by Dave Jacke Volume 1 Ecological VI

Synopsis:
Already a popular growing method in Australia, permaculture is gaining ground in America, and Edible Forest Gardens is the authoritative sourcebook for designing amazingly productive permaculture gardens in a temperate climate. Edible Forest Gardens is a groundbreaking two-volume work that spells out and explores the key concepts of forest ecology and applies them to the needs of natural gardeners in temperate climates.

Volume I lays out the vision of the forest garden and explains the basic ecological principles that make it work. The two volumes of Edible Forest Gardens offer an advanced course in ecological gardening?one that will forever change the way you look at plants and your environment
Forest Gardens  
by Annie Berthold-Bond, Care2.com Producer, Green Living Channels
Forests in nature are stable, productive, and biodiverse. The forest garden emulates how forests grow, using the same principles. Forest gardens are not necessary gardens in forests—one can be established in a small backyard—but the model is the same.
Simple Solution:
  
The pioneer of forest gardening, Robert Hart, has identified the following seven forest layers that combine to make a healthy forest ecosystem:
Canopy: Trees and shrubs are the backbone of the forest garden. The canopy consists of the tallest of these. Fruit trees are a great edible choice
Understory (low-tree layer): Dwarf fruit and nut trees.
Shrub Layer: Woody plants such as raspberries.
Herbaceous Layer: Herbs and perennial vegetables.
Vertical Layer: Climbing plants and vines.
Ground layer: Groundcover creepers, no more than half a foot tall.
Rhizosphere: Root plants such as carrots, beets, and Jerusalem artichokes.
While your forest matures, your plants will change, just as happens in nature. To find species native to your region, look in the native plant database at The Wildflower Center.