About: A Dream of Planting and Living with a Food Forest
n my early 20s, I embarked on a journey toward sustainable living. One of the first steps I took was to explore the concept of food forests, a dream that sprouted during a permaculture course I attended. A food forest is a cultivated system designed to mimic the complexity and balance of natural forests, blending biodiversity with human benefit.
By layering plants in a way that utilizes space, time, and ecological niches—just as nature does—we create a stable, self-sustaining system. It provides food, medicine, building materials, and energy resources, all while enhancing biodiversity. Inspired by practical approaches from permaculture, regenerative, organic, and natural farming schools, I began adapting these ideas to my unique context.
Today, I call a 1600 m² mixed farm my home and canvas. Over the past two years, I have been working to establish a vibrant orchard food forest here—an ongoing experiment and a source of joy. This is not just a personal endeavor but a collaborative journey to create something that nurtures both people and the planet.
A Call to Collaborate
The Orchard in Kupala’s Garden is not a finished product but a living, breathing work-in-progress. I invite you to join me in investigating, designing, and implementing a food forest that can thrive in this specific ecosystem. By pooling our knowledge and creativity, we can turn this space into a hub of sustainability and connection.
This is a democratic and equity-based project. Together, we can organize events—both online and on-site—to share ideas, learn from one another, and physically bring the food forest to life. I hope the success of this endeavor will inspire similar projects far beyond the boundaries of my farm.
Current Project: Orchard Prototype (December 2024)
Right now, I am focused on creating an orchard prototype—a model that integrates select species, design principles, and site-specific conditions. This trial will help refine our approach and guide the next steps in our food forest journey.
Plan of Action
Investigate:
- Species and Variety Selection
Using the resources already available on my farm and purchasing what aligns with the project’s sustainability goals. - Site Analysis
- Assess the dramatic terrain (11m height differences).
- Identify ecological factors like soil pH, sunlight, and drainage.
- Address obstacles like karst rocks to ensure robust tree and plant growth.
- Inventory Resources
- Fencing materials.
- Durable materials for weather-resistant info boards.
Design:
4. Optimize Resource Use
Develop creative solutions for fencing, irrigation, and planting infrastructure.
- Visualize the Finished Project
As a visual thinker, I rely on sketches to map the design, communicate ideas, and provide clarity for collaborators. - Action Plan
Create a detailed, step-by-step guide to implement the design, while remaining flexible to adjust as challenges arise. - Prepare Tools and Space
Ensuring proper preparation is key—having the right tools and knowing how to use them is 70% of the work.
Implementation:
8. Track and Adjust
Execute the plan, monitor progress, and embrace problem-solving as part of the process.
Species Selection and Ecological Overview
Below is a summary of selected plants for the orchard prototype, highlighting their ecological needs and roles in the food forest.
| Plant | Critical Temperatures | Seasonal Activities | Flowering Time | Harvest Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fruit Trees | ||||
| Pyrus communis var. Klapov ljubimac | Flower buds damaged below -3°C; optimal growth 18–24°C. | Winter: Prune; Spring: Protect blossoms; Summer: Thin fruits; Autumn: Harvest. | April–May | September |
| Prunus avium var. Kordia | Flowers damaged below -2°C; optimal growth 20–25°C. | Winter: Prune; Spring: Protect blossoms; Summer: Irrigate; Autumn: Harvest. | April–May | June–July |
| Berry Bushes | ||||
| Ribes nigrum (Blackcurrant) | Buds damaged below -2°C; optimal 15–20°C. | Winter: Prune; Spring: Mulch; Summer: Harvest. | April–May | June–July |
| Ribes rubrum (Redcurrant) | Flowers damaged below -1.5°C; optimal 15–20°C. | Winter: Prune; Spring: Mulch; Summer: Harvest. | April–May | June–July |
| Ribes uva-crispa (Gooseberry) | Flowers damaged below -1.5°C; optimal 15–20°C. | Winter: Prune; Spring: Protect blossoms; Summer: Harvest. | April–May | June–July |
(Additional plants and details are available upon request.)
Join the Journey
This is your invitation to be part of something transformative. Whether you want to share your expertise, lend a hand in the field, or simply learn more, there’s a place for you in Kupala’s Garden. Together, we can sow the seeds of a flourishing food forest—and a more sustainable future.
Feel free to reach out for event updates, collaboration opportunities, or to share your ideas. Let’s make this dream a reality, one step at a time.
