City Edible Landscapes: Culinary Design in Urban Spaces

In cities across the globe, urban food forests are emerging as a promising solution for promoting sustainable food systems and community development. These mini-forests, inspired by permaculture principles, are revolutionizing the way we grow food in urban environments.

One such example is the Sherrett Food Forest in Portland, Oregon. This project, initiated by students of permaculture author Toby Hemenway, transformed a 0.68-acre public land into a lush, edible ecosystem. The heart of this food forest lies in its commitment to Earth Care, People Care, and Fair Share principles, making cities better places to live, work, and grow food.

Similarly, the Beacon Food Forest in Seattle, Washington, covers 1.75 acres and is a thriving example of permaculture design in action. This community-driven project, sponsored by the Seattle Department of Neighborhoods and the Bullitt Foundation, is getting even bigger, thanks to a $99,960 grant that will double its size to 3.5 acres.

Urban food forests offer numerous benefits. They contribute to sustainability and environmental resilience by improving soil health through compost, biochar, and beneficial fungi (mycorrhizae), attracting pollinators, and reducing urban heat island effects. These systems use water-efficient practices like deep, infrequent watering and passive rainwater catchment, which are critical for sustainability and adapting to climate extremes. Urban food forests also protect soil and plants from fire, frost, and drought, creating microclimates beneficial for diverse edible species.

Food security and local production are another key advantage. Urban food forests produce diverse, nutritious fruits, nuts, and herbs locally, reducing dependence on long, global food supply chains. This local food source enhances urban food security by providing reliable, pesticide-free, and accessible produce within communities.

Economic benefits and livelihood creation are also significant. Urban food forests, as part of the broader urban agriculture movement, generate jobs in gardening, processing, food distribution, and related services, empowering marginalized groups such as women, youth, and low-income populations. Income from surplus produce can reduce poverty and improve household nutrition. The economic ecosystem includes start-ups and innovation in urban farming, further driving local economic growth.

Community engagement and social inclusion are further advantages. Food forests and community gardens foster social capital by encouraging local stewardship, active citizenship, and collaboration. These green spaces become hubs for education (school and youth programs), volunteerism, and shared learning, strengthening social ties and resilience within urban populations.

Long-term cost savings and maintenance efficiency are additional benefits. Once established, food forests require less frequent watering, minimal chemical inputs, and lower maintenance, yielding sustainable food at relatively low ongoing cost, contributing to long-term food security and environmental stewardship.

In sum, urban food forests contribute to sustainable food systems by producing locally adapted, resilient, and diverse food sources; promoting ecological health; fostering economic opportunities; and strengthening community development through education and social cohesion. These factors holistically support resilient, inclusive, and environmentally sustainable urban living.

Urban food forests are symbols of hope for cities wanting to connect with nature and are thriving examples of permaculture design in action. They offer fresh, local, and organic produce, help fight food insecurity by providing free or cheap access to fruits, vegetables, nuts, and herbs, and build stronger community ties by bringing nature into the city. The Sherrett Food Forest in Portland and the Beacon Food Forest in Seattle are prime examples of this transformative approach to urban agriculture.