The ecology of a young woodland can be handily broken down into seven layers. Each layer is at a different level so they are not competing for growing space. The ideal is that your forest garden will incorporate plants from each layer to maximise use of the vertical space within your garden. In reality there is no strict rule that says if yours only has four or five layers you cannot call it a forest garden. It is an aspiration, and especially on a smaller scale, all seven layers can be difficult to achieve.
SEVEN LAYERS OF A FOREST GARDEN
1: CANOPY LAYER
These are the tallest trees such as nut trees or large fruit trees. In small gardens this layer is usually absent as many gardens wouldn’t manage to accommodate even one large tree, never mind allow any light to reach the floor for the other layers.
2: LOWER TREE LAYER
Dwarf fruit and nut trees, usually under 3m in height.
3: SHRUB LAYER
These are usually currant bushes or other berries.
4: HERBACEOUS LAYER
These are the plants
