Forest layers

The Forest layers were established using tree guilds as shown below

Aim for guilds

• Diversity 

• All plants serving multiple roles 

• Hardy plants

• Plants that can establish themselves quickly 

• To create wildlife habitat 

• To support soil health 

To begin with, I focused on getting the beds planted out, using groundcovers such as mint and nasturtium as place holders.  Over time, I will add plants that are more suitable and useful in the garden, but my main goal was to get everything established and healthy.  

Below are examples of how my designs/plans are working toward fulfilling my aims for the garden.

Feijoa 

The feijoa tree guild has been planted out with mint, strawberries, nasturtium, and risotto mint. My end goal is to have a guild full of various different plants including chamomile, comfrey, and wildflowers. When I'm ready, I'll start replacing these plants with ones I want long term.  For now, they make good fillers and keep the soil happy. 

Design based on bugs

The fig tree guild will be the most prone to pests. To support the fig, the main focus will be strong smelling plants. These plants will help to repel or confuse these pests.

Marigold is a flower that I've planted in almost every guild. It both attracts beneficial insects and repels pests. It's planted around the garden perimeter to mask the smell of the fig tree. Lavender is my shrub layer planted for similar reasons. I made sure to include yellow and purple flowers in this guild to attract wasps. 

Thyme is likely the most effective at covering up the smells of other plants, so it was placed close to the tree. Basil will also benefit from this kind of pest protection, so I planted it between the lavender, thyme, and marigold.

To attract Blue-tongue lizards, I've planted strawberries and plan to use other herbs which are prone to snails. To ensure the garden is more desirable for blue tongues, I've added dishes of water and half a clay pipe as a shelter or hiding spot. I also plan to add a stepping stone both for us to access the tree and for the lizards to sunbake. The water dish sits near the strawberries and shelter. When the lavender grows larger, the blue tongues will have a bushy space to dive under if they feel threatened.