Advice please.
Dear Experienced Forest Gardeners, I wonder if I could draw on your experience. I have been allocated a 1/2 acre plot to develop a FG at my local hospital. It already has mature trees. The soil is loamy and about 5cm deep before hitting builders rubble. It’s alkaline, poor in nitrogen, poor in phospate, poor in potassium. South facing and mostly dappled shade. Do any of you have experience of developing a similar site? Any advice re planting options that are likely to survive/thrive and enhance the soil in the longer term would be welcome!
Tomas Remiarz Fri 3 Jul 2020 1:34PM
sounds like a good spot for mediterranean and alpine plants. A lot of wildflowers would also do well.
Dave Richards Fri 3 Jul 2020 9:58AM
Hi Nickie
We have a 20 year old FG on our 200m2 roof at RISC in Reading. So I'm very happy to discuss possibilities of growing on a challenging substrate - we only have 30cm! Get in touch & we can arrange a call ([email protected]).
Nickie Bartlett / Jakeman Fri 3 Jul 2020 8:32AM
Thanks...it’s just a bit soil free, but better than tarmac!
Deleted account Fri 3 Jul 2020 8:20AM
Hi Nicky I've forwarded your note to Dave Richards who started the rooftop forest garden at RISC in Reading - in case he doesn't see this. He has at least 3 garden layers in 30 cm. Hopefully he'll be able to give some guidance!
Nickie Bartlett / Jakeman · Fri 3 Jul 2020 2:31PM
Thanks everybody, keep the top tips coming!
Good news...I’ve discovered mulch under the willow tree...but not a lot of light or water! Always up for a challenge!