The document outlines the design and construction of an edible forest garden for a client in Greystanes, Australia within the constraints of a limited budget and timeframe. Key goals included utilizing native plants adapted to the region and low-cost/recycled materials. The design incorporated forest gardening principles like multiple plant layers, polycultures, and perennials to mimic natural ecosystems. The project faced some challenges during the one-day installation related to scheduling, materials, and last minute changes but was a success in establishing the garden's framework.

1. Construction of an
Edible Forest Garden
in Greystanes
Paul Boundy
November 2013
Direct Environmental Projects

2. Project Objective
Design and construct an
edible forest garden at a
client’s residence in
Greystanes before the end
of November 2013.
Goals
• A successful garden – overcome site challenges
• Natives adapted to the region
• Low cost & recycled materials where possible
2

3. Edible Forest Garden
• Food growing systems that
• Mimic natural ecological systems
• Are natural ecological systems
Edible Forest Gardening
• Forest layers
• Polycultures
• Perennial plants
• Nutrient cycling
• Pest predator support

4. The Site – A Backyard in Greystanes
4

5. Deliverables
• Background on Edible Forest Gardening
• Select suitable plants
• Select supporting plants
• Design Drawings
• Cost estimate for materials
& plants
• Installation
5

6. Design Constraints
• Client & designers experience
• Clients cultural heritage – part Laos
• Budget $1000 (???)
• Limited space
• One day to install
• Heavy clay soil
• Harsh climate:
• Low rainfall, Hot Summers
6

7. Design Concept Drawings

8. Planning & Tracking
• Google Calendar
• Gantt Chart
• Materials Cost Spreadsheet
8

9. Project Management
•
•
•
•
Email and Phone communication
Site Meetings x 4
Management support from Permablitz group
Team installation by volunteers
Achievements
• Largest Blitz by Permablitz Sydney
• Most ambitious Blitz by Permablitz Sydney
• 22 volunteers

10. Problems
Chaos & unplanned events
• ? Decision making & liaison with client
• Low cost goal
• Sleeper & soil selection adjusted by the client
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
? Moving materials to site
? Local native plants not obtained
? Children on site
? Vegetable bed on a slope
- No new organics placed under cardboard
? Rodent barrier not installed
+ Path border improved during installation
+ Plant layout arranged by volunteers
- Video camera A/C power not switched on & user error
- No time for installing drip irrigation

11. Implementation Video
High Resolution Video
• http://vimeo.com/79175436permablitzsydney/greystanes201
3highres
Low Resolution Video
• http://vimeo.com/79182475permablitzsydney/greystanes201
3lowres
11

12. What would I do differently?
•
•
•
•
•
Invite a dedicated video person
More time selecting nectary plants & local natives
Add composted matter under cardboard to break up clay
Attempt smaller projects or multistage the installation
Inform the client more in the earliest stages to encourage greater
engagement and commitment.

13. Thank you
• Any Questions?