Edible forest gardeners use the forest as an inspirational design tool. You can carefully design your outdoor space with similar structures and functions to a forest. Using productive and useful plant species allow you to focus on creating a resilient ecosystem, to meet human needs in a small space.

Anyone with a small patch of land can grow a forest garden. They’ve been created in small suburban backyards and large parks, on suburban blocks, and in small plots on rural farms.

This workshop will give you an introduction to:

• The theory behind Edible Forest Gardens

• Plant guilds (polycultures) and the different functions that plants can play

• Wildlife, insects, domestic animals and how they integrate with an Edible Forest Garden

• Mycelium and Soil Succession and the role it plays in Edible Forest Garden

• Different types of plants we use in the foodscapes we implement for clients

• Design considerations for Edible Forest Gardens

• Preparing the soil and planting an Edible Forest Garden.

What to wear: Please wear outdoor clothing, sun protection and comfortable shoes. Gardening materials supplied. BYO gardening gloves if you prefer to use your own.

About the workshop leader: Duncan Cocking is the founder of Leaf, Root & Fruit Gardening Services and he loves to help people grow their own food. Duncan has completed a science degree, majoring in Botany and a Permaculture Design Certificate. He aims to re-connect society with the seasons, the earth and our food production. Duncan and his family moved from Melbourne to Kyneton in 2019 and they are in the process of setting up a large demonstration Permaculture garden and education space on their 6 acre property. Duncan is responsible for writing the Leaf, Root & Fruit newsletter which is read by thousands of Victorian based gardeners every month.

Strathdon house and Orchard Precinct hosts educational programs in environment, sustainability, health and wellbeing and provides opportunities for the community to relax, make, learn, play in nature and celebrate the seasons. The Strathdon House run by Whitehorse City Council is suitable for meetings, workshops, classes, seminars and private events.

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