Report to Client for Edible Forest Garden Design in Greystanes. Download of this report can enabled for specific people or purposes upon request.

1. Provide Environmental Advice To Clients
Design of an Edible Forest Garden – Final Report
Design Report
for an
Edible Forest Garden
for 89 Dawn Street Greystanes
Paul Boundy
17 Dec 2013

2. Provide Environmental Advice To Clients
Design of an Edible Forest Garden – Final Report
The Garden Design
Figure 1 – The Edible Forest Garden Design
i

3. Design Report for an Edible Forest Garden in Greystanes
Executive Summary
This is the final report on the design of an Edible Forest Garden in Greystanes, NSW. The research and design work
was performed both as an independent project of interest for the author, and the focus of the authors
environmental studies.
The design concepts and recommendations unfolded over time in a not necessarily logical sequence, but have
been assembled into the report is the most logical sequence for the benefit of the client and anyone wishing to
gain an understanding of the garden in the future.
The garden design was used to build the garden on Sunday 3 November 2013 using volunteer labour contributing
to Permablitz Sydney.
The first section of the report details some overall concepts on Permaculture and Edible Forest Gardens. The
second section details the site analysis and design strategies applicable for this site. The third section gives a
detailed description of the design, explaining the decisions and recommendations made. Appendix A shows the
final concept drawings and Appendix B shows the multiple functions and uses of the selected edible and support
plants. A separate document, the Material & Plant Cost spreadsheet accompanies this report.
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4. Design Report for an Edible Forest Garden in Greystanes
Table of Contents
The Garden Design ........................................................................................................................................................ i
Executive Summary ...................................................................................................................................................... ii
Table of Contents ........................................................................................................................................................ iii
Figures ......................................................................................................................................................................... iv
Design Drawings in Appendix A ................................................................................................................................... iv
1
Introduction to Sustainable Gardening Concepts ................................................................................................1
1.1
Permaculture ................................................................................................................................................1
1.2
Edible Forest Gardening ...............................................................................................................................1
1.2.1
1.2.2
Forest Mimicry ......................................................................................................................................2
1.2.3
Nitrogen Fixation ..................................................................................................................................2
1.2.4
Dynamic Accumulators .........................................................................................................................2
1.2.5
Paths and soil compaction ....................................................................................................................2
1.2.6
Resource Sharing ..................................................................................................................................2
1.2.7
2
Forest Layers .........................................................................................................................................1
Nectary & Evergreen Plants for Pollinators and pest predators ..........................................................2
Design Methods and Strategies for this site .........................................................................................................3
2.1
Site Analysis ..................................................................................................................................................3
2.1.1
Client Preferences.................................................................................................................................3
2.1.2
Location and Climate ............................................................................................................................3
2.1.3
Zones and Sectors .................................................................................................................................3
2.1.4
Slope .....................................................................................................................................................4
2.1.5
Soil analysis ...........................................................................................................................................4
2.2
Design Strategies ..........................................................................................................................................4
2.2.1
2.2.2
Low cost and ease of assembly in one day ...........................................................................................4
2.2.3
Ecological Plant Feeding .......................................................................................................................4
2.2.4
Perennial Cover Crop and Living Mulch for Orchards ..........................................................................4
2.2.5
Annual Green Manure ..........................................................................................................................4
2.2.6
Flower Nectary and Evergreen plants ..................................................................................................5
2.2.7
Disease avoidance ................................................................................................................................5
2.2.8
3
Material selection .................................................................................................................................4
Creative assembly & aesthetic feel.......................................................................................................5
Design Outcomes and Recommendations ...........................................................................................................6
3.1
Improving Clay Soil .......................................................................................................................................6
3.2
New Soil ........................................................................................................................................................6
3.3
General Soil Preparation and Garden Bed Assembly ...................................................................................6
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5. Design Report for an Edible Forest Garden in Greystanes
3.4
Tree Selection and Placement ......................................................................................................................6
3.4.1
Banana ..................................................................................................................................................6
3.4.2
Asian / Nashi Pear .................................................................................................................................7
3.4.3
Mulberry ...............................................................................................................................................7
3.4.4
Placement .............................................................................................................................................7
3.5
Banana-Pawpaw circle ..................................................................................................................................7
3.6
Pear and Mulberry Orchard ..........................................................................................................................7
3.6.1
Sleeper Selection ..................................................................................................................................7
3.6.2
Grass barrier .........................................................................................................................................7
3.6.3
Perennial Cover Crop and Living Mulch................................................................................................7
3.6.4
Strawberry Ground Cover .....................................................................................................................7
3.6.5
Flowering Nectary Plants ......................................................................................................................8
3.7
Annual Vegetable Garden.............................................................................................................................8
3.8
Materials list and cost...................................................................................................................................8
4
Maintenance .........................................................................................................................................................8
5
Bibliography ..........................................................................................................................................................9
Appendix A– Concept Drawings ...................................................................................................................................1
Appendix B – Multiple-Function Plant List ...................................................................................................................6
Figures
Figure 1 – The Edible Forest Garden Design.................................................................................................................. i
Figure 2 – An Illustration of an Edible Forest Garden (Jacke, D. 2005) ........................................................................1
Figure 3 – Forest Garden Layers (Burnett, G. 2000) ....................................................................................................1
Figure 4 – Peas are legumes .........................................................................................................................................2
Figure 5 – Root nodules on a legume hosting Rhizobia ...............................................................................................2
Figure 6 – Comfrey is a Dynamic Accumulator. ............................................................................................................2
Figure 7 – Satellite Image during Summer months ......................................................................................................3
Figure 8 – Satellite Image during Winter months.........................................................................................................3
Figure 9 – Heavy clay ....................................................................................................................................................4
Figure 10 – Compost Bin...............................................................................................................................................4
Figure 11 – Lacewing Pest Predator. Various species eat aphids, caterpillars, mealy bugs and other pests. .............5
Design Drawings in Appendix A
A-1 – Aerial View ..........................................................................................................................................................1
A-2 – South East View ...................................................................................................................................................2
A-3 – South West View .................................................................................................................................................3
A-4 – North West View .................................................................................................................................................4
A-5 – North East View ...................................................................................................................................................5
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6. Design Report for an Edible Forest Garden in Greystanes
1 Introduction to Sustainable Gardening Concepts
This Edible Forest Garden was designed for Peter and Reyne Grullemans at 89 Dawn Street,
Greystanes. The garden was designed using both permaculture design strategies and also strategies
more specific to edible forest gardens or food forests.
1.1 Permaculture
Permaculture is an evolving and growing body of knowledge stemming from ethics and principles of
traditional and modern sustainable living. These ethics and principles are applicable not only to
gardening, but to all human society and environments. They can be used as a guide to make a
transition from being a dependent consumer to responsible producer. This journey builds skills and
resilience that will help us prepare for an uncertain future with less available energy.
Organic gardening, where no synthetic chemicals are used, is generally compatible with
permaculture principles as it results in a healthy ecosystem and healthy food.
Permaculture designers employ site analysis strategies to comprehend the existing energy flows for
a site such as sunlight and shade, water flow under gravity, winds and seasonal changes. Some of the
site analysis strategies are given in the later section on Design Methods and Strategies.
1.2 Edible Forest Gardening
Edible Forest Garden designers may employ an additional or more focused set of design principles
and practices, some of which are described here.
An Edible Forest Garden can be described as a perennial polyculture of multipurpose plants. The
elements of and edible forest garden are:
 Perennial, as most plants regrow without replanting and the soil is not disturbed like annual
vegetable gardening;
 A Polyculture, as many species grow together and support each other;
 Multipurpose, as each plant contributes to the success of the whole by fulfilling many functions.
1.2.1 Forest Layers
The structure of a forest may be defined by seven or more layers: Tall Tree, Low Tree, Shrub, Herb,
Ground, Vine, Topsoil, Subsoil, and Substratum. Ground covers are extremely important as they
protect the soil life from damaging UV sunlight, reduce soil evaporation and prevent weed invasion.
Some examples of the layers in a forest are shown the Figure 2 and Figure 3 below.
Figure 2 – An Illustration of an Edible Forest Garden
(Jacke, D. 2005)
Paul Boundy
17 December 2013
Figure 3 – Forest Garden Layers
(Burnett, G. 2000)
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7. Design Report for an Edible Forest Garden in Greystanes
1.2.2 Forest Mimicry
The aim of an EFG Designer is to garden like a forest, thus to mimic forest ecosystems. Forest
gardeners use the forest as a design metaphor, to model the structure and function while adapting
the design to meet human needs. Forests develop numerous cooperative relationships between
plant, insect, animal, fungi other species.
1.2.3 Nitrogen Fixation
Plants and all life need nitrogen to create their structural building and in
particular proteins and DNA. Molecular nitrogen (N2) is abundant in the
atmosphere and the air in the soil, but it is relatively inert, meaning it
does easily react chemically and is not readily available to plants and
animals. Nitrogen Fixing plants are useful as these plants have a
relationship with specific bacteria called Rhizobia that convert
atmospheric nitrogen in the soil, to nitrates and other nitrogen
compounds that the plant can use.
These nitrogen fixing plants are mostly from the pea or ‘legume’ family,
scientifically known as Fabaceae. When these plants die back through
natural processes or by being cut for mulch, the nitrogen in their stems,
leaves and roots become available to other plants and animals.
Furthermore, the seeds or legumes that grow on the plants are high in
protein and some are edible by people or other insects and animals.
1.2.4 Dynamic Accumulators
Comfrey and other similar plants have deep roots and collect nutrients
deep in the soil that may otherwise be lost to the forest ecosystem.
They accumulate the nutrients in all parts of their tissues. If this plant
later dies or is cut and used as mulch, the nutrients become available to
the forest system via the upper soil layers.
1.2.5 Paths and soil compaction
Air, water and life in the soil are essential in a forest garden and thus
compaction of the soil by footsteps is to be avoided. But also access is
required to enjoy the forest garden and collect its produce. Therefore,
paths need to be carefully placed so that tree and plant root zones are
not compacted. As root zones are radial from the centre of a tree or
plant, circular or curving paths are useful to avoid root zone
compaction. Such paths also are also more interesting for people and
they increase the interfaces between plants therefore enhances
biodiversity.
Figure 4 – Peas are legumes
Figure 5 – Root nodules on a
legume hosting Rhizobia
Figure 6 – Comfrey is a
Dynamic Accumulator.
1.2.6 Resource Sharing
The forest will function best when its resources are shared cooperatively rather than competitively.
Therefore, when placing trees and other plants, the size and depth of each plant’s roots need to be
considered so that adjacent plants are not competing for resources in the soil.
Similarly, the diameter and height of tree canopies need to be considered so that the trees do not
excessively compete for sunlight and airflow. Canopy size can give an estimate for root zone size if
the root pattern is unknown. Annual pruning of the canopy is useful this will keep both the canopy
and the trees root-zone to a cooperative size.
1.2.7 Nectary & Evergreen Plants for Pollinators and pest predators
Providing flowering plants year-round will encourage pollinating bees and insects to live in the area,
which in turn enables fruit trees and plants to be more productive. Flowering and evergreen plants
also support the predators of pest insects so that pest insects are kept in check before serious
damage is done to plants and foods.
Paul Boundy
17 December 2013
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8. Design Report for an Edible Forest Garden in Greystanes
2 Design Methods and Strategies for this site
Permaculture site analysis and design strategies were employed along with design strategies specific
to edible forest gardens.
2.1 Site Analysis
A fundamental strategy in permaculture is to analyse the site so that the design takes advantage of
its natural features. The design thought processes can be circular or iterative where design ideas are
trialled and modified several times as new information comes to hand.
2.1.1 Client Preferences
The clients had little previous food gardening experience and were unsure what they could grow in
their backyard. They were therefore willing to be guided by designers with more experience. Reyne,
being from the Philippines was naturally interested in fruits and foods native to tropical areas so this
was considered in the design. Creating a garden that the client will enjoy as well as ‘obtain a yield’
from is a key factor in the success of the garden.
2.1.2 Location and Climate
Sydney generally has a temperate climate. Greystanes is located on Sydney’s Cumberland Plain area,
which has approximately 900mm of rain per year and hot summers (Benson & Howell 1990). This
location is not ideal for growing tropical plants or temperate fruits with high chilling needs like
apples. However the selection of more tolerant plant varieties and the modification of the site can
adjust the microclimate giving these fruits more chance of success.
Average July minima 4oC, Average January maxima 28oC; (Benson & Howell 1990)
2.1.3 Zones and Sectors
Zone analysis considers the geography of the site and attempts to place frequently accessed plants
and systems close to the home. Others plants and items are placed progressively further away with
the least frequently accessed placed the furthest away. As the backyard is a relatively small site, only
one or two zones are considered. Herbs and vegetables should be close to the house while fruit
trees can be further away. A compost system should not be far away or difficult to access or it will
not be used and maintained.
Sector analysis describes the angles of the available sunlight and the extremes the sunlight varies
from summer to winter. Plants and systems have varying needs for light, heat, shade and even
chilling hours for fruit to set. For example tropical plants need warmth and so in this climate should
be placed in a sunniest location. Other plants such as pears, apples and peaches benefit from winter
chilling, so a location with some winter shade should benefit them such as closer to the garden shed.
Figure 7 – Satellite Image during Summer months
Paul Boundy
Figure 8 – Satellite Image during Winter months
17 December 2013
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9. Design Report for an Edible Forest Garden in Greystanes
The house faces east at the street and the northern midday sunlight comes from the direction of the
backyard garden shed. This shed provides some shade on its southern side during cooler months.
The house blocks some morning sunlight, and the small native trees along the rear, western fence
partially blocks the afternoon sunlight.
2.1.4 Slope
Slope can impact the intensity of sunlight and water flow on a site. This location is fairly flat with a
slight slope down to the west and north-west of the garden. Sunlight will not be greatly moderated
by this slope, but excess rainwater will be directed towards the western back fence and north-west
corner.
2.1.5 Soil analysis
A 40cm deep profile in the client’s backyard revealed the top 10cm
of to contain a fair amount of organic matter. Below this, heavy clay
was found with a pH of 6.5. A follow-up test on the clay indicated it
to be dispersive which flocculated with the application of gypsum.
Such soil is not favourable for most plant growth so strategies need
to be considered to improve the soil structure to allow air, water and Figure 9 – Heavy clay
plant roots to penetrate it.
2.2 Design Strategies
2.2.1 Material selection
Following the permaculture principles ‘Produce no waste’, and ‘Use and value renewable resources
and services’, wherever possible, existing materials should be sought for reuse rather than
purchasing new materials. This will also reduce the overall cost of the installation.
2.2.2 Low cost and ease of assembly in one day
The assembly of a garden from scratch generally requires significant
labour over a period of time. Taking advantage of a Permablitz, a
collection of people can achieve a significant amount of work in one
day. The scope of assembly work needs to consider how much
approximately 10 people can achieve in one day.
2.2.3 Ecological Plant Feeding
Plants that produce large volumes of fruit need to be fed to grow. The
above section on Edible Forest Gardening indicates how some plant
nutrients can be obtained through Nitrogen Fixing and Dynamic
Figure 10 – Compost Bin
Accumulator plants. In addition to this, compost and mulch should be
used to return nutrients to the soil and create healthy soil ecology.
2.2.4 Perennial Cover Crop and Living Mulch for Orchards
A Cover Crop and Living Mulch refers to perennial plants that live for many years and support the
adjacent plants particularly for orchard trees. They protect the soil from competitive grasses,
damaging UV, drying out, feed it with nitrogen, reduce compaction and also attract beneficial insects
such as pest predators & pollinators. The supplier Green Harvest provide further details of the
benefits of a living mulch and can supply suitable plant seed with an inoculant with each pack of
seed. The inoculant contains the correct compatible nitrogen fixing bacteria to enable the rapid
commencement of nitrogen accumulation.
2.2.5 Annual Green Manure
‘Green Manures’ may sound similar to Living Mulches but are quite different. They are composed of
annual plants, having a life cycle less than a year and are best used with other annual plants such as
an annual vegetable garden. A mix two types of plants are selected. One type is high in nitrogen such
as a legume and the other high in carbon, such as a cereal grain. These are managed by slashing the
plants before they flower to create rich mulch for feeding the surrounding plants. Sometimes green
manures are dug into the topsoil to be more effective.
Paul Boundy
17 December 2013
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10. Design Report for an Edible Forest Garden in Greystanes
2.2.6 Flower Nectary and Evergreen plants
As previously mentioned, an important design strategy is to include
flowering plants that provide nectar throughout the whole year. This
provides the ecological service of pollinators and pest predators such
as wasps and lacewings. Furthermore, providing plants that have
evergreen leaves provide places for predators to over-winter or lay
eggs of the next generation so the pest predator is in place before a
pest can damage a plant.
2.2.7 Disease avoidance
Figure 11 – Lacewing Pest Predator.
Tree diseases can be prevented by minimising pests that may bring
Various species eat aphids, caterpillars,
mealy bugs and other pests.
viruses using the above strategy. Also, by correct placement of trees
and through annual pruning, the tree canopies can be kept in check
so they do not touch or do not excessively overlap. This ensures the trees receive good airflow and
reduces the likelihood of mould diseases forming.
2.2.8 Creative assembly & aesthetic feel
Assembling all these elements in a garden requires the designer to be creative and to experiment
with novel arrangements so that the garden has an appealing aesthetic and well as functions
effectively. For example, paths should be placed to allow effective access for harvesting as well as
have an interesting layout for people and children to explore.
Paul Boundy
17 December 2013
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11. Design Report for an Edible Forest Garden in Greystanes
3 Design Outcomes and Recommendations
The previous sections detailed the overall design concepts, the site analysis and design strategies
applicable for this site. This section gives a detailed description of the design explaining the decisions
and recommendations made.
Appendix A shows the final concept drawings that were conceived through the design process. Many
garden components and plants have multiple functions or uses and therefore it is not easy to explain
all these functions in a completely logical order. The multiple functions and uses of plants selected
are shown in Appendix B.
The three garden beds recommended in the design are:



A Micro Orchard with Mulberry and Nashi Pear trees. (5m x 5m);
A Banana-Pawpaw circle (4m x 4m)
An Annual Vegetable and Herb Bed (5m x 1.5m);
Other elements on these drawings are provided for information only including the raised patio and
pergola and the rainwater tanks. Using rain water for the garden will provide the best health for the
garden as mains water contains an antibacterial chlorine compound plus other chemicals such as
fluorine and metals from the pipework system. Details of the garden design recommendations are
given below.
3.1 Improving Clay Soil
The following approaches will aid the growing of plants in this environment:
 Addition of large amounts of organic matter such as compost plus gypsum at a rate of 1kg per
square metre will help break up the clay soil to form structure or openings in the soil. This will
allow space for air, water and roots to move through the soil;
 Raising soil height with composted organic matter and soil will give the plant roots a chance to
grow while the clay soil is opening up;
 Selecting native plants and food plants that are adapted to or can tolerate clay soils;
 Using plants with deep roots that will break up the clay.
3.2 New Soil
For simplicity of assembly, one type of new soil suitable for the three garden beds was sought. A
total of 7 cubic metres of new soil was calculated as needed. The majority of the new soil was to be
placed on top of the existing soil, not mixed with it, so the best soil for this situation is well
composted mix of organic matter mixed with some mineral based soil.
3.3 General Soil Preparation and Garden Bed Assembly
For all garden beds, the following general preparation and assembly is recommended. The existing
soil and grass should be loosened with garden forks and then gypsum added with some well
composted organic matter and basalt rock dust as a long term mineral source. Tree holes and the
central compost pit are then dug and refilled with a mix of the existing soil and some well
composted organic matter. The location of the tree holes should be marked with garden stakes.
Then a layer of thick cardboard from discarded bicycle boxes should be placed to suppress and
compost the grass. On top of this should be placed the new composted organic matter and soil. Into
this, all trees and other plants can be planted and then covered with straw mulch.
3.4 Tree Selection and Placement
In search for trees suitable for clay soils, Annette McFarlane’s book, Organic Fruit Growing, indicated
Banana, Mulberry and Pear Trees were suitable among others.
3.4.1 Banana
Banana trees were selected for Reyne, as she has a Filipino background and tropical plants were
expected to be of interest to her. The banana trees should grow to around 3-4 metres tall and being
on the southern side of the garden will receive good sunlight all year.
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17 December 2013
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12. Design Report for an Edible Forest Garden in Greystanes
3.4.2 Asian / Nashi Pear
The Asian (Nashi) pears were selected as they are easy to cultivate and hardy. The rootstock used for
these pears is tolerates wet clay soils. Two matched varieties were selected from ‘Daleys Fruits’ as
they will provide more fruit by cross pollination. These trees has a low chill requirement to produce
fruit, but were placed closest to the shed so they may receive the best available shade or winter
chilling.
3.4.3 Mulberry
The Mulberry was selected as it is very easy to cultivate, is largely pest free, will grow in many
climates’ and in any soil. The Dwarf – Red Shahtoot variety was selected for its best tasting berries
and for its smaller tree size. It was placed in the central area as it grows well in full sun to part shade.
3.4.4 Placement
The trees in the design were arranged so that when fully grown, they would be best placed to
receive the sunlight and/or shade they prefer. The Mulberry and Asian Pears were particularly
arranged so their canopies overlapped by the least amount and thus good airflow around them
would minimise fungal disease.
3.5 Banana-Pawpaw circle
Pawpaw trees were added to the banana circle to provide a greater variety of tropical fruit for the
client and are known to grow well in banana circles. Both the existing knowledge of banana circles
and that of edible forest gardens indicates that the other plant layers of this system need to be filled
with supporting plants and edible plants.
Edible ginger and nasturtiums were added at the shrub layer and herb layers. Sweet potato was
added at the to the herb and root layers. Nasturtiums are excellent dynamic accumulators so the
leaves can be used as mulch; the flowers are edible; the leaves provide strong ground cover shade
maintaining soil moisture and the deep roots and leaves will out compete other plants keeping
weeds and the nearby grass out of the area.
3.6 Pear and Mulberry Orchard
3.6.1 Sleeper Selection
The edges of the raised orchard were built using eight railway-type sleepers with dimensions:
2.4m x 100mm x 200mm. Considerable time was spent finding a supplier of appropriate quality and
priced sleepers. Peter the client, assisted the designer to find AAA grade ironbark railway sleepers at
a retail supplier. These were priced reasonably cheaper that wholesale at $55 each, but as cost was
important consideration, new hardwood sleepers at $28 each were selected in agreement with the
client.
3.6.2 Grass barrier
Over time, the adjacent grass could grow into the orchard area, so the borders were planted with
deep rooted comfrey and lemongrass that will block grass runners. Comfrey is also a very hardy
dynamic accumulator, the leaves of which can be used as mulch. Lemon grass can be used as a tea or
for cooking.
3.6.3 Perennial Cover Crop and Living Mulch
The north western corner of this bed was seeded with seeds of Lucerne, Barrel Medic, and White
Clover. These plants will fix nitrogen in the soil and will also provide a ground cover to protect the
soil from UV and drying sunlight. Being perennial plants, they should last for many years. Seed from
‘Green Harvest’ was selected as this supplier provides a good variety of organic seed and an
inoculant with each seed pack. Other areas of the orchard bed without any plants or ground covers
would benefit from further addition of living mulch plants.
3.6.4 Strawberry Ground Cover
Strawberries were also used as a ground cover in the south western corner of this area simply to
protect the soil and provide a fruit that most people enjoy.
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17 December 2013
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13. Design Report for an Edible Forest Garden in Greystanes
3.6.5 Flowering Nectary Plants
The south east corner of the orchard was planted with various blue and violet coloured low shrubs
to fill the ground cover, herb and shrub layers at attract nectar feeding pollinators and pest
predators.
3.7 Annual Vegetable Garden
The annual vegetable garden was constructed by digging a low trench to support roofing tiles placed
vertically. Familiar annual vegetable plants and herbs were selected based on plants that were in
season and seedlings being available at the local nursery. Reyne appeared interested in growing
more seedlings in the future and the vegetable bed will be an area for the clients to experiment with
vegetable and herb growing. Common crop rotation practices are recommended to be followed.
3.8 Materials list and cost
The list of materials and plants and their costs is supplied in a separate spreadsheet document. This
document is still a working document as parts of a proposed drip irrigation system were purchased
but the system has not been installed at the time of writing and a few additional parts will be
required. The drip irrigation system was not installed on the implementation day due to a lack of
time. The design work for this system has been done, but it is not included here as there is in
sufficient time to make the design presentable.
4 Maintenance
The garden was designed to be low maintenance although some maintenance will be required.
Further maintenance information was not included in this report. Some support information has
been supplied to the client verbally.
Paul Boundy
17 December 2013
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14. Design Report for an Edible Forest Garden in Greystanes
5 Bibliography
Suggested Introductions to Gardening
McFarlane, A 2010, Organic Vegetable Gardening, Harper Collins Publishers, Australia
McFarlane, A 2011, Organic Fruit Growing, Harper Collins Publishers, Australia
Woodard, P 2011, Pest-Repellent Plants, Hyland House Publishing, Melbourne, Australia
Food Gardening, Native Gardening and Other
Allen, P 2011, Heritage & Dwarf Fruit Trees for urban backyards and small orchards, Telopea
Mountain Permaculture, Monbulk, Victoria
Green Harvest, 2013, Cover Crop and Living Mulch Seed
http://greenharvest.com.au/SeedOrganic/CoverCrops/LivingMulch.html
Hopkins, R 2008, The Transition Handbook – Australian & New Zealand Edition, Finch Publishing,
Sydney, Australia
Low, T 1991, Wild Food Plants of Australia, Angus and Robertson, Harper Collins Publishers, Australia
Parry, N & Jones, J 2009, Small Native Plants for Australian Gardens, New Holland Publishers,
Australia
Robinson, L 2003, Field Guide to the Native Plants of Sydney, Kangaroo Press, Simon and Schuster,
Pymble, Australia
Smith, K & Smith Irene 1999, Grow your own Bushfoods, New Holland Publishers, Australia
Edible Forest Gardening
Crawford, M 2010, Creating a Forest Garden – Working with Nature to Grow Edible Crops, Green
Books, Devon, UK
Crawford, M 2012, How to grown Perennial Vegetables, Green Books, Devon, UK
Jacke, D & Toensmeier, E 2005, Edible Forest Gardens, Chelsea Green Publishing, Vermont, USA
Toensmeier, E 2007, Perennial Vegetables, Chelsea Green Publishing, Vermont, USA
Permaculture
Holmgren, D 2002, Permaculture – Principles and Pathways Beyond Sustainability, Holmgren Design
Services, Hepburn, Victoria
Mollison, B 1991, Introduction to Permaculture, Tagari Publications, Tasmania, Australia.
Morrow, R 2006, Earth Users Guide to Permaculture, Kangaroo Press, Simon & Schuster, Pymble,
Australia.
Paul Boundy
17 December 2013
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15. Design Report for an Edible Forest Garden in Greystanes
Appendix A– Concept Drawings
A-1 – Aerial View
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17 December 2013
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16. Design Report for an Edible Forest Garden in Greystanes
A-2 – South East View
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17 December 2013
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17. Design Report for an Edible Forest Garden in Greystanes
A-3 – South West View
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17 December 2013
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18. Design Report for an Edible Forest Garden in Greystanes
A-4 – North West View
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17 December 2013
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19. Design Report for an Edible Forest Garden in Greystanes
A-5 – North East View
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17 December 2013
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20. Design Report for an Edible Forest Garden in Greystanes
Appendix B – Multiple-Function Plant List
This table details the multiple functions that the selected plants play in this garden.
Zone
Pear Orchard
Pear Orchard
Pear Orchard
Pear Orchard
Pear Orchard
Pear Orchard
Pear Orchard
Pear Orchard
Pear Orchard
Pear Orchard
Pear Orchard
Pear Orchard
Pear Orchard
Pear Orchard
Pear Orchard
Pear Orchard
Pear Orchard
Pear Orchard
Pear Orchard
Pear Orchard
Pear Orchard
Pear Orchard
Pear Orchard
Pear Orchard
Pear Orchard
Pear Orchard
Pear Orchard
Pear Orchard
Pear Orchard
Pear Orchard
Pear Orchard
Pear Orchard
Pear Orchard
Pear Orchard
Pear Orchard
Pear Orchard
Pear Orchard
Pear Orchard
Pear Orchard
Pear Orchard
Banana Circle
Banana Circle
Banana Circle
Edge
Edge
Select
ed
Yes
Pineapple Sage (Salvia elegans)
Yes
Blueberry
Yes
Borage Starflower (Borago officinalis)
Yes
Comfrey
Yes
Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia)
Yes
Chamomile 'German' (Matricaria chamomilla)
Yes
Chicory
Yes
Coriander
Yes
Dandilion (Taraxacum sp.)
Yes
Dill (Anethum graveolens)
Yes
Dock / Sorrels (Rumex sp.)
Yes
Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare)
Yes
Geranium (Pelargonium rodneyanum)
Yes
Sorrel (Rumix acetosa)
Yes
Thyme
Yes
Anise Hyssop (Agastache foeniculum)
Yes
Hyssop (Hyssopus officinalis)
Yes
Lemon Grass
Yes
Sage
Yes
Strawberry
Yes
Warrigal Greens
Yes
Clover - Red (Trifolium pratense)
Yes
Clover - White (Trifolium repens)
Yes
Lucerne Alfalfa (Medicago sativa)
Yes
Barrel Medic (Medicago truncatula)
Option
Lomandra
Option
Kangaroo Paw (Anigozanthos sp.)
Option
Native Raspberry (Rubus parvifolius)
Option
Woolly Pod Vetch (Vicia villosa)
Option
Raspberry (Rubus sp.)
Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum) Option
Option
Cotton Lavender (Chamaecyparis)
Cutleaf Cranesbill (Geranium solanderi) Option
Feverfew (Chrysanthemum parthenium) Option
Option
French Sorrel
O
Northern Cranesbill (Geranium homeanum) ption
Option
Rhubarb (Rheum rhabarbarum)
False Sarsaparilla Hardenbergia violacea Option
Option
Wombat berry
Option
Passionfruit
Yes
Ginger
Yes
Sweet Potato
Yes
Nasturtium (Tropaeolum)
Yes
Finger Lime (Microcitrus australasica)
Yes
Davidson Plum
Plant Name
Paul Boundy
Layer
Height
B-Shrub
B-Shrub
C-Herb
C-Herb
C-Herb
C-Herb
C-Herb
C-Herb
C-Herb
C-Herb
C-Herb
C-Herb
C-Herb
C-Herb
C-Herb
C-Herb
C-Herb
C-Herb
C-Herb
D-Ground
D-Ground
LivMulch
LivMulch
LivMulch
LivMulch
B-Shrub
B-Shrub
B-Shrub
B-Shrub
B-Shrub
C-Herb
C-Herb
C-Herb
C-Herb
C-Herb
C-Herb
C-Herb
E-Vines
E-Vines
E-Vines
C-Herb
C-Herb
D-Ground
A-Tree
A-Tree
Native Plant Family
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
Native
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
Native
.
.
.
.
Native
Native
Native
.
.
.
.
Native
.
.
Native
.
Native
Native
.
.
.
.
Native
Native
Lamiaceae
.
Boraginaceae
Boraginaceae
Lamiaceae
Asteraceae
.
.
Asteraceae
Apiaceae
Polygonaceae
.
Geraniaceae
Polygonaceae
Lifetime
Edible
Peren
.
SS Annual
Peren
.
SS Annual
.
.
Annual
A/P
.
.
Peren
Peren
Peren
Lamiaceae
Peren
Lamiaceae
.
.
.
Peren
.
Peren
.
Peren
Fabaceae
Peren
Fabaceae
Peren
Fabaceae
Peren
Fabaceae
SS Annual
.
Peren
Haemodoraceae
Peren
Rosaceae
Peren
Fabaceae
SS Peren
Rosaceae
Peren
Fabaceae
Annual
.
.
Geraniaceae
Peren
.
.
.
.
Geraniaceae
Peren
Polygonaceae
Peren
Fabaceae
Peren
Philesiaceae
Peren
.
Peren
.
.
.
Peren
Tropaeolaceae
Peren
Rutaceae
Peren
Peren
Toxin
Weedy
Tea
.
.
Berries
.
.
Leave and Flowers .
.
Tea
Part
.
.
.
.
Tea
.
.
Part
.
.
Leaves
.
.
Tea
.
.
Leaves
.
.
Leaves
.
Weedy
.
.
Weedy
.
.
.
Leaves
.
Weedy
Leaves
.
.
.
.
.
Condiment
.
.
.
.
.
Leaves
.
.
Fruit
.
.
Salad
Part
.
.
.
.
Parts
.
No
Sprouts
.
.
Leaves
.
.
Part
.
.
No
.
.
Berries
.
.
.
.
Maybe
Berries
.
.
Leaves & Seeds
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
Stalk
Leaves
.
Tea
.
.
Berry pulp & Roots
.
Fruit
.
.
Rhizome
.
.
Root
.
.
Flowers
.
.
Fruit
No
.
Fruit
.
.
17 December 2013
Establishment
Months
.
.
Sow Spr-Aut 9-5
.
.
.
.
Sow Spr & Aut
.
.
.
Sow 2-4
.
.
Sow Spr 9-11
.
.
.
Sow Spr 9-11
.
.
Sow 3-6 or 8-10
Sow 3-6 or 8-10
Sow 3-5 or 8-10
Sow 3-5 or 8-10
.
.
.
Sow 3 or 9
.
Sow Autm 2-6
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
Sow Spr-Aut 9-5
.
.
N2
DA
Mulch
Roots
Scent
Nectar
Inv
Shltr
.
.
.
Inv Shltr
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
Grass
Barrier
.
.
.
Barrier
.
.
Barrier
.
.
.
Barrier
.
.
.
.
.
.
N2
.
.
N2
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
DA
DA
.
DA
.
.
DA
.
DA
DA
.
DA
.
.
.
Mulch
.
.
.
.
.
.
Mulch
.
.
.
.
.
.
Deep
.
.
.
.
Tap
.
.
.
.
.
Scent
.
Scent
.
Scent
.
.
Scent
.
.
.
Scent
Scent
.
Nectar
.
Nectar
.
.
.
.
.
.
Nectar
.
Nectar
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
N2
N2
N2
N2
.
.
.
N2
.
N2
.
.
.
.
.
.
N2
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
DA
.
.
.
.
DA
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
DA
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
Living
.
Living
.
Living
Deep
Living
.
Mulch
.
.
.
.
.
Mulch
.
.
.
.
Clay Break
.
.
.
.
.
.
Mulch
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
Scent
Scent
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
Scent
.
Scent
.
.
Scent
.
.
.
.
.
Scent
.
.
Nectar
.
.
Nectar
.
.
.
.
.
Nectar
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
Nectar
.
.
Nectar
.
.
Nectar Inv Shltr
.
.
.
.
.
.
Barrier
Nectar
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
Barrier
.
.
.
.
.
.
Nectar Inv Shltr
.
Nectar
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
Nectar
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
6

21. Design Report for an Edible Forest Garden in Greystanes
Terminology Multiple-Function Plant List:
Only terms requiring explanation are detailed here
Column
Zone
Term
Edge
Selected
Option
Layer-Height
Lifetime
Various Terms
Annual
Peren
SS Annual
Establishment Months
N2
DA
Mulch
Scent
Nectar
Inv Shltr
Grass Barrier
Paul Boundy
A/P
Sowing months 1-12
Nitrogen Fixer
Dynamic Accumulator
Living
Scent
Nectar
Inv Shltr
Barrier
Explanation
Two native plants that were planted along the edges of the garden among the existing
native plants
These plants were considered for planting, but not selected. They could provide a
useful or interesting plant for the future.
Refer to the layer the plant fills in an forest garden
Annual: indicates the plants complete life cycle is less than one year. The plant needs
to regrow from seed.
Perennial: indicating the plant lives for many years without dying out completely.
Self-Seeding Annual: Is an annual plant that set seed and regrows well by itself giving
it some characteristics of a perennial plant.
Annual or Perennial depending on the local climate conditions
Numbers indicate the months the plants is best planted to become established
See section 1.2.3 for details
See section 1.2.4 for details
Living Mulches are perennial plants good at supporting trees in orchards
Indicates the plant scent will deter pests
Indicates the plant will provide nectar for beneficial insects. See section 1.2.7
Indicates the plant will provide shelter for invertebrates / insects
Indicates the plant has deep roots that create a barrier the spread of grass runners
17 December 2013
7