Foraging Garden Design Questionnaire

Vision

To be able to forage for a wide selection of berries and herbs both culinary and medicinal from an environment that provides habitat for wildlife and brings calmness to the mind.

Basics

After moving into the house in June 2017, our time has been spent sorting out the inside of the house. As the year draws to a close I would like to be able to transfer into this garden the fruit bushes I have growing at an allotment that I will be giving up at the end of the season.
This adds a little urgency to getting the design planned and to get a start on implementing it.
 

Wants/Needs

To have a garden that attracts wildlife, a garden that provides a space to relax in and enjoy the different views. A garden that can grow the wilder types of food plants which would not fit very well into the usual kitchen garden design along with soft fruit, herbs, and medicinal plants.
The garden needs to have paths moving through the different areas that when walked give the illusion that the garden is larger than it really is. A stone circle would be a very nice addition, as would be a small pond and bird feeding stations. At least one seating area in the garden will be needed.

 

Resources

Time, money, skills and equipment all play their part in the design. Along with having only so much time each week to invest in creating and maintaining this design. Money is very limited due to the other needs of the property. Good health, experience with garden design, along with a wealth of outdoor skills, all can be utilized for this design. Equipment needed will be very limited and already owned.

 

Off-site resources

I have are 3 blackcurrant bushes, 3 chuckleberry bushes, raspberry canes, rhubarb, strawberry plants, several herb plants and compost all from an allotment that I’m going to be giving up at the end of the season.    

 

Mind map

Reviewing the permaculture principles mind map created for this design will help to keep a focus on both the project and the intended outcome of the design.

General

The garden might only be a small space but with the south-facing slope and nothing to block the sun once it’s over the house roof in summer, the garden should be a good place to grow herbs and soft fruit. Most of all the garden should provide a really nice place to sit and enjoy the long summer days.

The above is the summary of two questionnaires I took which can be found in the appendix section for this design