Edible Forest Gardens (2 volume set)

About this book

Edible Forest Gardens is a groundbreaking two-volume work that spells out and explores the key concepts of forest ecology and applies them to the needs of natural gardeners in temperate climates. Volume I lays out the vision of the forest garden and explains the basic ecological principles that make it work. In Volume II Dave Jacke and Eric Toensmeier move on to practical considerations: concrete ways to design establish and maintain your own forest garden. Along the way they present case studies and examples as well as tables illustrations and a uniquely valuable plant matrix that lists hundreds of the best edible and useful species. Taken together the two volumes of Edible Forest Gardens offer an advanced course in ecological gardening-one that will forever change the way you look at plants and your environment. What is an edible forest garden? An edible forest garden is a perennial polyculture of multipurpose plants. Most plants regrow every year without replanting: perennials. Many species grow together: a polyculture. Each plant contributes to the success of the whole by fulfilling many functions: multipurpose. In other words a forest garden is an edible ecosystem a consciously designed community of mutually beneficial plants and animals intended for human food production. Edible forest gardens provide more than just a variety of foods. The seven Fs apply here: food fuel fiber fodder fertilizer and farmaceuticals as well as fun. A beautiful lush environment can be a conscious focus of your garden design or a side benefit you enjoy. "These will be the benchmark works in the field for many years. The level of scholarship and meticulous footnoting is unsurpassed by anything Ive seen in permaculture literature."Toby Hemenway author of Gaias Garden