The JMU Edible Forest Garden (EFG) is located on the east campus of James Madison University. The total area approved for planting (shown outlined in red below) is approximately 1.5 acres, though only ~0.75 acres is suitable for planting woody species due to required buffer areas around sidewalks, underground infrastructure, and the retention pond. The EFG site is SSW sloped, with a few spots that are almost level in the southern-most area. The S-facing slope provides an ideal microclimate for growing fruit trees.
The project broke ground in October 2021, with the planting of approximately 100 trees and shrubs. Among the 82 trees planted were fruit-bearing trees such as sour cherry, pear, plum, fig, persimmon, apple, apricot, and peach, and nitrogen-fixing trees such as honey locust, black locust, and river locust. Two to four varieties of each fruit tree were planted. Among the 18 shrubs planted were bush cherry, goumi, currant, and jostaberry. Prior to breaking ground, the Project Lead (Dr. Schmitt-Harsh) drafted and shared a “conceptual design” with senior administrators at JMU. Approval was granted for a rowed design akin to a permaculture orchard (see Figure below).
How has the EFG progressed since 2021? We’ve seen significant growth in both the plants and the community surrounding the garden since our first planting in 2021. The trees are rooting and growing, beautiful spring flowers are blooming, and fruits are developing. A number of pollinators and other wildlife have been recorded on site, which is creating a more vibrant and thriving ecosystem. Since project establishment, we’ve started building “plant guilds” in an effort to improve tree health and soil productivity. *A student volunteer event is scheduled for April 24, 2024 to plant herbs, shrubs, and ground cover to help fill in the understory.*
Our small but passionate team has been actively managing the site, ranging in activities from caging trees (to deter deer), to designing and establishing a drip irrigation system, to pruning and shaping trees, to mulching. We have also hosted a number of outreach events that engage K-12 classes and members of the community.
 |
 |