We speak with author, educator, and edible-ecosystem designer Zach Loeks from Eastern Ontario.

A former market gardener, Loeks has converted his farm into the production of berries, fruit, and edible perennials.

He is also the director of the Ecosystem Solution Institute, which is involved in education projects such as an edible-biodiversity conservation area near Ottawa, Ontario. The site includes herbs, fruit trees, berry bushes, and ground covers, all labelled with interpretive signs.

He believes that many small actions can add up to big change. In his new book, The Edible Ecosystem Solution, he talks about ways to grow edibles, even in small spaces.

Starting Small

Loeks says, “I really believe in the power of the micro-landscape.”

For people interested in incorporating edible plants into a landscape, but unsure where to begin, Loeks shares a couple of tips:

Design around the lines on the property: Build out from lines such as fence lines, where sidewalk meets the yard, and the edge of the house.
Connect the dots: Connect the dots between existing ornamental trees instead of starting from scratch. Plant shrubs and herbs beneath the trees. It can be practical too: rather than having to cut the lawn around a tree, it’s easier to cut along the edge of a bed of edibles.