Forest gardens are clearing that have been cultivated to produce more of the forest plants that are edible by humans. Most gardens have one or more Sweet Chestnut, Hazel or Beech trees growing along their perimeter, while the borders of the garden are clearly defined by a thick hedge of Forest Gooseberries. The clearing itself is generally scattered with wild apple trees, although the bulk of the garden is taken up by the Apios Vine trained up trellises. Clumps of sorrel grow close to the perimeter while sweet smelling violets make up most for the ground cover and are used to mark the borders of paths through the garden.

The forest garden provides a range of different food stuffs throughout the year.

All year - ‘Greens’ can be harvested from both the sorrel and violet most of the year round. During the early part of the year they make a good salad, although for the rest of the year they are better cooked. Normally saved until the Autumn, it is possible to harvest the Forest potato (Apios Tuber) all the way through the year

Spring/Summer – Although not produced quantity the Forest Pea (Apios seeds) can add a bit of variety to the diet.

Autumn – Crab apples, Gooseberries and Forest potato are all harvested in the autumn. Often Nuts can be collected from any Beech, Hazel or Chestnut trees that grow along the edges of the garden.

The big autumn crop means there is lots of food for winter. Both the nuts and the Forest Potatoes (stored properly) will last right the way through the winter and beyond, while Gooseberry & Apple jam makes a great winter treat. Whatever apples are left over can be used to make cider :)

Plants

The Forest Gooseberry A deciduous shrub growing to 1.8 m (6ft). It is hardy to zone 6. It is in leaf 10-Apr It is in flower from Apr to May, and the seeds ripen from July to October. The flowers are hermaphrodite (have both male and female organs) and are pollinated by Bees, other insects and self. The plant is self-fertile.

Fruit – can be eaten raw or cooked. Acid slightly tasting even when ripe. The fruit is sometimes harvested before it is fully ripe and then cooked. The fruit is about 10mm in diameter. Young leaves and unripe fruits are used to make a sauce.

Crab Apple A decidious Tree growing to 10 m (32ft 10in).. It is in flower in May, and the seeds ripen from Sep to October. The flowers are hermaphrodite (have both male and female organs) and are pollinated by Insects. It is noted for attracting wildlife.

Fruit - can be eaten raw or cooked But primarily used for jellies, preserves, cider and juices. The flavour is harsh and acidic but improves considerably if the fruit is not harvested until it has been frosted. The fruit is quite variable in size (it is about 2 - 4cm in diameter) and quality. The fruit is rich in pectin and can be used in helping other fruits to set when making jam. A very pleasant tea can be made from the leaves.

Apios Vine A perennial climber, growing to 1.2 m (4ft). It is in leaf 11-Apr and in flower from Jun to September. The flowers are hermaphrodite (have both male and female organs) and are pollinated by Insects. It can fix Nitrogen.

Tuber – Known as Forest Potato – can be eaten raw or cooked. Roast or Boil. The tubers can be harvested in their first year but they take 2 – 3 years to become a sizeable crop. They can be harvested at any time of the year but are at their best in the autumn. The tubers can also be harvested in the autumn and will store until at least the spring:

Seed – Known as Forest Pea –can be eaten cooked. Rather small and not produced very freely, they are used like peas and beans. Young seedpods can be eaten whole like mange toute.

Lingan Sorrel A perennial growing to 0.6 m (2ft) by 0.3 m (1ft in). It is in leaf 12-Jan It is in flower from May to June, and the seeds ripen from Jun to August. The flowers are dioecious (individual flowers are either male or female, but only one sex is to be found on any one plant so both male and female plants must be grown if seed is required) and are pollinated by Wind.

Leaves – can be eaten raw or cooked. They make a thirst-quenching on their own, or can be added to salads, used as a potherb or pureed and used in soups. A delicious lemon-like flavour, liked by most people who try them, they can be rather overpowering in quantity and are more generally used as a flavouring in mixed salads. The leaves can also be dried for later use. The leaves can be available all through the winter, especially in mild weather or if a little protection is given to the plants.

Sweet Violet An evergreen perennial growing to 0.1 m (0ft 4in) by 0.5 m (1ft 8in). It is in leaf 12-Jan It is in flower from Feb to April, and the seeds ripen from Apr to June. The flowers are hermaphrodite (have both male and female organs) and are pollinated by Bees.

Young leaves and flower buds can be eaten raw or cooked. Usually available all through the winter. The leaves have a very mild flavour, though they soon become quite tough as they grow older. They make a very good salad, their mild flavour enabling them to be used in bulk whilst other stronger-tasting leaves can then be added to give more flavour. When added to soup they thicken it in much the same way as okra. A tea can be made from the leaves.