In the last two Strolls we visited with some of our West of Trail neighbors who have started or spent some years incorporating and planning micro-forests within their landscapes or property. This final article in the series delves deeply into the complexities of growing a full- fledged food forest! Not for the “faint of heart”. We are giving you some delightful exotic choices, even if you just want one interesting tree or shrub that bears fruit. Go for it!

We are re-visiting Master-Gardener Sigi Moriece with an honest to goodness mature food forest. This Bayview Heights cornucopia of delight was implemented even before it became fashionable.

 

  Sigi and Ned’s large double lot on Pleasant Place remains a quiet dead end next to an unimproved city woods.  The couple has lived here for thirty years! The property still calls out “plant or trim me to your heart’s content”.  Sigi continues to oblige!  As a twenty year, now honorary, Master Gardener Sigi’s knowledge and love of exotic fruit trees, fruiting shrubs and other edibles has remained an ongoing avocation. Sigi gives sound advice at the down-town market once per month. The complete design and research for this food forest was done by Sigi herself.

 

  It is trendy to bring in consultants to assist in planning such an endeavor but it is imperative to do your research to avoid invasive fruit bearing species (birds transport seeds everywhere!); to make sure your trees and plants are placed for efficient use of sun; understanding the eventual height and size of the trees -you want with proper spacing, and developing an appropriate complementary use of under-story plants. Remember research reduces buyer’s remorse!

 Sigi shared her garden with us in 2020.  How it has matured! Many of her varied trees and shrubs follow the best practices of food foresting. Different size fruit trees and under-story fruit bearing bushes and vines are right in keeping with the concept of a thriving food forest. Trimming to enhance bearing and harvesting is imperative. Believe it or not, Sigi notes that this year’s unusual cold seems to have somehow “set” or perhaps “stressed” her plants into extreme bloom…let’s see what the crop is like! No freezing nights preserved the health of her tropical trees; the straggly ones are re-gaining strength. Sigi’s food forest is home to Avocado, Mango, two varieties of fig, Moringa, Lychee, Loquat, bananas and plantains.  Myer lemon, Persian lime, Maya spinach, wild blackberries, elderberry vine, pigeon pea, sage, rosemary, and lemongrass herbs; scotch bonnet hot peppers round out the edibles.  Firebush, Mexican sunflower, beautyberry and a wealth of pollinator shrubs surround the house!  

With intentional planting and purposeful design, a food forest can transform your landscape. Imagine a canopy of avocados and mangoes covering an extremely diverse array of berries, fruits, and vegetables. After several years of growth and maturity, and with diligent care and maintenance, a backyard food forest provides the opportunity to develop your own sustainable food system. Or perhaps just a spot to graze; watch the wild-life; pick some produce and educate children, grandchildren or friends!  What a great idea… “Pick a peck” party and tasting…or let’s drop food off at the food pantry for those with an altruistic bend.