Planting Scheme
Image by Graham Burnett
Below you will find details of the planting schemes for plot 163b only. The technique used on this allotment is the Food Forest system. This is a perennial based system. Not all of the layers have been used. Where possible I have included information on the functions that each plant offers, and why it has been included in the design.
The food forest system mimics a natural forest, but replacing the non edible species with edible species, of your choice. This system uses perennial plants. It's a low maintenance way of growing, applying the no dig method which helps to sequester carbon in the ground.
Maintenance of beds
I use the sheet mulching method to control 'weeds'. It also helps to keep the ground cool in the summer and warm in the winter. It helps to build fertility too, as the worms take the material down into the ground.
The ground is prepared by cutting any 'unwanted' plants down to ground level, such as grass or comfrey. Cardboard and another organic material, such as compost or straw, is then placed on top. This is then watered to keep it moist. Occasionally I use lasagna layering. This is sheet mulching done twice.
Plants can be planted immediately into either single sheet mulching or the lasagna layering. Alternatively, this is a good technique to use to manage your allotment, or garden when first taking them on.
Sketch design of plot will be uploaded here
Front of allotment (far left - next to pond)- Bed 1
Medlar - sub canopy
Sedum - herbaceous groundcover
Strawberry - ground cover
Lemon balm - ground cover. Mineral accumulator
Purple Loosestrife - herbaceous layer
Front of allotment (middle)- Bed 2
Cytisus/Broom - Shrub layer/nitrogen fixing
Lemon balm - herbaceous ground cover
Fennel - herbaceous herb
Bed 3
Autumn Olive - Shrub layer
Amelanchier alnifolia/saskatoon - Shrub layer
Perennial wildflower- Herbaceous ground cover
Austurian Tree Cabbage - perennial leaves.
Compost bin in situ for fertility, shade and structure for climbing plants
Bed 4
Siberian current - shrub layer
Pear - sub canopy
Asparagus - herbaceous ground cover
Bulb - babington's leek. Harvest leaves
Chard - biennial. Harvest leaves
Compost bin in situ to build fertility, for shade and structure for climbing plants
Bed 5
Ginkgo - Sub canopy
Bay - shrub
Marshmellow - Herbaceous ground cover
ALpine Strawberries - Ground cover
Birdbath for birds and bees.
Bed 7
Redcurrants- Shrub layer
Blackcurrants - Shrub layer
This bed is being redesigned. Several plants were lost in the cold weather a couple of years ago.
Compost bin in situ to build fertility, for shade and structure for climbing plants
Bed 6
Lavendar- shrub layer
Day lilly - herbaceous ground cover (flower harvested)
Alpine Strawberries - ground cover
Bed 8
Blackcurrant - shrub layer (edible berries)
Ice plant - herbaceous ground cover (edible leaves. Flowers excellent for bees
Austurian Tree Cabbage - perennial cabbage
Soapwort - herbaceous ground cover. Leaves and flowers make liquid soap.
Bed 9
Apple tree - Sub canopy. Edible fruit
Cytisus - Shrub layer- Edible flowers.Nitrogen fixing
Gooseberry - shrub layer. edible fruit
aquileiga - Herbaceous later. Edible flowers
Rhubard - Herbaceous layer. edible fruit
Soapwort - Herbaceous layer. Good for soap
Ice plant - Herbaceous layer. Edible leaves
Vinca Major - Ground cover- This plant doesn't fit the design for this bed and is slowly being removed.
Dandlions - all parts are edible. Great for native bees. My favourite plant!
Compost bin in situ to build fertility.
Disclaimer:
I do not take responsibility for any ill effects you may have from trying any of the plants, should you eat them or put them on your skin. I have several years experience of dealing with plants such as these, and can only vouch for this experience and my training & skills in this area.
I am not a herbalist or a horticulturist. I am a Permaculture designer and educator and the above information is used as part of a Permaculture design.