Trees for a forest garden

13th January, 2022

Forest gardens were first common in some tropical countries, where people would grow various types of trees together, so they would have a regular supply of all types of food, such as coconuts, pineapples, cocoa etc. An earlier pioneer of forest gardens in temperate climates, was Robert Hart (1913 - 2000), a smallholder from Shropshire. Finding traditional annual vegetable beds and livestock a lot of hard work, as he reached old age, he decided to plant a range of trees and plants, in a garden, just 500m2 / 0.12 acres in size. 

Using natural woodlands as a model, he devised 7 layers within the forest garden (see illustration above). So not only did the forest garden contain trees, it also had understoreys, such as shrub layer, using fruit bushes, such as gooseberries and blackcurrants.

A forest garden can be created in all sizes of garden, simply by adapting the number of trees and types of layers based on the size of the garden, and if you use the lawn space, you will be surprised at how many more trees you can fit in. Even in a very small garden you could grow a mini version, with a few dwarf stock fruit trees, and some fruit bushes, along with raspberries, blueberries, and some root vegetables. Larger gardens can have a wider variety of trees, and more of them.

Once the trees are planted, and watered when they are young during dry periods, the garden will be low maintenance (much less work than mowing a lawn every few of weeks). The only tasks will be harvesting produce, once the trees and bushes are established, and some yearly pruning and coppicing, if required.

As well as providing food and resources, the forest garden will look beautiful, especially in spring, when many of the trees will be full of blossom. Another great thing about the forest garden, is the benefits to wildlife. Compared to a manicured lawn, the garden will be so much more wildlife friendly, providing food and shelter for birds, and loads of nectar for bees and butterflies.

When thinking of a forest garden, most people will probably be thinking about how they could plant one in their back garden, but don't forget to consider using front garden space. Many older properties have large lawns in the front, that rarely get used, and this could be the perfect space for your forest garden.

There are a lot of different trees that can be used in a forest garden, but here are some of the best:

Apple Trees - Apple trees are not only beautiful, especially in spring, when they are covered in blossom, but they also produce a delicious fruit that can be used in a variety of ways, from pies to sauce.

Cherry Trees - Cherry trees are another type of fruit tree that can be used in a forest garden. The cherries can be eaten fresh or used in pies, jams, and other recipes.

Fig Trees - Fig trees are a type of tree that produces a sweet fruit that can be eaten fresh or dried. They are also a good source of shade.

Hazelnut Trees - Hazelnut trees produce a nut that can be used in cooking or eaten as a snack. They are also a good source of wood for fuel or construction. The branches, like willow can be used to make hurdle fences.

Walnut Trees - Walnut trees produce a nut that can be used in baking. They are also a good source of wood for fuel, woodwork or construction.

Oak Trees - Oak trees are a good source of wood for fuel or construction. They are also a source of acorns, which can be used to feed animals or ground into flour.

Pine Trees - Pine trees are a good source of wood for woodwork, fuel or construction. They are also a source of pine nuts, which can be eaten as a snack or used in cooking.

Cypress Trees - Cypress trees are a good source of wood for fuel or construction. They are also a source of Cypress cones, which can be used to make a Tea.

Willow Trees - Willow trees are fast growing and a good source of wood for fuel or woodwork. They are also a source of willow bark, which can be used to make a Tea. Branches can be used to weave baskets, and hurdle fences.

Mulberry Trees - Mulberry trees are a good source of wood for fuel or construction. They are also a source of mulberries, which can be eaten fresh or used in pies, jams, and other recipes.

Elder - The flowers of the Elder shrub can be used to make refreshing Elderflower cordial. if some of the flowers are left on the bush, they will become elderberries. These can be turned into a syrup, that can be added to stewed blackberries, stirred into deserts, or added to alcoholic or soft drinks.

Blackthorn - Adding a blackthorn bush to a forest garden will provide a harvest of sloe berries, that can be used to make the traditional British winter drink, Sloe Gin.

Crab apple - The fruit from the crab apple tree can be used to make crab apple jelly, which can be served with lamb or cold meats, as well as being suitable for cream teas, spreading on toast, cake filling etc.

Pear - As with apple trees, pear trees are available on different rootstocks. This means the same exact same variety of fruit can grow to different heights, depending on the rootstock code. So, if you have a small garden you can plant a dwarf rootstock, so the fruit tree will only grow a metre or so tall, but still produce the exact same type of pear to a much larger tree. The pears can be enjoyed as a piece of fruit, or use in crumble, cakes and drinks.

Plum - There is many different types of plum, so no need to stick to just one type when planting a forest garden. Eat as a healthy snack, or use in puddings, or make jam.

Holly - Use the berries and leaves at Christmas to create traditional door wreaths, and to decorate picture frames, mirrors, and the fireplace indoors.