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Welcome to Forest of Eden

​We transform unutilized space into beautiful, productive, and low-maintenance food forests. The result is a low input, high output system that fosters productivity, sustainability & biodiversity.

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Within the seemingly chaotic Food Forest, every plant and organism is playing a vital role. Look beyond the surface, and you'll find a symphony of life and nourishment. 

Fennel

Edible, Beneficial Insect Attractor

Almond

Edible Nut

Yarrow

Medicinal, Beneficial Insect Attractor

Tulips

Dye, Cut Flowers

Perennial Onion

Edible, Pest Repellent

Perennial Spinach

Edible

Comfrey

Nutrient Accumulator

Heritage Plum

Edible Fruit

Heritage Apple

Edible Fruit

The Food Forest Explained

A food forest is a multi-layered system designed to mimic a natural forest. A food forest incorporates diverse species of plants, which are arranged to maximize productivity, promote biodiversity, and enhance ecological resilience. Inspired by permaculture principles, a food forest aims to produce an abundance of food, medicine, and crafting materials while also promoting soil health, water conservation, wildlife habitat, and overall sustainability.

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The 7 Layers of the Food Forest
nz food forest

Canopy Layer:  Walnut, Acacia, Kowhai

Understory Layer:  Apple, Pear, Orange

Shrub Layer: Berries, Currants, Rosemary

Herbaceous Layer: Comfrey, Spinach, Arugula

Groundcover Layer: Strawberry, Pumpkin 

Root Layer: Carrot, onion, fungi

Vine Layer: Jasmine, Grape, Passionfruit

Bountiful Harvests

Long ago, we relied on the forest for produce, medicine, and crafting materials. Take the journey back to nature and enjoy bountiful harvests that are unique to your needs. 

Produce

  • Apple trees for crisp fruit

  • Fig trees for sweet figs

  • Almond for versatile nuts

  • Pecan trees for buttery nuts

  • Mulberry for tangy berries

  • Olive trees for oil

  • Avocado for creamy fruit

  • Peach trees for soft, juicy peaches

  • Asparagus for fresh shoots

  • Rhubarb for tart stalks

  • Good King Henry for spinach-like leaves

  • Watercress for peppery greens

  • Walking Onion for bulbils and stalks

Medicine

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  • Aloe Vera for burns

  • Lemon Balm for anxiety

  • Echinacea for immune support

  • Lavender for relaxation

  • Peppermint for digestion

  • Chamomile for sleep

  • Turmeric for inflammation

  • Ginger for nausea

  • Calendula for skin healing

  • St. John’s Wort for depression

  • Feverfew for migraines

  • Yarrow for wound healing

  • Valerian for insomnia

Crafting

  • Thatch for roofs,

  • Cotton for clothes

  • Bamboo for stakes and building

  • Flax for rope and weaving

  • Hemp for textiles and paper

  • Willow for baskets and furniture

  • Reeds for thatching and insulation

  • Mulberry for silk production

Unity

A forest is a place for all life, offering sustenance and sanctuary. A forest welcomes wildlife of all kinds including you and your family. All of which will find refuge in your protective oasis.

Birds

We'll help you to select plant species that attract native birds to your food forest

Insects

We'll help you to select plants that provide pollen year-round for bees as well as nectar for all other insects

Community

Learn about self-sufficiency, sustainability, and local wildlife as a family & community

Sanctuary

Leave the hectic world behind and retreat to your forest. Bring a hammock. 

Effortless Abundance

A forest doesn't require digging, spraying, weeding, or daily watering, yet a forest thrives. When we mimic nature, we too can produce effortless abundance using natures flawless principles. We have burdened ourselves by taking on natures responsibilities. Now we can learn how to give the reins back to nature. We are no longer the driver, but a steward, partaking in the forest.

Less Watering

We use permaculture techniques such as mulching and living ground cover plants to conserve water during hot months.  

Less Fertilisers

Our forests are full of dynamic accumulators which specialise in pulling nutrients from deep in the subsoil and feeding plants at the surface

No Pesticides

We select plants for your forest that attract a wide range predatory insects. Don't worry, though, they're only after the pests!

No Weeding or Herbicides

Weeds are just undesired plants in a garden. We pack our food forests tight with plants which prevent undesirables from taking a foothold.

Our Food Forest is based in Stratford, Taranaki

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