This article originally appeared in the January 1997 issue of the Friends
of PFAF newsletter.
In the summer of 1996 a group of people from Plants For A Future made
a visit to see Robert Hart's Forest Garden. This garden was, as far as
I know, the first forest garden to be planted in Britain and is a very
special place with an atmosphere of peace that I have never felt in any
other garden. The following article was written as a result of that visit.
Have you ever gone somewhere so special that it takes you completely
out of yourself? That you just walk around it trying to absorb the meaning
and the beauty of the place?
Such a site is the forest garden created by Robert Hart. I was very
fortunate to visit this garden at the end of the summer in 1996 and it
is the only mature working example of a forest garden that I have seen
in this country.
We arrived at the garden rather late in the afternoon, thanks to my
getting lost on the way. The summer had been a difficult one, it had been
rather dry, and there had been a lot of damaging winds recently. However,
the garden looked in excellent condition. Whilst the surrounding fields
looked dry and barren, the garden was green and lush and, as we soon found
out, it was literally dripping with fruit.
I walked around in a dream. This is indeed a very special garden that
really shows forest gardening in practice. Narrow pathways lead you amongst
fruit and nut trees, growing into them you will find climbing plants such
as grapes and kiwi fruits. Growing under them are various fruiting shrubs
such as blackcurrants and gooseberries and also many herbs and salad plants
that will succeed in the woodland shade. On the sunnier edges of the garden
a number of more conventional vegetables are grown.
There was an amazing amount of food, especially plums, in the garden.
'Help yourself to whatever you want' Robert said, 'there is much too much
here for me.' I needed no second invitation, my meal that evening was
a large bowl of plums!
As darkness fell, we shared a meal with Robert and talked a little about
the garden. Later in the evening, he and I talked in depth about forest
gardening and his hopes for the future. He explained the reason behinds
the garden and tried to share with me some of his vision. I would like
to try and explain some of this here because his message is so special
- I hope that my words can do justice to his vision.
Robert first moved to his farm in 1960 with the idea of self-sufficiency.
At that time his views on this were fairly conventional - annual vegetables,
fruit trees and various livestock such as chickens and cows. However,
his views gradually changed. He found that perennial vegetables and herbs
were much easier to grow and more productive than the annuals and the
animals. He discovered that many of these crops could be grown successfully
under trees and also that there were many less well known types of fruit
and vegetable that could also be grown in this system. Gradually the forest
garden was evolving.
The motivation behind the garden was not just based on growing more
food in less space and with less effort. Robert was very aware of the
inequalities in society, especially between the western cultures and the
less developed nations. He wanted to demonstrate a lifestyle that could
help to provide more food and an improved standard of life for those areas
of the world where starvation is an ever present threat.
Beyond all this, Robert wanted to demonstrate a garden that could heal
- that could heal both the individual and the planet. Robert's whole philosophy
is based on love. He is convinced that this is the most powerful force
in the world and that, when given unconditionally, it will transform.
His life is a living example of his beliefs and so is his garden.
When you look at a conventional food garden, what you normally see is
a row of this vegetable, a row of that vegetable, plus a few fruit trees
and bushes in a separate area. The gardener is constantly battling against
the forces of nature in the form of pests, diseases, drought, too much
rain or whatever. The ground is dug every year, it has to be fertilized,
there is a constant battle to control the weeds - it is warfare on a small
scale.
The forest garden is a totally different concept. Here everything grows
together in a way that is very similar to a natural woodland. However,
instead of the usual woodland plants (most of which are not edible), the
trees and shrubs all bear edible crops, whilst growing under them are
many different edible herbs and vegetables. Instead of battling against
nature, this is a garden that works in harmony with it.
As Robert explained, it is love that powers the garden. When you manage
to harmonize a garden with nature, then so much of the work is done for
you. Below ground, for example, there are all sorts of root interactions
taking place that help the plants to grow. One of the best known of these
is the fact that certain plants (especially peas and beans) have a symbiotic
relationship with soil bacteria that actually enriches the soil with nitrogen
drawn out of the atmosphere. There are many other activities taking place
that also help to increase soil fertility and therefore the overall productivity
of the land. This same symbiosis is taking place on all levels. We see
the bee visiting flowers and taking away nectar and pollen. That same
bee is also fertilizing the flowers so that the fruit and seed are produced.
Thus everything gains. A bird eats the fruit, flies away and later defecates
an unharmed seed that will grow into a new tree. Once again, everything
gains. This co-operation between different life-forms is a manifestation
of the power of love, and is a much stronger force than the concept of
nature 'red in tooth and claw'. Humans can also become part of this symbiosis,
become a part of the cycle of life rather than always trying to dominate,
to control. It is this desire to dominate that has actually driven us
out of control and has created the environmental problems that are so
acute today.
The forest garden is a practical way in which humans can once more learn
to work in harmony with nature. It is a very healing garden for, not only
does it heal the gardener, it also helps to heal the planet and re-integrate
us with the rhythms of nature. Just being in the garden is a wonderful,
peaceful and healing experience.
We talked till quite late into the night, I would have loved to talk
more with him, but it was clear that Robert was tired and I eventually
made my excuses and went to bed. I was very lucky to be camping in the
garden that night, which in itself was a magical experience.
In the morning I walked around the garden feasting on plums, apples,
plums, mallow leaves, more plums, whitebeam fruits and yet more plums.
I tried to harmonize with the energy of the garden, to feel that energy
coming into me as I ate the food of the garden. This was the most delicious
and satisfying meal I have eaten in my life.
Later on, Robert gave us a short tour. He apologised that the garden
was not looking as good as it could because he had been unable to do much
work in the garden earlier in the year as a result of a serious accident.
However, to my mind this was the final proof of the value of forest gardening
and using perennials. If this had been a normal food garden, with its
rows of annual vegetables, then what would be growing there now if the
gardener had been too ill to work the garden? Weeds, weeds and more weeds!
Unless you are able to get out in the spring, prepare the soil, sow the
seeds, weed and do the 101 other necessary things, your garden of annuals
will not exist. However, the forest garden and its perennials will still
produce a good crop even if you spend no time in the garden, and they
will continue to do this for many years to come.
The time soon came when we had to say our goodbyes - though we all found
it exceedingly difficult to tear ourselves away. As one of us said, 'If
this isn't the garden of Eden, then it is a close second!'. What is needed
is for more people to take on this concept of forest gardening - you do
not need large areas of land since it is possible to set up such a garden
even in a small backyard. Can you imagine how much greener this country
would be, how much more wildlife there would be and how much more food
there would be if we set up forest gardens throughout Britain. In the
southern Indian state of Kerala, which has a population density three
times greater than Britain, there are literally millions of small forest
gardens. Most of the area is covered with trees, it is lush and also productive.
In fact it is a living example of how to grow food in harmony with the
other creatures around you. Robert's dream is to see forest gardens being
developed all over the world, bringing more food to the people and healing
both the humans and the planet. The only thing that might stop it happening
is our own lethargy and short-sightedness.
I'm sorry to report that Robert Hert passed away peacfully on March
7th 2000. Robert has been a great inspiration to the whole permaculture
community and to Plants For A Future in particular. We hope that this
article will help others to follow the example he led.
Plants For A Future has two Gardens of Love, one at each site, both
dedicated to Robert Hart.
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PFAF. The Garden of Love - A visit to Robert Hart's Forest Garden
Mark C. Iglesias
Tue Mar 28 13:47:57 2000
Hi Ken,
I am so delighted that you are on the internet and you are continuing
your work. This note is in reference to Robert HArt's: "Forest
Gardening". I enjoyed the video and have read his book. I truly
believe that this is a concept for anyone with a small back yard.
I presently reside in Kingston, New York (USA) and my family and I will
be moving to Salinas, Puerto Rico on July 1, 2000. My mother and
father own two acres (probably 1 acre that is not fully cultivated)
except for a few banana trees, mangoe trees, and local flower shrubs.
I would really like to incorporate Robert Hart's methods and teach them
to the local community (children and adults alike).
I admire your persistance in your work and am glad you are here to be a
part of the solution.
Puerto Rico is a tropical island and where my parents are (Salinas) is
on the South side of the island. It is quite dry there (not sure how
many inches of rain a year) I will work on obtaining that year by year
when I am practicing in the garden.
I too was thinking about chickens and a small dexter cow for
consumption, but may take to much energy, time, and land resource that
could otherwise be utilized for growing a perennial garden for my
family of 7 as well as my two parents and community members.
I know it would take several years to begin but I am really excited
about sharing this knowledge with and for our future children so they
can benefit and share with their children in the future.
Thank you and please give my warm regards and love and peace to Robert
Hart.
I will let you know our progress when we get to Puerto Rico and in the
upcoming years.
Enthusiastically,
Mark C. Iglesias
The Garden of Love - A visit to Robert Hart's Forest Garden
Wed Jan 24 00:47:19 2001
Wow! How exciting. My friend just turned me us (Gentle World) on to this. We have a veganic garden that always needs new inspiration. Hopefully our new world can incorporate and learn from this.
Thank you.
Flowers
Robert Hart
Pat from Earthwalker Farm
Sun Nov 27 2005
What a wonderful thing...this edible forest gardening.
I am going to learn how to do this on my central New Mexico
farm in addition to planning for the many windbreaks we will be planting
this spring. Many of the plants listed for this purpose
are already on our list to grow and can't think of a better
way to create a true Eden.
Robert Hart
tierraGranda
Sun Feb 5 2006
very inspiring............i wish i have the land for it. but ill try small scale and apply it on a bigger area later on...
Robert Hart
Javier Cosp
Wed Sep 27 2006
I will also try to do it here in Paraguay. I will try to plant natives
fruit trees that are being replaced by "imported" fruits like oranges,
mangoes, etc.
Robert Hart
Stefany
Thu Oct 19 2006
Does anyone know what happened to Mr. Hart's garden since the year 2000?
Im planning to start forest garden here in Cyprus and look forward to create an ecosystem so in few years there wont be need for any labour except planting & harvesting :)
Robert Hart
Sat Jan 20 2007
The garden istill here but a bit overgrown and in need of a good prune
Robert Hart
Chris
Sat Jan 20 2007
The garden istill here but a bit overgrown and in need of a good prune
Robert Hart
Darryl Nightingale
Mon Feb 12 2007
Does antone know how big Robert Hart's garden is?
Robert Hart
Bec Piper
Fri Apr 27 2007
This article was such an inspirational read! My partner and i have just bought 8 acres
in Ireland where many parts of it are already established woodlands, with mixed deciduous tree,
it has been my dream to incorporate edible vines and plants and trees amongst it all, after reading this
i know it can be done, and best of all will not be as labour intensive as a conventional edible crop plantation
system! Love and light to the essence of Robert....his vision is being continued!
Bec :-)
Robert Hart
catherine shrigley
Tue May 1 2007
I came upon this site from a friend, I have just finished a permaculture design course at my friends Joe Polaicher and Trish Allens permaculture farm in Matakana New Zealand.I have the good fortune to live on an area of land that although I do not own it I can plant on it.I was very interested in Roberts philosophy on our conection to the natural world and our health.I really feel that.I have got terminal cancer but I have been busy clearing away a large area underneath some native trees.I have removed piles of wandering willi this done I now see wonderfull soil and dappled sunlight creating a magical area.I am so excited at the prospect of a forest garden.My family are scolding me saying this is too large an area for you to handle, but I try to explain not with a Robert Hart forest garden.Ihave been sucessfull with plums in another area in the garden so here we go again.Blessings to you all let us continue to inspire each other into good health,
Catherine
Robert Hart
Jeanette Leuers
Sun Jun 17 2007
*SO* pleased to bump into this site by accident -
Ive been thinking long - about how to escape 'shopping' for ever -
and begun with local wild plants as food - (Brittany) mostly nettles,
hoptops, elder,wild garlic, chestnuts etc...
this has proved so uplifting as an experience,
but it never seemed possible to develop on my own craggy bit of
cliff and woodland - till I read this page...and the edible plants info -
so clear and informative - thank you!!!! Off to buy a couple of
pinus pinea trees today...pine nuts? wooohooo!
and ..less and less *hard shopping* to follow...
;o) j
Robert Hart
Jake
Thu Jun 28 2007
Can Robert Hart's Gardens still be visited? I would love to fly over and pitch in on a "good pruning" and see for myself. What an amazing article. Inspiration is in my vascular system......
Robert Hart
Stella James
Sun Aug 5 2007
What a truly delightful experience you describe!! I have recently moved to a house which has a garden laid to lawn on 3 sides, however, there is plenty of wildlife around. Whilst we are just renting the property it is my wish to create an enchanting, healing and magical garden to all those who either live in it or visit it. Robert Hart's concept is what I have had in my mind but wasn't sure who to go about it. What you described is what I have in mind and yet I am very much a learner gardener. I intend to get a copy of his book and that will help to guide me through my journey with my garden. Being able to leave the garden and know it will be able to sustain itself successfully is perfect as my work takes me away from home from time to time. I am so pleased to have found your site and am sure I will become a frequent visitor.
Robert Hart
Oli Pescott
Fri Sep 7 2007
Does anyone know if there are any plans to open Robert Hart's garden to the public?
Thank you
Robert Hart
Sat Oct 20 2007
There are no plans at present to open the garden. It has suffered from 6 years of neglect. The fruit trees, bushes and creepers are still present but overgrown.
Robert Hart
Chris
Sat Oct 20 2007
There are no plans as yet to open the garden to the public. it has not been looked after for 6 years. The large fruit trees, bushes and climbers are intact, but a large hedge has grown up and blocked out much of the light.
Robert Hart
Thu Nov 15 2007
If you all want to visit Robert Hart's garden, which is now so overgrown and neglected, why don't you all get together and organise a week where you work on it and bring it back to the vision he had for it and the world? If all his work and beliefs were based on love, surely this would be a great gesture...
Robert Hart
Boris Langer
Fri Jan 18 2008
@ Darryl Nightingale
"Does antone know how big Robert Hart's garden is?"
Its size is 3200 sq ft (40 ft by 80 ft = 12 m by 24 m). I got this information from the book "Edible Forest Gardens" by Dave Jacke and Eric Toensmeier.
There are also case studies of two other temperate climate forest gardens.
If anyone is planning to organise a working party in Robert Hart's garden, please tell us so we can come and help.
Robert Hart
Miles Goodman
Tue Feb 26 2008
Yes, lets return the original forest garden to its former glory! Sometime this August would suit me...
Robert Hart
Julia
Wed Mar 5 2008
Hi, I'd love to do this. Please let me know whom I should contact.
Robert Hart
Peter Kafno
Thu Mar 6 2008
I would love to visit Robert Harts Woodland garden and would be delighted to volunteer some time, tools, labour to help to restore the garden.
Firstly what is needed is a visit and appraisal of what needs to be done.
I do not know the exact location but if someone could contact me with details perhaps we could get something organised.
Chris, could you could send me an email to get this started. I work at HDRA and I'm sure I could enlist the help of some other knowledgeable people.
My email is pkafno@hotmail.com
Robert Hart
Sabine
Thu Mar 6 2008
we would like to find out where the garden is and offer some hours and elbow grease for its survival.
Sabine & Alan
Robert Hart
willemijn
Tue Mar 11 2008
I really love to join the team!
I think it's a wonderfull idea to get this garden back to live. I work in a ecologic herb garden and give workshops on herbs. At home we have 0.5 acre land on short term and on long term 1 acre. I'm planning to make a herb and fruitgarden, but wasn't really satisfied with the methods for gardening. Now I found this!!! I think this is just what we need! I reallly would like to learn everything about it
and would like to spread the knowledge and the love of it here in the Netherlands...
Greetings Willemijn
Robert Hart
Rowena Stone
Tue May 6 2008
Hi, Chris,
Is this Chris of Highwood Hill who I met shortly after you moved there?
I am still interested in the garden and possible restoration, are you? Is there anything happening with Peter Kafno? That sounds good.
My email is rowenastone@yahoo.co.uk, it'd be good to hear from you. Best wishes to you all.
Rowena
Robert Hart
Graham Burnett
Mon May 12 2008
Hi Rowena - any news on the book you were working on about Robert hart and the forest garden? Or indeed the current legal status of the land - I'm sure there would be many who would be only too glad to follow the above posters' suggestion of an organised volunteer clearance work day if only they were allowed to do so...
I've also posted herewith a link to London Permaculture's Flickr website which includes some wonderful photo's of some of the various forest gardens that have sprung up inspired by Robert and his vision
Hi Chris, I think there is enough interest to organise a very fruitful working week at the old forest garden.Whichever time of year it will be a proccess of evaluation of what's already there, what can be done with it and what to do next. The goal would be to restore productivity to what is essentially a home garden with produce for the household.
The garden did used to have a surplus of produce which was used by a local cafe and greengrocers.
Yes, I agree it would be a great gesture to honour Robert's memory.
(Graham, the whole farm is now in private ownership.)
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