FOREST FARM & PERMACULTURE Garden
Permaculture forest farming is an important approach to land use which mimics natural forest succession to produce diverse, useful yields such as food, medicine, charcoal, and building and craft materials. Forest Farming will play a significant role in the ability of our region to adapt as climate change, economic contraction, desertification and topsoil loss, population pressures and rapid spread of crop pathogens make conventional agriculture mostly obsolete in the next 30 years.
The MNGI “Forest Farm” polyculture garden is a small-scale demonstration of these techniques for landowners and farmers who are interested in learning about and implementing them on their own properties. It is hoped that this garden will also serve as a seed and cutting source for local farmers.
The design for this garden was created by Zev Friedman of Living System Designs. Annual classes are held at the Madison County Public Library illustrating permaculture methods, demonstrating sustainability and income producing options in forested areas.
Changes have occurred since the initial plan was created and implemented in fall 2011. Subsequent years' classes have included pruning, finessing of the water flow through the landscape via swales and water bars, new plantings of useful shrubs and groundcovers. Future plans include weaving living willow erosion barriers and inoculating mushroom patches and logs.
The next time you visit the library, take a walk through the forest farm demonstration area. Walk the paths and check out the interpretive signage. Learn about how the garden was designed to take into consideration the slope and drainage of the land.
Please drop us an email for more information and/or to volunteer with this important demonstration garden.
We really need someone to spearhead the vision for this garden. If you have interest in permaculture and helping out with this, please give Ed a call at 828-333-3883. If you can't take on the whole project, perhaps you can give some time to help get this garden back under control.
It took a lot to clean up the area, removing invasives, dead shrubs and old wood. A controlled burn, which was a teaching opportunity for some new firefighters, provided a clean base to begin the garden.
The natural contour of the property allows creation of a pathway, while simultaneously slowing water run-off and providing water retention for plants.
Marshall fire fighters helped out by burning debris as a practice exercise. We hope to have another burn soon to rid debris from the Woodland garden invasives we've been removing.
Above provides a view of the drive into the library (upper left corner) where it meets 25/70 business/Main street.
As with all gardens, eventually weeds begin to take over if you don't stay on top of the weeding. Here's a look at how the garden is faring so far. We've doubled our efforts lately at getting control. Look for the pathways to be redefined.
This is the center of the garden and photo is taken from the drive.
At this point in time, the gardens look much more refined. A walkway has been installed that links to the Woodland Shade Garden. Many plants have been added to the original plan. Labels and informational tags have also been added. Photos are coming!