The construction of two Food Forests, which are low-maintenance, sustainable, plant-based food production ecosystems incorporating fruit and nut trees, shrubs, herbs, vines and perennial vegetables, took place over the last month as part of the Gorham Grown initiative. Gorham Grown “aims to teach residents and visitors the ease of small-scale gardening and the joy of growing food for home consumption.”
On June 2, Gorham residents, led by Jenna Martyn-Fisher from the Cumberland County Soil & Water Conservation District (CCSWCD) didn’t let the rain showers or cool temps stop them from raking out, mulching and planting the island in front of the Little Falls Activity Center on Acorn Street with a large variety of perennial edibles available to all.
Photo credit Cathy Walter
Photo credit Leslie DupuisVolunteers created a food forest at Phinney Park on June 8 in addition to assembling planters that can now be found around the Village in Gorham.
On June 8, the second food forest was created at Phinney Park on South Street. In addition, twenty four movable planters, constructed by Daniel Bachner and his fellow Boy Scouts as part of Bachner’s Eagle Scout project, were assembled with vegetables donated by local farms. The planters were placed at businesses around town who leapt at the opportunity to showcase and maintain them as Gorham’s “Edible Main St.”
The wooden planters are located throughout the Village and are open to everyone for harvest. Each planter has a theme to help complete a dish with one stop. For a guide of participating businesses, visit the Gorham Edible Main St and Food Forest Facebook page here.
A third phase is still being finalized but will likely involve an event this fall.