A Vision Brought to Life
Gardening Australia recently showcased our Edible Forest project. The popular TV show took viewers on a journey through our dense, one-acre food forest in the Yarra Valley, an hour northeast of Melbourne. Home to over 300 plant species from around the world, the forest stands as a testament to our commitment to sustainability and a deep respect for nature. Our initiator, Louise Ward, describes Edible Forest as a “mimicking of the normal forest as a food system.” Here, every plant has its purpose, adding to the forest’s rich diversity while contributing to the sustainability of the ecosystem.
From Bare Soil to Thriving Ecosystem
The site’s transformation from a clear open paddock on clay soil to a thriving food forest was no small feat. It required hard work, dedication, and a whole lot of manure. The once-bare soil is now home to an abundance of plants, forming structured pathways and providing copious amounts of produce used in the menus for our wedding venue business.
The Caretakers of the Forest
Our horticulturist, Jamie Sweetman, is one of the primary caretakers of the Edible Forest. She guides tour groups around the garden and educates them on the importance of biodiversity, with around 330 plants in the forest, of which about 200 are edible. The remaining plants serve a crucial role in the ecosystem, attracting beneficial bugs or fixing nitrogen in the soil.
Protecting our Natural Assets
A significant portion of the garden is protected by a netted structure that wards off deer, rabbits, and cockatoos, yet allows smaller creatures like birds, bees, and dragonflies to access the plants. This delicate balance ensures a thriving ecosystem while safeguarding the produce and medicinal plants.
Subheading: Repurposing and Recycling
At Edible Forest, we practice sustainable methods such as “chop-and-drop”, where green waste is repurposed to replenish soil nutrients. We’ve even incorporated a wire cylinder structure where we accumulate green waste, cover it with mulch, and let it decompose to produce nutrient-rich soil on site.
Subheading: A Natural Haven
Amongst the variety of plants, some stand out for their unique properties. For instance, we harvest rosehips and elderberry for syrups and have cape gooseberries and chokeberries rich in antioxidants. There is also the Australian native water fern, nardoo, and other nitrogen-fixing plants, such as the Persian silk tree.
Subheading: Nurturing Mind and Soul
Louise admits that “gardening is one of the best things I’ve ever discovered,” and we couldn’t agree more. The Edible Forest embodies this sentiment. As we continue to foster sustainable practices and promote biodiversity, we invite you to journey with us to explore the wonderful world of gardening.
Discover the Magic of Edible Forest: Book Your Tour Today!
Experience the joy of nature’s bounty firsthand! Commencing 1 August 2023 we are excited to invite you on a guided tour of the enchanting Edible Forest. See the result of sustainable gardening practices, explore the diverse range of edible and medicinal plants, and get a behind-the-scenes glimpse into our innovative techniques.
