I CREATED MY EDIBLE & HERBAL FOOD FOREST WITH THESE 5 RULES IN MIND!

I have an ongoing, unbreakable bond with my Edible & Herbal Backyard Food Forest, and I am extremely demanding when it comes to what I allow, and what I do not allow!

THE 5 RULES:

1.) EDIBLE/MEDICINAL — Of course this is my #1 rule, and the main reason I garden! There is nothing more satisfying than walking out into my suburban edible & herbal food forest and harvesting the food that I need for the day! I have fully stocked my landscape with extremely valuable plants that can be of benefit to my entire family at different times of the year, whether they be edible or medicinal! I harness the powers of these plants as they become available and turn them into everyday homemade necessities that are healthier and save us money every year! This ALONE is worth everything to me!

2.) FRAGRANT — What a joy it is to walk outside at different times of the year and breathe deeply to capture the heavenly scents of the garden! WHAT AN ABSOLUTE JOY! And even though these flowers and fragrances were created to attract pollinators, I find myself mesmerized and in love with each and every one of them every time I step outside! The intoxicating aromas steal my heart, evoke special/personal memories, and remind me how lucky we all are to be a part of nature and everything that surrounds us!

3.) MEMORABLE — Who needs to pay for expensive, lavish vacations or parties when you can create the most memorable getaway destination in your own backyard! I can turn my edible & herbal food forest into whatever luxurious, celebratory staycation I want! With the help of some homemade decorations, flowers, tents, lights, and water features, I can create an amazing outdoor oasis! I like to add plants and structures that create thought-provoking memories from my past experiences, so I can relive those joyous times over and over!

4.) BEAUTIFUL — Similar to memorable, I want to walk through my edible & herbal food forest and feel something that no one else has—a private & quiet space to enjoy the beauty nature has to offer. The sight of fruit hanging from the trees, flower buds emerging, and the sound of the birds happily in their element, is something so beautiful to me that I can't describe well enough to do justice! There is nothing more sacred than simply sitting quietly in my backyard, all by myself, and just listening & observing! Nothing heals the soul better than the beauty of nature!

5.) PURPOSEFUL — Every single inch of my property is accounted for and every single plant has its own special space and purpose to live in harmony with the rest of the plants! My last rule is an important one. "Purpose" can mean many things! You could be growing for food and medicine, but also could be fulfilling many other duties! I grow plants for wood, companionship, pest control, adding color, building materials, encouraging biodiversity, unlocking nutrients for other plants, creating barriers, and so much more! If you don't have a purpose, you will not take up space at my address!

CREATE YOUR OWN RULES:

You too can have an amazing backyard that fulfills your own desires and needs! Take the time to THINK IT THROUGH and create something really special that your family & friends will enjoy for many years to come. Whether you are growing amazing food and herbal remedies, recreating past memories, producing your favorite stress-relieving fragrances, hidden sections for privacy, or even just for visual aesthetics, you can build YOUR food forest that makes YOUR heart happy. You can create the paradise of your dreams, that not only saves you money, time, and hard work, but also feeds your soul in a beautiful, memorable, and purposeful way! It is all customizable based on YOUR needs!

IF YOU NEED HELP...I've Got You!

CHECK OUT MY BRAND NEW GUIDE, I created a no-fluff, step-by-step guide to help you SUCCEED—from a blank canvas, to an edible & herbal paradise.
This guide is made for beginners and busy folks who just want to get going.
Simple terms. Clear steps. Real results.
Let’s make your dream garden a reality—without overcomplicating it.

Don’t forget to subscribe to my emails, and STAY TUNED  for WEEKLY BLOG POSTS with topics ranging from tips and tricks, to recipes & more!

The Future Is Worth The Patience Of The Present

-Michele

The Homemade Gardener