DESIGN. Site Location & Connectivity.

Cortillia

Cortillia, as our strongest partner and direct neighbour, regularly supplies the Food Forest. Thus, a direct connection from the company headquarters to the Food Forest is planned, in the form of a gate.

Partner Schools

There are several schools in the immediate vicinity of the Food Forest, including the Scuola Primaria ICS Cassina De’ Pecchi. The children can not only make weekly trips to the Forest, but can also start a Food Forest at their school and receive help from the neighbourhood, for example in the form of seedlings or tools.

Connected Parkland

The food forest different plants, these provide shelter for insects, birds and small mammals. In the surroundings of the garden there are currently large fields used by industrial agriculture. Especially in such an environment the connection of park areas and gardens is important to provide a shelter for animals (and people), therefore we strengthen the connection to the Parco dei Germani.

Infrastructure

Because the land was a former parking area, it is well connected to the automobile traffic. Moreover, it is only a few hundred meters from the Villa Fiorita railroad station. A bus parking lot for visitors will be built under the highway bridge next to the property to allow easy access for larger groups of visitors.

Side

The Food Forest constitutes an important pilot project for the region. The Food Forest avoids monocultures and the use of synthetic chemical fertilizers and pesticides. The goal of permacultural planning, similar to a circular economy, is to create stable ecosystems in the long term through closed material cycles that are self-sustaining and require minimal human intervention. In the Food Forest, people and especially children will be taught how food can be grown sustainably and how to cook seasonally.

The site must undergo a number of general remediation and demolition works to prepare it for new planting. Initially any trees identified as dead or in poor condition are removed. The aspiration is to keep as many trees as possible but if the tree is considered a hazard or not longer contributing to the ecosystem it will be removed. The car park surfacing will be excavated and removed and the entire green space will undergo a process of mulching and soil remediation works to make it of higher quality to plant new plants and trees.

noise and pollution some non fruit giving trees to act as barrier to the pollution from the transport lines and protect the food forest

The zoning plan was created in accordance with the existing trees and in response the challenges and constraints analysed during the site analysis phase. Key to the concept was the creation of a circular and organic pathway throughout the site, with widened areas and a meeting point to hold educational activities and events and to allow access to all the plants without trampling lower ground covering vegetation. Working in the seven layers of the food forest different zones were then mapped out in accordance with the solar path, to barrier noise and pollution to the north and to visually conceal the industrial buildings to the south without blocking too much sunlight. The zones are mixed dynamically across the site to maximise biodiversity and create interest. Some raised planting beds are used to plant lower rising and underground plants that require more specific soil ph and make up, which are also more accessible to older people or people with mobility issues.

DESIGN.

Species Selection -Canopy.

Maple Trees. Acer.

Maple trees attract bees with their sap and nectar rich flowers. Some bee species can even burrow through the bark themselves to get the sap.

Plant >8m apart. 18-27m tall - fast growing.

Golden Mulberry. Morus Alba.

EXISTING TREE. Planted toward northern edge. Acts as barrier for pollinator and edible fruit trees.

Plant 12m apart. 6-13m - fast growing

Species Selection -Low Tree Layer.

Cherry Tree. Prunus avium L.

ONE EXISTING TREE

Their white flowers attract pollinators such as bees, moths and butterflies.

April-June fruit.

Plant < 6 meters away. 20-25m tall - medium growing speed.

Paper Mulberry. Broussonetia papyrifera.

EXISTING TREE. Planted toward the northern edge bordering the train-line. Non-edible tree so acts as a barrier for the pollinators trees.

Plant 12m apart. 13m tall.

Crabapple. Malus sylvestris

Bees are attracted to the flowers for food and the fruit of crabapple trees attracts birds.

September - November fruit.

Plant < 15 meters away. 6m tall - fast growing- self seeding.

Royal Apricot of Imola. Prunus armeniaca.

Fruits ripen mid summer June to July. Plant < 4 meters apart.

May-September fruit. Up to 12m tall - fast growing- self seeding.

Plum Blossom. Prunus mume.

Bright pink flowering blossoms through spring which attracts bees and pollinators.

July-October fruit. Plant < 8 meters away. 4-10m tall - fast growingself seeding.

Blood Peach. Prunus persica ‘Indian Blood’

Very adaptable and hard wearing tree. Self fertile but not self pollinating.

June-August fruit. Plant <6 meters apart. 9m tall - fast growing- self seeding.

Plum. Prunus domestica

Flowers in spring with white blossoms, fruits appear in late summer to autumn.

July-October fruit. Plant 6 meters apart, 6m tall - fast growing- self seeding.

Pomegranate Flower. Punica granatum.

Bright red flowers, that bloom in May and are followed by orb fruits.

September - November fruit. Plant >6 meters apart. 5-10m tall - fast growing- self seeding.

Gala Apple. Malus domestica ‘Gala’

Partially self pollinating, requires bees and pollinators in some cases. Fruits ripen by mid September

September-November fruit. Plant > 6 meters away. 8m tall - fast growing

Pear Tree. Pyrus.

Not self pollinating trees - require the role of bees and pollinators. White blossoms which bloom in spring.

September-October fruit. Plant < 10 meters apart. Up to 12m tall

DESIGN.

Species Selection - Shrubs.

Black Elder. Sambucus nigra L.

The fruits are small black berries, liked by birds. The wood is very soft, with the central pith often missing leaving a cavity.

May-June - edible flowers.

Plant 1.5-2m apart.

8m tall - fast growing.

Barberry. Berberis vulgaris L.

Can grow in poor quality soil. Red fruit and yellow flowers attract bees and butterflies. Usually Non edible to humans - acts as barrier plant.

Plant 2m apart 1.5-2m tall - fast growing

Highbush blueberry. Vaccinium corymbosum. Blackberry. Rubus subg. Rubus.

Blueberries are produced during the second summer and the plant is most productive at 7 years old.

June-October fruit.

Plant 4m apart

Grows up to 3m tall.

Some Existing Shrubs On Site

Add addtional younger bushes amongst existing May-October fruit - best in July

Plant 1.5m apart

Grows up to 0.9m tall

Species Selection - Herbaceous Plants.

Sunflower. Helianthus annuus.

Due to its relatively late flowering time the flower provides an important pit stop for bees just before they hibernate. Seeds can be harvested in Autumn.

Grows up to 5m tall. Flowers July to September.

Common Sage. Salvia officinalis.

Sage is an evergreen plant and keeps its leaves all year round. It is in best season during spring and early summer.

May-October in best season.

Grows up to 60cm tall Plant 60cm apart.

Raspberry. Rubus idaeus.

Fruits from second summer onwards.

May-August fruit.

Plant 0.6m apart - 1.8m between rows

Grows up to 1.8m tall

Currants. Ribes rubrum.

Tolerant of shaded areas and can be planted behind larger trees.

May-August fruit.

Plant 2m apart - 4m between rows.

Grows up to 1-2m tall

Asparagus. Asparagus officinalis.

Harvest the roots of the plants, the edible feature, continues to grow into leafy tall plant.

May-July Fruit.

Grows up to 1.2m tall, stalks are around 30cm. Plant 7cm apart.

Artichoke plant. Cynara cardunculus. Can grow in full sun or partial shade, required well drained soil and so ideal for a raised irrigated bed.

June-September fruit.

Grows up to 1-1.5m tall Plant 3-4m apart.

Chard. Beta vulgaris L. var. cicla.

Ornamental and edible qualities with deep red stem which is visible when growing.

June-October fruit.

Grows up to 60cm Plant up to 10cm apart in rows of 45cm apart.

Lemon grass. Cymbopogon.

Can be harvested year round, and should be to maintain its growth. Grows in small grassy clumps similar to many ornamental grasses. All year round.

Grows up to 120cm tall. Plant 15cm apart.

Basil. Ocimum basilicum

Requires a sunny planting location, it is a half hardy annual plant, so will require new planting each year.

May-August harvest.

Grows up to 45cm tall. Plant 40cm apart.

Romaine Lettuce. Lactuca sativa var. longifolia.

The most upright growing lettuce variety and can be planted closer to gain more crop. Harvest 70 days after planting. In season through the summer.

Grows up to 50cm tall. Plant 50cm apart.

DESIGN.

Species Selection - Ground cover.

Common mallow is packed with nectar and pollen, which benefits bees and bumblebees in particular, native butterflies also enjoy the plant.

1.5m height Non edible. Flowers June to October.

Species Selection -Root Crops.

Common mallow is packed with nectar and pollen, which benefits bees and bumblebees in particular, native butterflies also enjoy the plant.

1.5m height.

Flowers June to October.

Plant in the autumn around September to November in areas with little to not frost.

June-August harvest. Plants will grow around 60cm above ground. The bulbs grow 12cm below the surface.

Aubrieta is a good example of a bee-friendly rock garden perennial: in April and May, the plant produces so many little flowers that its green leaves are barely visible. Non edible.

Flowers April to May.

Produces leaves all year round in the case of a warmer winter. Can die back with frost but will grow back in spring.

May-August best season

30cm - 1m height

Plant 60cm apart.

Plant around 15cm apart. Grow best in warm conditions, does not tolerate frost so will need to be planted after frost each year.

August-November Harvest. Plants grow up to 60cm above ground and 15cm below the surface.

Plant around 45cm apart.

Onions.

Difficult to plant and grow from spores as take from 10-15 years in some cases to grow. However natural edible mushrooms may grow and spores can be placed to promote growth in later years. Grow to around 30cm, around 10cm thick. Grown from crowns or root cuttings. Harvest around 140-160 days after planting. In best season in late autumn October - November harvest. Grow around 60cm above ground. Root grows 8-10cm below ground.

Plant around 45cm apart.

Flowers in Early Spring. Both self pollinating or can be pollinated by bees. Can be planted directly or in raised beds.

May-June Fruit.

15-20cm tall. Plant 30cm apart.

Comes in flowering varieties which flower through spring. Will continue to grow through warmer winter.

May-October best season

20-80cm tall.

Plant 25cm apart.

Sow from late winter until mid spring, bulbs are fairly hardy through winter frost. Can be harvested all year round, in Autumn and summer. Grows around 7-cm above ground and 15cm below the surface.

Plant 10cm apart with 30cm between rows.

Unlike other root vegetables chicory has a bright coloured flower and taller stem. Bringing variety and colour to the raised bed for root vegetables. August-October harvest. Plants grow to 1-1.5m high. Plant 1cm deep and 30cm apart.

DESIGN.

Species Selection - Climbing Plants.

Cranberry Hibiscus. Hibiscus acetosella

Can grow in full sun or partial shade. Late blooming flowers adding colour to autumn season.

3m high, plant 4m apart.

September-November edible flowers.

Runner Bean. Phaseolus coccineus

Require potting in the spring as do not survive the winter front and must be planted each year.

June-October fruit.

Grows up to 2-3m Plant 15-30cm apart.

Kiwi. Actinidia.

Flowers produced in the summer season. Tree like stem with spreading vines.

September-November fruit. Grows up to 9m tall. Plant 3m apart on a trellis or wall.

Species Selection - Ornamental.

Lady’s Bedstraw. Galium verum.

The plant has a bright yellow colour and a sweet, honey-like scent. Which attracts both birds, bees and butterflies.

30cm tall.

Cucumber. Cucumis sativus.

Comes in both low growing bush and vine varieties to be planted at different height trellis.

May-August fruit.

Grows up to 0.9-3m Plant 0.3-2.5m apart depending on the variety.

Pumpkin/ Squash. Cucurbita

Low level vine plant, needs some support of trellis, but also heavy fruit require close proximity to the ground.

September-October fruit.

Grows up to 25m long. Spread of 1.2-4m.

Vine Tomatoes. Solanum Lycopersicum.

Can grow up obelisk trellis or stick trellis within a raised planter or directly in the soil.

July-September fruit.

Grows up to1.5-3m (usually 1.5m) Plant 60cm apart.

Passion fruit. Passiflora edulis.

Needs a long horizontal growing area, requires a low and long trellis. Exotic purple flowers in Spring.

June-October fruit.

Grows up to 4-5m long. Plant 3m apart.

Shipping Willow. Salix eleagnos Scop.

Grows from early spring through to mid summer. Blue colour is appealing to butterflies and bees alike. Can sow seeds in meadow like planting.

90cm tall.

Flowers March to July.

Italian Bluebell. Hyacinthoides italica.

This early flowering allows it to make the most of the sunlight that is still able to make it to the forest floor habitat, before the canopy becomes too dense.

50cm height.

Flowers April -May.

Yarrow. Achillea.

The plant’s numerous small flowers are a magnet for all kinds of beneficial insects including bees and butterflies.

120cm tall.

Flowers June-October.

Flowers June-September. Verbena. Verbena bonariensis.

The plant has a bright yellow colour and a sweet, honey-like scent. Which attracts both birds, bees and butterflies.

60cm tall.

Flowers June-September.

Zinnia. Zinnia.

Good for colour and mix into wildflower planting. Need full sun so likely planted toward south edge.

75-90cm tall.

Flowers June-October.

Shipping Willow. Centaurea cyanus.

Young branches greyish and pubescent; leaves lanceolate, white-tomentose on the underside; branched roots.

Plant 30-50cm apart Grows up to 5-6m tall Flowers March-September.

Phacelia.

Phacelia tanacetifolia.

Annual needs replanting each year, can be germinated easily in pots and transferred to ground.

25cm tall.

Flowers June-October.

Malus sylvestris

Plum. Prunus domestica.

Highbush blueberry. Vaccinium corymbosum.

Blackberry. Rubus subg. Rubus.

Barberry. Berberis vulgaris L.

Raspberry Rubus idaeus

Currants.

Ribes rubrum..

Ornamental.

Root Crops.

Herbaceous Plants.

Planting Scheme

Plants are laid out and ordered according to their spacing and within specific layering zones to maximise the access to sunlight, minimise risk of disease spreading and provide the ideal conditions for growth for each tree and plant species. By layering larger trees to the northern boundary and smaller trees and bushes to the southern boundary the internal plants whether high or lower rise have access to sunlight. Extensive research has been carried out to understand the most effective planting distances between both trees and rows of trees to allow root spread and canopy cover. These distances are specifically marked for the larger trees and will be followed with smaller annual and biennial planting. Watering and staking activities will be needed throughout the planting process to ensure the survival of the younger and immature trees These maintenance works will continue throughout the first 5 years of the forest.

Malus sylvestris

Plum.

Prunus domestica.

Highbush

Blackberry.

Rubus

Barberry.

Berberis

Raspberry

Rubus idaeus

Currants.

Ribes rubrum..

Ornamental.

Root Crops.

Herbaceous Plants.

Planting Evolution

After five years the trees have developed and matured, forming larger trunks and canopies and are much hardier and able to survive harsher conditions and with less regular watering activities. Stakes can be removed from smaller trees as their trunks have thickened enough to support themselves. The original planting rows have become less distinguished with bushes and smaller plants and trees growing in varying directions The rows are still evident in larger and orchard trees which allows access for fruit picking and pruning.

The herbaceous and root crop plants are planted and harvested multiple times per year to maximise crop harvest and plant seasonal foods.

DESIGN. Site Sections.

DESIGN. Irrigation Plan.

Groups of Ground plantings

Water Mains Linkage

Linked to existing water mains location, above ground pump system and allows link for hand held hose.

Link to water mains pipes

Drip irrigation lines

Water butt for hand watering

Irrigation Plan

The irrigation plan works by using drip irrigation pipes fed from key water mains which we aim to link to the existing water pipes identified on the site. The food forest will also use a small water butt from the roof of the store for additional water for hand watering tasks. The drip irrigation works in lines along the herbaceous planting lines and within plant beds as is also used extensively for small immature trees when first planted. The areas of dense trees do not require this type of irrigation and will be supplemented by hose watering activities in the dry season.