"What started out as an experiment to see if I could grow a miniature food forest within an urban yard has now traveled 3 years since the first spade was turned."

Looking back at an intrepid beginning the original concept of growing food as a forest environment in such a small space was at its infancy. I found little information in layout design or images for entertaining the idea of permaculture food forests which could be self-sustaining and propagate without intervention.

The experience I learnt along the journey was written into an Ebook How to grow food forests in an urban yard, valuable information for anyone interested in trialing Food forests in metro areas. Not only did I need to learn the basics of rainforest makeup but also interaction with water and the benefits of insect control.

The food forest went thru many changes and I disappointingly lost some plants which were not suited to our soils, we are on heavy clay intermixed with shale. a challenge in itself yet project urban food forest persevered and we can now say after the third year that the forest looks after itself.

Many changes came about in my life during 2012 which left little time for the forest to be nurtured, and what I found was an outcome which brought a warm smile to my heart, our tiny food forest has grown and created its own eco system.

The canopy is starting to form as the larger fruit trees grow, understory plants self propagate bringing a freshness to each season. I have seen insects come and go as the forest evolved, birds find an oasis paradise in western Sydney's hot summer climate. The forest no longer requires mulch brought into the yard as it produces sufficient by itself.

With help in the early stages from our friends, Food 4 wealth providing a great innovative information package on how traditional gardening is obsolete, we could use some of the knowledge to build soil and raised beds.

Permaculture research Institute opened a network of like-minded enthusiasts which thru their forum taught us many lessons with differing alternative methods suiting our conditions here in a temperate climate.

Project Urban Food forest will continue to provide passionate permaculture students a shining example of working adversity into a sustainable yard within the grasp of all people who choose to walk this path. A no dig forest, artistic self-sustaining culture full of life should be the dream of all.

Author Brad Hamilton