class: center, middle # Design a Backyard Forest _How to put things in the right place_  [Course preview](/) by [Jake Rayson](https://www.forestgarden.wales) [preview.backyardforest.uk/design](https://preview.backyardforest.uk/design/) ###### **Press `P` to see notes and credits**<br>Work licensed under [Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike](http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0/), embedded work may have other licenses. --- # Course overview <img class="right-img" alt="Design overlaid on satellite photo" src="https://res.cloudinary.com/growdigital/image/upload/w_360,h_203/v1570786836/greenroom-0.16-display.jpg"> 1. [<span class="u-bg-yellow">Introducing</span>](/course/intro/) 2. [<span class="u-bg-yellow">Plan</span>](/course/plan/) 3. [<span class="u-bg-yellow">Design</span>](/course/design/) 👈 4. [Protection](/course/protection/) 5. [Perennial Veg](/course/veg/) 6. [Canopy](/course/canopy/) 7. [Ground Prep](/course/prep/) 8. [Shrubs & Ground Cover](/course/shrubs-cover/) ??? * Number 3 in series of 8 lectures in total * First 3 lectures are about observing, planning and designing. * Middle 3 lectures getting hands dirty starting the _structure_ of the garden: establishing windbreaks, building features, establishing paths and planting the canopy layer, the big trees. * Final 2 lectures are about filling in the structure: clearing the ground, and then planting the shrubs and the ground cover. --- # What you’ll learn  1. Design philosophy 2. Benefits of a design 3. Design principles 4. Example of design process <h6 class="breadcrumb">Philosophy – Benefit — Principles — Example</h6> --- # What is design?  ### “Purposefully putting things<br>  in the right place” <h6 class="breadcrumb">Philosophy – Benefit — Principles — Example</h6> ??? * Philosophy is what *guides* the design process * Moving symbols easier than moving things * What is the _right_ place? * MAKE THE BIG MISTAKES EARLY! --- class: middle, center # 1. Philosophy <h6 class="breadcrumb"><span class="u-underline">Philosophy</span> – Benefit — Principles — Example</h6> --- # 1. Philosophy  * Work with nature to grow edible crops 👈 * Native plants for wildlife * Stepping stone to landscape <h6 class="breadcrumb"><span class="u-underline">Philosophy</span> – Benefit — Principles — Example</h6> ??? * The drive: Climate Emergency, Mass Extinction * Low impact, sustainable * Benjamin Vogt [A New Garden Ethic](https://newsociety.com/Books/N/A-New-Garden-Ethic) * Image of cover * Native plants co-evolved with native fauna * Strengthen our ecosystems, regenerative agriculture --- # 1. Philosophy  ### “Working **with** nature means<br>  designing **for** nature” <h6 class="breadcrumb"><span class="u-underline">Philosophy</span> – Benefit — Principles — Example</h6> --- # 1. Philosophy  * Work with nature to grow edible crops * Native plants for wildlife 👈 * Stepping stone to landscape <h6 class="breadcrumb"><span class="u-underline">Philosophy</span> – Benefit — Principles — Example</h6> --- # 1. Philosophy  * Work with nature to grow edible crops * Native plants for wildlife 👈 * Stepping stone to landscape <h6 class="breadcrumb"><span class="u-underline">Philosophy</span> – Benefit — Principles — Example</h6> --- # 1. Philosophy  * Work with nature to grow edible crops * Native plants for wildlife 👈 * Stepping stone to landscape <h6 class="breadcrumb"><span class="u-underline">Philosophy</span> – Benefit — Principles — Example</h6> ??? * **274** insect species interaction with Common Oak * [Database of Insects & Their Food Plants](https://www.brc.ac.uk/dbif/hosts.aspx) --- # 1. Philosophy [](https://www.rhs.org.uk/Plants/Search-Form) * Work with nature to grow edible crops * Native plants for wildlife 👈 * Stepping stone to landscape <h6 class="breadcrumb"><span class="u-underline">Philosophy</span> – Benefit — Principles — Example</h6> --- # 1. Philosophy  * Work with nature to grow edible crops * Native plants for wildlife * Stepping stone to landscape 👈 <h6 class="breadcrumb"><span class="u-underline">Philosophy</span> – Benefit — Principles — Example</h6> ??? * Do not forget political (lower case) engagement! --- class: middle, center # 2. Benefit <h6 class="breadcrumb">Philosophy – <span class="u-underline">Benefit</span> — Principles — Example</h6> --- # 2. Benefit  * Symbols are light 👈 * Document observations * Wishlists into design * Design into schedule <h6 class="breadcrumb">Philosophy – <span class="u-underline">Benefit</span> — Principles — Example</h6> ??? * Design is thoughtful placement of elements * Concentrate on benefits, not features * In previous lecture, Survey [Why plans are useful](https://preview.backyardforest.uk/survey/#3) --- # 2. Benefit  * Symbols are light * Document observations 👈 * Wishlists into design * Design into schedule <h6 class="breadcrumb">Philosophy – <span class="u-underline">Benefit</span> — Principles — Example</h6> --- # 2. Benefit  * Symbols are light * Document observations * Wishlists into design 👈 * Design into schedule <h6 class="breadcrumb">Philosophy – <span class="u-underline">Benefit</span> — Principles — Example</h6> --- # 2. Benefit  * Symbols are light * Document observations * Wishlists into design * Design into schedule 👈 <h6 class="breadcrumb">Philosophy – <span class="u-underline">Benefit</span> — Principles — Example</h6> --- ## Wishlists from planning  <strong><a href="../assets/talks.css">Download checklist PDF<br> bit.ly/forest-garden-checklist</a></strong> * Observations checklist * Features wishlist * Plants wishlist <h6 class="breadcrumb">Philosophy – <span class="u-underline">Benefit</span> — Principles — Example</h6> --- ## Examples for wishlists  * **Structures**: greenhouse, raised beds, compost bin * **Wildlife**: native flowers, pond, meadow, hedge, log pile * **Features**: pond, stream, seats, shady area, paths, gates * **Harvest**: apples, nuts, aronia berries, haws * **Areas**: veg, fruit, nuts, pond <h6 class="breadcrumb">Philosophy – <span class="u-underline">Benefit</span> — Principles — Example</h6> ??? * Pond is example of piece that fits number of wants * See [Wildlife garden checklist](https://www.forestgarden.wales/blog/wildlife-garden-checklist/) --- class: middle, center # 3. Principles <h6 class="breadcrumb">Philosophy – Benefit — <span class="u-underline">Principles</span> — Example</h6> --- # General principles  * Attention 👈 * Protection * Accessibility * Iterative <h6 class="breadcrumb">Philosophy – Benefit — <span class="u-underline">Principles</span> — Example</h6> ??? * **Design outwards** ie canopy & windbreaks first, then design from hourse * Design higher maintenance closer to house & access * Eg herbs, cherries, greenhouse, annual veg, propagation area * Closer, more visible things get more attention * Need more attention for **young** perennials * “Keep your cherries close, and your herbs closer” --- # General principles  * Attention * Protection 👈 * Accessibility * Iterative <h6 class="breadcrumb">Philosophy – Benefit — <span class="u-underline">Principles</span> — Example</h6> --- # General principles  * Attention * Protection * Accessibility 👈 * Iterative <h6 class="breadcrumb">Philosophy – Benefit — <span class="u-underline">Principles</span> — Example</h6> --- # General principles  * Attention * Protection * Accessibility * Iterative 👈 <h6 class="breadcrumb">Philosophy – Benefit — <span class="u-underline">Principles</span> — Example</h6> ??? * design → build → evaluate * plan → plant → ponder * It is a **process** * **Repeat**! A design is a living thing, see [How Buildings Learn](https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL3tnDlJcXMk9BFY0fnsuJtVzz_YS0SN32) * From software design, generally applicable * Not 1 thing, it’s a balance, a combination --- # Specific principles  1. **Useful** to someone 2. **Native** plants co-evolved 3. **Aspect** for sun 4. **Soil** pH & structure 5. **Structure** space & shape 6. **Plants** know size, sun, soil, native <h6 class="breadcrumb">Philosophy – Benefit — <span class="u-underline">Principles</span> — Example</h6> ??? * Know your plants * Benjamin Vogt article, https://www.monarchgard.com/thedeepmiddle/creating-the-100ft-prairie-inspired-pollinator-garden --- # Specific principles  1. **Useful** to someone 👈 2. **Native** plants co-evolved 3. **Aspect** for sun 4. **Soil** pH & structure 5. **Structure** space & shape 6. **Plants** know size, sun, soil, native <h6 class="breadcrumb">Philosophy – Benefit — <span class="u-underline">Principles</span> — Example</h6> --- # 1. Useful to someone  * _For_ someone: soil biota, invertebrate, amphibian… * Eg edible, habitat, protection, building, mulching… * **Stacking function** for every element * Native _generally_ more useful <h6 class="breadcrumb">Philosophy – Benefit — <span class="u-underline">Principles</span> — Example</h6> ??? * Principle of forest _and_ wildlife gardening * _Working with nature_ * Informed choice --- # Specific principles  1. **Useful** to someone 2. **Native** plants co-evolved 👈 3. **Aspect** for sun 4. **Soil** pH & structure 5. **Structure** space & shape 6. **Plants** know size, sun, soil, native <h6 class="breadcrumb">Philosophy – Benefit — <span class="u-underline">Principles</span> — Example</h6> --- # 2. Native  * Native plant species have **co-evolved** * [Database of Insects & Food Plants](https://www.brc.ac.uk/dbif/homepage.aspx) * Native filter on [RHS Plant Finder](https://www.rhs.org.uk/Plants/Search-Form) * [A New Garden Ethic](https://newsociety.com/Books/N/A-New-Garden-Ethic) by [Benjamin Vogt](https://www.monarchgard.com/benjamin-vogt.html) <h6 class="breadcrumb">Philosophy – Benefit — <span class="u-underline">Principles</span> — Example</h6> ??? * Native as first consideration * Human needs amongst many * Mass Extinction --- # Specific principles  1. **Useful** to someone 2. **Native** plants co-evolved 3. **Aspect** for sun 👈 4. **Soil** pH & structure 5. **Structure** space & shape 6. **Plants** know size, sun, soil, native <h6 class="breadcrumb">Philosophy – Benefit — <span class="u-underline">Principles</span> — Example</h6> --- # 3. Aspect  * How is your garden orientated? * South most, West better than East * Tall plants North * _Changes_ across year! <h6 class="breadcrumb">Philosophy – Benefit — <span class="u-underline">Principles</span> — Example</h6> ??? * [Sun Surveyor mobilexx app](https://www.sunsurveyor.com) * Light determines what will grow! * Light informs all other design considerations --- # Specific principles  1. **Useful** to someone 2. **Native** plants co-evolved 3. **Aspect** for sun 4. **Soil** pH & structure 👈 5. **Structure** space & shape 6. **Plants** know size, sun, soil, native <h6 class="breadcrumb">Philosophy – Benefit — <span class="u-underline">Principles</span> — Example</h6> --- # 4. Soil  * Soil determines what will grow * [Acidity](https://www.rhs.org.uk/Advice/Profile?pid=239) ie [pH](), use kit * [Types](https://www.rhs.org.uk/advice/profile?pid=179#section-2): clay, loam, sand — sausage or [jar test](https://preparednessmama.com/jar-soil-test/)! * Consider **rainfall** & possible rubbish * Make [nutrient budget](/nutrients/) <h6 class="breadcrumb">Philosophy – Benefit — <span class="u-underline">Principles</span> — Example</h6> ??? * Full list of soil types: clay, loam, sand, silt, chalk, peat! * How to know your soil * Plants grow in soil!! --- # Specific principles  1. **Useful** to someone 2. **Native** plants co-evolved 3. **Aspect** for sun 4. **Soil** pH & structure 5. **Structure** space & shape 👈 6. **Plants** know size, sun, soil, native <h6 class="breadcrumb">Philosophy – Benefit — <span class="u-underline">Principles</span> — Example</h6> --- # 5. Structure  * Basic structure: orientation, buildings, fencing * Think of plants in _[layers](/layers/)_ * 3 basic layers: canopy, shrub, ground cover * Think of plants as shapes * **Critical** consideration is [spacing](/spacing/) to allow light <h6 class="breadcrumb">Philosophy – Benefit — <span class="u-underline">Principles</span> — Example</h6> ??? * Think about structure * Structure determines access & growth * Importance of spacing * Plants need light --- # Specific principles  1. **Useful** to someone 2. **Native** plants co-evolved 3. **Aspect** for sun 4. **Soil** pH & structure 5. **Structure** space & shape 6. **Plants** know size, sun, soil, native 👈 <h6 class="breadcrumb">Philosophy – Benefit — <span class="u-underline">Principles</span> — Example</h6> --- # 6. Plants  * [RHS Plant Finder](https://www.rhs.org.uk/Plants/Search-Form) & [Plants For A Future](https://pfaf.org/user/Default.aspx) * Choose ultimate height & width, and **native** * [Rootstock](https://www.forestgarden.wales/blog/rootstock-reference/) determines height of tree * Consider light, soil, water, other plants * “Right plant, right place”! <h6 class="breadcrumb">Philosophy – Benefit — <span class="u-underline">Principles</span> — Example</h6> ??? * Where to start learning about plants * Fantastic online resources --- class: middle, center # 4. Example --- # 4. Example 1. Create map 2. Add observations 3. Add features wishlist 4. Add plants wishlist  <h6 class="breadcrumb">Philosophy – Benefit — Principles — <span class="u-underline">Example</span></h6> ??? * See previous lecture [Plan a Backyard Forest](/course/plan/) * Practical example to illustrate design process * Using simplified plan & wishlist * Created in QCAD, as quicker * Jiggle is a technical gardening design term 😐 --- ## 1. Create map 👉 * See [Plan lecture](/course/plan/) * Either paper or CAD * Or combination  <h6 class="breadcrumb">Philosophy – Benefit — Principles — <span class="u-underline">Example</span></h6> ??? * If paper outline plan, then photocopy lots!! * Enlarge, lots of copies to work from and sketch on. --- <img class="full-screen" src="https://res.cloudinary.com/growdigital/image/upload/w_1280,h_720/v1574166278/design-example-00-base.jpg" alt="Pasture field with polytunnel"> ??? * This is a paper plan brought into CAD, for ease of use * **Get the scale right!** * 1:100 — 1m = 10mm * Mark orientation 🙂 --- ## 2. Observations * Situation 👉 * Existing plants * Utilities & structures  <h6 class="breadcrumb">Philosophy – Benefit — Principles — <span class="u-underline">Example</span></h6> ??? * Client’s property in North London --- <img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/growdigital/image/upload/w_1280,h_720/v1591459919/greenroom-satellite-3d-google-south-west-169.jpg" alt="3D satellite view of backyard" class="full-screen"> ??? * Aspect: west facing, flat, 13 meters altitude! * Plants: trees on boundary, yew, cherry, fig in garden * Utilities: make believe telephone wire * Structures: shed, patio, fences * Privacy: surrounded by neighbours --- ## 2. Observations * Situation * Existing plants 👈 * Utilities & structures  <h6 class="breadcrumb">Philosophy – Benefit — Principles — <span class="u-underline">Example</span></h6> --- ## 2. Observations * Situation * Existing plants 👈 * Utilities & structures  <h6 class="breadcrumb">Philosophy – Benefit — Principles — <span class="u-underline">Example</span></h6> --- ## 2. Observations * Situation * Existing plants * Utilities & structures 👉  <h6 class="breadcrumb">Philosophy – Benefit — Principles — <span class="u-underline">Example</span></h6> --- <img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/growdigital/image/upload/w_1280,h_720/v1574166278/design-example-03-shedphone.jpg" alt="" class="full-screen"> ??? * Situation * Existing plants * Utilities & structures --- ## 3. Features wishlist * Greenhouse * Pond & veg beds * Shed & table  <h6 class="breadcrumb">Philosophy – Benefit — Principles — <span class="u-underline">Example</span></h6> --- ## 3. Features wishlist * Greenhouse 👈 * Pond & veg beds * Shed & table  <h6 class="breadcrumb">Philosophy – Benefit — Principles — <span class="u-underline">Example</span></h6> --- ## 3. Features wishlist * Greenhouse * Pond & veg beds 👈 * Shed & table  <h6 class="breadcrumb">Philosophy – Benefit — Principles — <span class="u-underline">Example</span></h6> --- ## 3. Features wishlist * Greenhouse * Pond & veg beds * Shed & table 👉  <h6 class="breadcrumb">Philosophy – Benefit — Principles — <span class="u-underline">Example</span></h6> --- <img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/growdigital/image/upload/w_1280,h_720/v1574166277/design-example-06-tableshed.jpg" alt="" class="full-screen"> ??? * Greenhouse * Pond & veg beds * Shed & table --- ## 4. Plants: trees & shrubs * Hawthorn & hazel * Apple & crabapple * Bamboo  <h6 class="breadcrumb">Philosophy – Benefit — Principles — <span class="u-underline">Example</span></h6> --- ## 4. Plants: trees & shrubs * Hawthorn & hazel 👈 * Apple & crabapple * Bamboo  <h6 class="breadcrumb">Philosophy – Benefit — Principles — <span class="u-underline">Example</span></h6> --- ## 4. Plants: trees & shrubs * Hawthorn & hazel 👈 * Apple & crabapple * Bamboo  <h6 class="breadcrumb">Philosophy – Benefit — Principles — <span class="u-underline">Example</span></h6> --- ## 4. Plants: trees & shrubs * Hawthorn & hazel * Apple & crabapple 👈 * Bamboo  <h6 class="breadcrumb">Philosophy – Benefit — Principles — <span class="u-underline">Example</span></h6> --- ## 4. Plants: trees & shrubs * Hawthorn & hazel * Apple & crabapple * Bamboo 👉  <h6 class="breadcrumb">Philosophy – Benefit — Principles — <span class="u-underline">Example</span></h6> --- <img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/growdigital/image/upload/w_1280,h_720/v1574166280/design-example-09-bamboo-apple.jpg" alt="" class="full-screen"> ??? * Hawthorn & hazel * Apple & crabapple * Bamboo --- ## 4. Plants: perennials & veg * Meadow, herbs, comfrey * Perennial salad * Shady perennials  <h6 class="breadcrumb">Philosophy – Benefit — Principles — <span class="u-underline">Example</span></h6> ??? * From patterns to particulars (permaculture?) * Native if at all possible! --- ## 4. Plants: perennials & veg * Meadow, herbs, comfrey 👈 * Perennial salad * Shady perennials  <h6 class="breadcrumb">Philosophy – Benefit — Principles — <span class="u-underline">Example</span></h6> --- ## 4. Plants: perennials & veg * Meadow, herbs, comfrey 👈 * Perennial salad * Shady perennials  <h6 class="breadcrumb">Philosophy – Benefit — Principles — <span class="u-underline">Example</span></h6> --- ## 4. Plants: perennials & veg * Meadow, herbs, comfrey 👈 * Perennial salad * Shady perennials  <h6 class="breadcrumb">Philosophy – Benefit — Principles — <span class="u-underline">Example</span></h6> --- ## 4. Plants: perennials & veg * Meadow, herbs, comfrey * Perennial salad 👈 * Shady perennials  <h6 class="breadcrumb">Philosophy – Benefit — Principles — <span class="u-underline">Example</span></h6> --- ## 4. Plants: perennials & veg * Meadow, herbs, comfrey * Perennial salad * Shady perennials 👈  <h6 class="breadcrumb">Philosophy – Benefit — Principles — <span class="u-underline">Example</span></h6> --- <img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/growdigital/image/upload/w_1280,h_720/v1574166281/design-example-14-shady.jpg" alt="" class="full-screen"> ??? * Meadow, herbs, comfrey * Perennial salad * Shady perennials --- # Backyard forest takeaways  * Work _with_ nature, include natives * Make the big mistakes early * Iterative **process** <h6 class="breadcrumb">Philosophy – Benefit — Principles — Example</h6> --- class: middle, center # The End  <hello@forestgarden.wales> [www.forestgarden.wales/newsletter](https://www.forestgarden.wales/newsletter) Music: _[Chegsticks](https://iamthemightyjungulator.bandcamp.com/track/chegsticks-3) by [I Am The Mighty Jungulator](https://iamthemightyjungulator.bandcamp.com)_