A forest garden is based on the model of a natural woodland or forest. Like a natural woodland, and using permaculture principles, it is designed to use ail physical dimensions, including time and relationships, to create a diverse, ecologically balanced, food producing system that is also a low maintenance and beautiful garden.
Patrick Whitefield has succeeded in writing an enjoyable and timely book which will appeal to anyone who yearns to produce food sustainably. Organic gardeners, permaculture designers and growers, ecologists and conservationists will love it. It covers ail aspects of designing, planting and maintaining a forest garden; details useful and less obvious plants, from fruit trees to mushrooms; creating home-grown biological resources; Controlling pests organically; mulching and no-dig methods. The final chapter rounds off the book with a practical step-by-step guide to design using examples, including base and design maps together with costings.
A common thread throughout the book is the balance of sensible, practical suggestions with a wealth of background facts and data. It is both a manual of forest gardening and an important text for permaculture in temperate climates. With the possible exception of the lack of clarity in a few black and white photographs, I recommend this book without reservation.