An earlier pioneer of forest gardens in temperate climates, was Robert Hart (1913 - 2000), a smallholder from Shropshire. He created his forest garden in his garden which was 500m2 / 0.12 acres in size. 

Using natural woodlands as a model, he devised 7 layers within the forest garden. So not only did the forest garden contain trees, it also had understoreys, such as a shrub layer, using fruit bushes, such as gooseberries and blackcurrants. The plants are added in such a way as to replicate the structure of a natural woodland.

The main difference between an orchard and a forest garden, is that the forest garden is planted with all types of trees that can have uses, such as bamboo for garden canes, willow for biomass for wood burning stoves, nuts, wood for coppicing to use for crafts, all types of berries, herbs and space for root vegetables.

Design and creation - I can design a forest garden then plant it. Even if you have a smaller garden, dwarf varieties can be used to create a mini forest garden.

Virtual service -  

I can also just design a forest garden with advice, that can then be used to plant it yourself or get someone to do the planting and I can order everything you will need to complete the project.

• If you are interested, don't think it can only be done in summer, and wait until then. Autumn/winter is a traditional time for tree planting, so the forest garden can be created throughout the year.