This document provides an introduction to forest gardening by discussing its roots in indigenous land management practices across North America. Forest gardening aims to design regenerative perennial agriculture systems that mimic forest ecosystems. It outlines some of the desired conditions for forest gardens, including overyielding polycultures, self-renewing fertility, sustainable water demand, and providing potential products like food, fuel, fiber and pharmaceuticals. The document also discusses ecological functions and polyculture design principles for forest gardens.