A food forest is, as the name implies, a forest of food. The goal of this gardening and land management system is to mimic a woodland ecosystem with companion planting of edible trees, shrubs, perennials and annuals grown in a succession of layers. Fruit and nut trees are usually the canopy/overstory, while below is the understory of berry shrubs and edible ground plantings. Beneficial plants, or “companions,” are included to attract insects for natural pest management, as soil amenders providing nitrogen and mulch, or for other benefits. Working together, the plants form a forest garden ecosystem that functions long-term to increase water retention and infiltration, protect the soils from heavy rainfall events, establish windbreaks, increases soil fertility, expand wildlife habitat, and provide food, building and craft materials, medicines, and more.
http://www.onecommunityglobal.org/food-forest/
