Wild at heart

On the face of it, the phrase ‘forest garden’ is a contradiction in terms, since trees in mature forests do not allow enough sun through the canopy for satisfactory gardening.

On the face of it, the phrase ‘forest garden’ is a contradiction in terms, since trees in mature forests do not allow enough sun through the canopy for satisfactory gardening. But it is meant simply as a shorthand for ‘a garden of useful plants (trees, shrubs and perennial vegetables) in an environment similar to a young natural woodland’ — which, if not exactly snappy, is certainly an interesting concept whichever way up you hold it. Indeed, ‘forest garden’ is likely to be a phrase heard more and more since, if properly managed, it represents a perpetuating and low-carbon ecosystem. It is therefore an attractive concept to anyone concerned about the substantial requirements for energy of every kind, which is necessary to cultivate a conventional garden.

‘Properly managed’ is the apposite expression because those who wish for success in this kind of gardening must give their lives over to it. One of the best-known practitioners is Martin Crawford, who cultivates at Dartington in south Devon a forest garden of two acres that was once pasture. His Agroforestry Research Trust provides consultancy and running courses. The fact that he is a mild-mannered and engaging chap does not alter the fact that he is on a serious-minded and determined mission, using his scientific expertise and (bitter) experience as an organic market gardener for impulsion.

He works from the premise that there are many edible, medicinal or otherwise useful (i.e., for wildlife) temperate plants available to us, and that gardens composed of these, in a diverse and multilayered system, can be both productive and beautiful.