In my design for Månegartneriet’s food forest, I aimed to maximize space and create as many beneficial relationships among plants as possible. At the same time, I tried to maintain the mystical feeling the owner envisioned for the space. The result is a carefully planned yet beautiful and interactive design that includes 30+ varieties of flowers, shrubs, and trees!

The designated space for the food forest.

Initial Design

Final Design with Explanations

“Enter Food Forest through Kiwi archway, shade covered pathway meanders past familiar and new varieties. Eventually becomes dense canopy with possibility for quiet space with bench. Pathways connect with main garden but are limited: saving space, maintaining mystical feeling, and limiting entry for deer. Productive bushes, such as Blueberry and Raspberry have their own paths for accessibility.

• Blueberries and Raspberries planted together, like slightly acidic soil.
• Blueberries inter-planted with Thyme and Clover.
• Hazelnut and Currant are planted below Walnut because they [are Jungalone resistant].
• Currants planted close to base of Devil’s Walking Stick because [it is] potted.
• Mushroom logs placed throughout forest.
• Apple trees green mulched with Comfrey, Marigold, and Mint.
• Aronia Berries inter-planted with Wild Strawberry and various Pollinator attracting flowers.
• Kiwi green mulched with Lemon Balm.
• Gooseberry planted along North and West sides because shade tolerant and will deter deer.”