A Vision Brought to Life
Recently featured on Gardening Australia, our Edible Forest has become a symbol of sustainable living. Located in the Yarra Valley, Victoria, just an hour northeast of Melbourne, this one-acre forest is home to over 300 plant species from around the world. Every plant in this diverse ecosystem has a purpose, contributing to the sustainability and health of the environment. As Louise Ward, the visionary behind the project, puts it: “It’s a food system that mimics a natural forest.”
Watch The Gardening Australia Episode
From Bare Soil to a Thriving Ecosystem
Transforming the Edible Forest from a barren paddock into a thriving ecosystem was no easy task. With dedication, hard work, and plenty of natural compost, we turned clay soil into fertile ground. Today, this forest not only produces an abundance of fresh ingredients for our wedding venue but also serves as an example of sustainable farming.
Guardians of the Forest
Our horticulturist, Jamie Sweetman, plays a pivotal role in maintaining the Edible Forest. She leads educational tours through the garden, teaching visitors about biodiversity and the critical balance between the 200 edible plants and the 130 support species. Each plant serves a role, whether it’s attracting beneficial insects or fixing nitrogen in the soil to maintain the ecosystem’s health.
Protecting Our Natural Assets
To ensure the garden’s sustainability, we’ve erected a netted structure to shield the plants from deer, rabbits, and cockatoos while still allowing birds, bees, and other beneficial insects to thrive. This balance is key to maintaining the ecosystem while protecting our produce and medicinal plants.
Repurposing and Recycling
In the Edible Forest, sustainability is at the core of everything we do. Through practices like chop-and-drop, green waste is repurposed to naturally enrich the soil. Our innovative use of green waste cylinders, covered with mulch, accelerates the decomposition process, creating nutrient-rich soil on-site.
A Natural Haven
Our Edible Forest features an array of unique plants, from antioxidant-rich gooseberries and chokeberries to the medicinal properties of rosehips and elderberry. You’ll also discover Australian natives like nardoo, alongside nitrogen-fixing plants such as the Persian silk tree, all working together to support the biodiversity of the forest.
Nurturing Mind and Soul
As Louise Ward reflects, “Gardening is one of the best things I’ve ever discovered.” The Edible Forest embodies this philosophy, serving as a sanctuary for both nature and the human spirit. We’re proud to foster sustainable practices that nurture both mind and soul, and we invite you to experience this journey with us.
Discover the Magic of the Edible Forest: Book Your Tour Today!
Beginning 1 August, join us for a guided tour of the Edible Forest. Experience firsthand the sustainable gardening practices that power this lush ecosystem, explore the diversity of edible and medicinal plants, and learn the innovative techniques that keep our forest thriving.
