Nederlands

The Garden of Love

A visit to Robert Hart's Forest Garden

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.

Readers Comments

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

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

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

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