Well, that’s it!
The end goal is the food forest. Apparently Earth is it.
The real focus, where on Earth do you build a food forest?
How about we start with a place that needs food and you are willing to live there long-term. That is what I find to be the most important aspect of building a #FoodForest
Why else would anyone choose to do such a laborious task in the first place…
Also, building a food forest in a place that already has a natural food forest would be erroneous. It’s an error because the food is already growing and you/me, i.e. we have no intention of competing with nature when it comes to a natural forest in a climate and environment that already has a native forest.
Now on to the real ‘meat’ as mentioned in the Bible. Food and medicines are plant life. The meat you eat comes from animals that eat plants, correct! So, without the plant kingdom, we humans are not eating much meat. Unless you know how to extract enough nutrients and minerals from the air and water without consuming the plant-based food. You may be a plant!
I get a good chuckle out of people that are afraid to eat a plant-based meal. Every body is designed with their own specific genetic recipe. Even siblings can be slightly different, plus culture has a huge effect on what people choose to eat on a regular basis.
When I was growing up, I ate a lot of pork and chicken… and candy! However, today I ate all plants and no meat what so ever. The candy option has been exhausted due to it’s detrimental side effects after consumption. The reason I teach about a plant-based lifestyle is because I have had all of the positive health affects and wellness prosperities imaginable.
In that, I have been using my time to design a vision of a place that can be enhanced by a food forest idea. Similar to that in the desert image above, it will be greener, abundant and attractive to wildlife. Since we are capable of building such miraculous structures and comforting living spaces. I see an opportunity to articulate my expression of joy, vibrancy and love for the life I have experienced thus far.
Taking a desert landscape and transforming it with moisture and nutrients has a tendency to become a sanctuary for the wildlife living near by. I am fully aware that by doing this, I can potentially attract rattle snakes and mice. These two will cancel each other out and that is the point. The same with insects, lizards with be ready to feast. The basic laws of nature are at play here, and with the knowledge that I may encounter those harmonious creatures. I have respect for them and their space.
I suspect birds will be stopping for a drink or to bathe in a fountain of water about the gardens. They too eat insects and may be some berries if I leave them exposed… The aid of nature will aid my pest control efforts or lack thereof!
What Can I Grow in the Desert Climate?
At my previous garden space, I was able to grow over 50 different types of plants, herbs, vegetables and fruit. Recently, I was able to eat some fresh grapes, pears, and raspberries at this same location. I have moved on, so the garden has not been tended but the orchard area is on irrigation and has been thriving, basically wild.
I will list some of what I had growing:
Kale
Swiss Chard
Spinach
Milk Thistle
Hibiscus
Artichoke
Cucumbers
Tomatoes (grape, cherry and normal sizes)
Peppers (sweet, mild and hot)
Melons (water, lemon drop, cantaloupe)
Mints (spear-, pepper-)
Catnip (That didn’t last long after I put it outside… had Feral Cats!)
Purple Potatoes
Red Onion
Sunflowers
Jerusalem Artichoke
Sugar Snap Peas
Fennel
Cilantro
Lettuce (red, green and butter)
Mullein
Red clover
Squash (zucchini, spaghetti, butternut, etc.)
Pumpkin
Carrots and Parsnip
Celery
Corn
Strawberries
Radish
Beets
Flax
Lemon Balm
Sage
Dandelion
plus more that I can’t think of right now, and other plants that stayed in the house too!
What is the End Goal?
To be able to have fresh produce when ever I need it. Technically I already have that. I just have to travel somewhere to get it…
For real! The end goal is having a healthy thriving garden space that not only feeds me. It should be capable of feeding a community of people and animals. I suppose chickens and ducks may be part of the eco-space too. Other pet birds could be of good company as well. However, any four-legged companions are yet to be confirmed.
A job that I had before I was old enough to drink was at a pet store in the mall. Back then, I didn’t know what puppy mills were and I came to learn about them while working there.
Pet stores have a high level of responsibility involved. You have the employees, customers and all of the animals to care for. That is how I learned about true responsibility and taking the initiative to do what no one else wants to do. After four years of growing up the ‘corporate ladder’ to store manager from animal care, I realized there are some crazy obsessed people in that industry. Good people too, like me.
SIDE NOTE: I would screen potential pet owners to make sure they would actually care for their pet once they got them home. If I felt they were just making up stories about having a new addition, I would quote a really high price and they always declined after that. Not to gouge people. That proved they were not ready for the responsibility. Pet owners love their pets as a family member and their is no cost to high, usually. I say that to point out, I had pets (ferrets) for about ten years after that. They had what they needed and I played with them, took them places with me, and they were happy (I believe) until they passed on.
Responsibility and Accountability!
When I actually start building this project, I realize that I have to be that. Responsible and accountable. I do plan to have others join me from time to time, and only if they to are that, responsible and accountable. Planning the course of action takes knowledge and comprehension of what needs to take place. The activities that one must do on a consistent basis until progress is visible and obvious.
From there, change is always happening, so adaptability is key along with flexibility. Since I have done this desert to food forest process before. I have wisdom on the topic and my past experience is a guide to the future.
Some things will be predictable, however life is always unknown until it happens. Plans can be over written, adjusted and totally nullified. My goal is a food forest and I will do what ever I need to do to reach that goal. Plenty of milestones between and many to come after that.
And with that I am out!
Much appreciation for reading this post!
SupHerbly Alive,
apØstLanita GuarDinner
P. S. If you are ready to support the cause, send me a message about what we can do together!
And Yes! The bird bath links are affiliate programs to support my cause, the Food Forest…
