Our Forest Garden Historical Timeline
Shantree Kacera, R.H., D.N., P.h.D.
"Trace the vibrant tapestry of time within our forest garden, where each leaf whispers tales of resilience, growth, and the timeless dance of life."
The Dream
In 1975, Shantree Kacera began dreaming of an organic piece of land, living off the land, and living the good life. In 1977, Shantree sketched an action plan for achieving his dream. In 1982, the vision was about to unfold. A small tree nursery had recently been planted in his parents’ backyard garden. The following year, the land was found, and the dream began to come to life.
History
The site was formerly a rundown organic homestead with very few trees on the property, except for a 25-acre mature forest, a neglected pear orchard, and a recently planted windbreak of evergreen trees around the house and another one around the barn. The land has been organic since the beginning of time. Shantree has met all three previous owners, even the children whose parents built the house and barn from 1912 to 1914 and who grew up on the land. The house and barn were built from lumber harvested from the forest, which covered 50 acres.
Over the decades, the property was deforested except for 25-acres, which is now classified as a heritage forest. The 25-acres that were cleared have been farmed organically for over 100 years. The pear orchard, which consists of a few acres, was planted in the 1970s with Bosc and Bartlett varieties.
Spirit of the Earth, The Living Centre, and Living Arts Institute home of ‘Earth Wisdom Permaculture’ has been operated and co-directed by Shantree Kacera since 1983, as an eco-educational centre. Over three decades, Shantree has developed a productive forest garden that has been an ongoing experiment and evolved into a fertile mature forest garden.
These 45-year-old forest gardens were mostly created and planted for educational research, design, and propagation. They allow for observation, provide plant material for teaching purposes, and forage medicinal plants for the ‘Apothecary Clinic in the Garden’.
Assessment
Our forest garden site is located in the fertile countryside of the southwestern part of Ontario, Canada, called ‘Carolinian Canada’, the banana belt. It is the country's most diverse and warmest region. It is about 20 kilometres north of Lake Erie, the mildest and fourth-largest freshwater lake (by surface area) of the five Great Lakes in North America and the thirteenth-largest globally.
Latitude: 42°47’58″N; Longitude: 81°12’52″W; and the elevation altitude about 200 meters above sea level.
This is a property with a total of 50 acres:
25 acres is a mature heritage forest,
10 acres, which has been reforesting itself,
7 acres of wildflower meadows,
3 acres of semi-dwarf Bosc and Bartlett pear trees,
3 acres of herb, vegetable, fruit and berry orchards, and greenhouse,
Two acres of semi-wild edible forest gardens around a beautiful, tranquil pond, which includes fruit and nut trees, including filbert and paw-paw groves.
One of the unique aspects of this property is the diversity of soil – from hard clay soil and sandy to rich, fertile black muck. The property has a pond, stream, wetland, and swamp. This diversity of land has the greatest potential for a wide range of vegetation and wildlife.
The rainiest months are April through June, and the second rainiest season is from September through November. The rainiest months are June and September, with average yearly rainfall around 100 mm.
The main snowfall is between the months of December and March.
The growing seasons begin after the spring equinox of March 21st when temperatures begin to rise above 0 (°C). They usually stay above 0 (°C) until around the winter solstice or the holiday season. The main growing months are from April 13, when temperatures are around 7.5 (°C), to November 15, when temperatures are around 4.5 (°C). The hottest months are July to August, with temperatures reaching the mid-to-high 30s.
There is a pond on the southwest section of the site that varies from 4 to 5 meters, deep depending on rainfall and 45 meters in diameter. The terrain slopes gently up from the pond to the north, leaving much grassy area high and dry. The soil is primarily clay; however, around the south slope of the pond is rich black muck. We have been reforesting this area with edible fruit, nuts, and native trees, such as apples, plums, mulberries, cherries, peaches, and apricots. Also, we have planted filberts, north pecan, and heart nuts surrounding the pond.
The hardiness zone is 6A, with an average last killing frost around May 1st and the first killing frost around October 15th. We have established pockets of hardiness zones of 7; these are microclimates located under or near sheltered forest canopies.
There are about 275 days above 18 °C (cooling Degree days) in the summer.
The soils are loamy sand, and some of the property has hard clay. There are a few special spots with rich, loamy black muck with a sprinkling of sand that goes down to one meter deep. The organic matter is between 5% and 10% on average. Soil tests indicated low potassium, manganese, magnesium, copper, and zinc, with a pH of 5.9 to 7.3. Soil compaction was noted in the deforested areas.
Due to the sandy nature of the soil and high rainfall during the spring and fall months, nutrient leaching is common. Rainfall averages 50 to 80 mm during the rainy months.
The yearly average rainfall is 900 mm. The area is subject to high winds from the northwest. Windbreaks exist on the north and west sides. The summer months of July and August bring drought conditions, with temperatures reaching the mid- to high 30s, often accompanied by hot, dry winds. The area is home to a fairly large population of wildlife, including mice, rabbits, and deer. These animals have a taste for young, tender leaves and require tree protection.
Research and Planning
When it was acquired, the site's initial plan was to plant mixed fruit and nut orchards and grow annual vegetables and medicinal herbs. One of our main crops was organic garlic. When planting began, we were not fully aware of forest gardening techniques or had the experience, even though some aspects of permaculture were practiced in the early 1980s. In the interests of diversity, a few trees high on the wish list that were marginally hardy in the climate were selected experimentally with the knowledge that workload would be increased and success not assured. The demanding conditions on the site indicated drought tolerance and hardy stock, which were sought out for most plantings. The research was done, and many unusual species of interest were put on the list and tried. From the fruit category were persimmons, kiwi, quince, various species of apricots, peaches, nectarines, pawpaw, and figs. Berries and vines included jostaberries, pink currants, jumbo gooseberries, grapes, kiwi, and goji berries. The nut categories we are experimenting with are English walnuts, pecan, heart nuts, almonds, and various types of filberts.
Our primary focus has been on growing a wide variety of medicinal, culinary, and edible herbs. At one point, we reached over 500 species. Around the perimeter of part of the property, an ongoing project is establishing a native edible–medicine hedgerow trail.
Windbreak
Windbreaks already existed on the north and west sides of the house and barn, where cold, windy storms usually blow. A suitable windbreak has now been planted on the remaining eastside. The property has numerous microclimates, from very windy, dry south areas to the somewhat wet, swampy, fertile forest. As more trees were planted, various microclimates began to emerge and become evident.
Site Preparation and Fertility
To establish trees quicker, planting in the grassy area with little site preparation was decided. Fertility was created through mulch, compost, and other non-animal product amendments.
Repeated sheet mulching, extensive use of chop-and-drop nitrogen fixers and other mulch plants, and, of course, more trees have created more biomass, resulting in remarkably fertile soil.
Canopy Establishment
What is now the canopy level was initially planted as a mixed orchard, using a circular or spiral planting pattern. The spacing of the earlier trees, back in the 1980s, turned out to be a little too close for a healthy forest garden, which will either limit what can be grown underneath or require a little more management to thin or prune back. A few fruit trees, which are short-lived in our area, are reaching their lifespan for this zone and climate. When we moved onto the property, there were five mature cherry trees, which, we figure, are now around 50 years old. Nitrogen trees and pollinators were planted around the property, something that we would do differently from what we have learned through some of our trials and errors. Now, we create a polyculture around each tree we plant, starting with a one to two-meter circumference. We usually plant 5 to 10 varieties of herbs or edible plants per polyculture.
As the operation has expanded beyond 1000 trees and shrubs over the last 30 years, much of our time now is spent maintaining and fine-tuning the forest garden practice. Pears, plums, and grapes are the best fruit producers. New additions to the canopy are established during the fall or spring rainy periods and hand-watered on an as-needed basis during droughts. Locally available soil amendments such as compost, nettle and comfrey tea, and kelp meal were used initially, followed by foliar feedings such as straw or mulch and actively aerated compost teas. Nitrogen-fixing clover mixes were broadcast between the polyculture trees and the legume cover crop to continue shifting towards on-site fertility. The research was conducted into additional nitrogen-fixing plants as well as nutrient miners. The alfalfa/clover cover crop is mowed a few times yearly, and the first mowing is used to mulch around the trees. Chipped wood mulch was brought in as needed from a local tree service.
Shrub Level
As the canopy tree grid expanded to occupy nearly every inch of the remaining grassy expanse, it marked a significant milestone in the evolution of our forest garden. Recognizing the need to enhance the site's resilience and productivity further, attention turned to fortifying the ecosystem's structure and diversifying its layers.
Windbreak trees were thoughtfully introduced on the western edge, where the winds whisper their persistent presence. These stalwart sentinels stand guard, offering protection against the elements and creating a sheltered haven where delicate ecosystems can thrive.
Simultaneously, the groundwork for the shrub level was laid, a vibrant tapestry of life poised to complement the towering canopy above. Mindful selection guided the planting process, focusing on shade-tolerant nitrogen-fixing shrubs that enrich the soil and yield a bounty of delectable fruits. Carefully nestled between existing trees, these shrubs find their place in the least fertile sections of the site, transforming barren ground into fecund soil ripe with potential.
Among them, the black locust stands tall, with its dual role as a nitrogen fixer and mineral accumulator adding depth to the ecosystem's complexity. With each passing year, the ranks of nitrogen-fixing allies swell, their presence strengthening the foundation upon which our forest garden thrives. As more cropping trees are introduced, this intricate web of support ensures their vitality, weaving a tapestry of interdependence where each element plays a vital role in the symphony of life.
With each season, as new shoots emerge and branches reach skyward, we witness the unfolding story of regeneration and abundance. It is a testament to the power of thoughtful design and mindful stewardship—a testament to the resilience of nature and the transformative potential of our forest garden.
Herb, Root and Ground Cover Understory
When the nitrogen-fixing and mineral-accumulating trees and shrubs are all in, further attention is given to fertility in the herb layer. Comfrey and horseradish have been chosen as primary fertility sources for the herb level, and several hundred plants eventually needed to fill in the herb layer. These are propagated by division in the herb garden and are planted under or near the cropping trees. They are cut and left in place a few times a year. As the canopy and shrub layers have continued to grow and make more shade, the time has been spent finishing the understory. This is the time when the plant nursery is fully utilized. The insectary plants (food, habitat and aromatic pest repellers/confusers), as well as perennial vegetables, culinary and medicinal herbs, and other ground covers, are needed in fairly large numbers, which would be quite expensive to source from nurseries. Propagation from self-seeders or division is our approach. The herb, root, and ground cover layer is usually done in stages or patches. Sheet mulch is applied around and under the existing trees and shrubs, at a rate of between 3 and 5 thousand square feet per year. When the underlying vegetation has died out from lack of light, transplants from the herb garden or plant nursery can be brought in. Mulch will be used initially to suppress weed growth until transplants are established.
Fungi
Given the site's rich woodland history and established forested areas, fungi have firmly taken root, weaving intricate mycelial networks beneath the forest floor. Over time, these fungal communities have flourished, becoming integral players in the site's ecosystem dynamics. Their presence enriches the soil and fosters symbiotic relationships with surrounding plant life, facilitating nutrient exchange and promoting overall ecological resilience.
Fungi have left their indelible mark on the landscape, from the majestic mycorrhizal associations that nourish the towering trees to the delicate fairy rings that adorn the forest glades. Their silent yet profound influence echoes through the ages, shaping the fabric of the forest garden's historical narrative.
As stewards of this biodiverse haven, we honour and celebrate fungi's vital role in maintaining our ecosystem's health and vitality. With each passing season, we witness the ongoing evolution of this symbiotic relationship, embracing the interconnectedness of all living beings within our forest garden's historical timeline.
Maintenance Stage
Maintenance is required through all stages of forest garden establishment. At our site, mowing between trees, seasonal pruning and topping off (chop and drop) mulch around trees has been required from the beginning. Fertility support is also ongoing but diminishing as the nutrient cycles mature. Plantings continue, as will replacing plants that have succumbed to wildlife, droughts, freeze pressures or extreme climate patterns. Mature system maintenance will be minimal in comparison with establishment work. Spring weeding, fall pruning or trimming back over-ambitious species as necessary, replacement of short-lived plants, path upkeep, harvest and food preservation are all that are anticipated.
Accomplishments & Future Visioning
Our vision for the ecosystem on this land includes the transformation of this Carolinian Forest to an ecologically diverse, socially supportive, and economically viable natural forest. Why do we hold this dream? Out of concern for health, in fact, there is the very existence of tens of thousands of species of living beings dependent on natural forests. This interdependent web of life is unraveling, torn apart by the way our natural landscapes are vanishing before our very eyes. On the other hand, Shantree is confident that sanity in the forest is possible on a regional scale.
Shantree has also left some areas of the original vegetation or permitted certain species to grow. These islands of biological diversity are important reservoirs of organisms for pest control, and Shantree considers them a place of calm and beauty within the garden.
The pond is also home to a “tranquillity zone”: a swinging bench, a deck, and a path that leads to the water, a sacred tipi and a spiral garden overlooking the pond surrounded by forest gardens.
It is worth mentioning that the centre has a world-class Earthship passive solar greenhouse with an indoor, 4-season forest garden featuring figs, passion fruit, goji berries, lemon verbena, pineapple sage, and all kinds of fantastic stuff.
Future visions for the research and education centre, in general, are reflected in the forest garden goals and include:
·Emphasizing continuing research in local native foods and medicines
·Regenerating the property
·Serving as an educational property and a living classroom
·Community Gathering
·Serving as a sacred space
·Research and demonstration
Final Thoughts
This forest gardening project has been an ongoing creative endeavor involving lots of learning and hard physical work, with hundreds of students and apprentices involved in the process. There is such a great deal to discover about forest ecology and the individual plants and trees that this truly is a life journey. The one thing that keeps me going is a desire to create a more peaceful, healthier, and happier world for future generations.