About Edible Forest
Our Story
The idea for the Edible Forest originated from a spark of inspiration — the vision of a garden where guests could walk through, taste, and experience, like a living “Garden of Eden.”
Louise Ward discovered the term “edible forest” while researching permaculture in 2013 and knew it was what she wanted to create. The site began as a bare paddock with clay soil, but through layers of compost, manure, and years of hands-on work, it evolved into a thriving ecosystem filled with over 350 edible and medicinal plants.
Built on permaculture and hügelkultur principles, the forest mimics the natural rhythms. Some plants feed us, others support soil health or attract beneficial insects. Everything has a role and nothing is wasted.
As Louise says, “Gardening is one of the best things I’ve ever discovered. It’s wonderful. Getting your hands dirty is good for the mind. It’s everything.”
The forest is now visited by thousands, has been featured on ABC Gardening Australia, and continues to evolve not just as a garden, but as a place for learning, healing and inspiration.
How It All Began
The Vision
A Place of Healing
The Edible Forest was created to be a place of healing, somewhere people could experience the calming power of nature. A space that appeals to the senses through scent, flavour and touch. A living garden that nourishes the body and the mind.
The journey began in 2016, when our team joined forces with John Ferris from Edible Forest Gardens Nursery. Together, we brought vision, dedication and hands-in-the-soil commitment to the project.
Permaculture and Hügelkultur
The original site was challenging due to its heavy clay and limited topsoil. However, by applying permaculture and hügelkultur principles, we built a rich, living soil layer by layer. Swales were added to slow water flow, retain moisture and support healthy microbial life.
Permaculture design mimics the systems of a natural forest, creating a resilient, productive ecosystem filled with edible and medicinal plants.
As Louise says, “If you look after the soil without the need for commercial fertilisers, the soil will look after the plants.”
And the plants have responded by thriving with natural immunity and vigorous growth.
Be Happy, Be Healthy & Be Inspired
The dry creek bed at the entrance slows water and marks the beginning of your journey through the Edible Forest. Built from natural materials, it’s a quiet invitation to slow down and reconnect with the land.
Louise often says, “If you look after the soil without the need for commercial fertilisers, the soil will look after the plants.” That philosophy is at the core of everything we grow here and it shows in the forest’s health and abundance.
The garden continues to evolve, but its purpose hasn’t changed. It remains a place to wonder, to learn, and to feel grounded by something real.
On 25 November 2018, the Edible Forest was officially opened by Louise Ward and Moira Kelly AO, founder of Global Gardens of Peace. Since then, it has become a place of inspiration for thousands of guests and is growing every season.
Edible Forest Official Opening
Sustainability
Our Edible Forest has been consciously designed using Hügelkultur and Permaculture methods. Permaculture is based on three ethics that mirror our philosophy – care of the planet, care of community and taking personal responsibility for the way you organise your life.
Chemical-free and proudly organically grown the abundant vegetation has created its healthy ecosystem.
Some other sustainability efforts we are proud of within our Edible Forest:
- Repurposing items to create seating
- Reusing fallen tree stumps and logs lying about the property, some burnt from Black Saturday, to create garden borders
- Teahouse walls are repurposed rusted tin from local farms and using old cups for tea
- Compost & ‘Worm Tea’ (liquid waste from our worm farm) assist us with the fertilisation of the Forest.
- Chooks peck about in the Fruit Orchard keeping bugs and slugs at bay
- The Harvest Hub was created using shipping containers and reclaimed kitchen equipment
- Produce boxes are made locally using reclaimed fence timber
- A neighbouring farmer donated the Hothouse metal structure
- Using recycled plastic bottles for our Worm Tea to store and sell