut trees
- Low Tree Layer - Dwarf fruit trees
- Shrub Layer - Berry bushes
- Herbaceous Layer - Perennial vegetables and herbs
- Ground Cover - Edible plants that spread horizontally
- Vine Layer - Climbing plants
- Root Layer - Root crops and tubers
Design Principles
- Succession Planning - Understanding how the forest develops over time
- Plant Guilds - Creating beneficial plant communities
- Edge Effects - Maximizing productive boundaries
- Biodiversity - Including multiple species and varieties
- Vertical Stacking - Using all available space
Community Benefits
Food forests can provide multiple benefits to Local Bloom communities:
- Free, accessible food for community members
- Educational opportunities
- Wildlife habitat
- Carbon sequestration
- Community gathering spaces
- Reduced urban heat island effect