Generally, we recognize seven layers of a forest garden – the overstory, the understory, the shrub layer, the herbaceous layer, the root layer, the ground cover layer, and the vine layer. Some also like to recognize the mycelial layer, layer eight (mushrooms).
Using these layers, we can fit more plants in an area without causing failure due to competition. This mix of perennials, trees, and shrubs requires minimal input while producing generous and diverse harvests