Living systems thrive through cooperation
Nursery
Permaculture plantings seek to mimic the way nature grows - in layers that compliment and support each other, for example:
Canopy layer
Sub-canopy layer
Shrub layer
Plant layer
Ground cover layer
Vine layer
Root layer
Fungal layer
Nursery offerings:
Available May 2025.
Hardy Apricot ‘ Westcot-Manchurian’, Prunus Westcot
$19.99/tree
This hardy apricot produces large, golden fruit that are great for eating fresh, baking or preserving. A delightful choice for northern agroforestry / permaculture landscapes as an edible perennial. Light pink flowers bloom in mid-May.
Requires cross pollination with another apricot or Nanking cherry to produce fruit. Plant pollinators within 200’ or less (closer is better). Fast growth rate (2’/year). Best to plant in a sheltered area as can be damaged by cold winter winds.
Zone: 3b
Height and width at maturity: 30’ x 30’
Fruit size: 1.25’
Age: Seedling
Size: 6”-1’
Nanking Cherry, Prunus tomentosa
$9.99/tree
Nanking Cherry is a small deciduous shrub known for its beautiful white blossoms and edible fruit. Its dark red berries are excellent for pies, jellies, and fresh eating. Originates from the Manchurian region of central Asia where temperatures extremes range from under -40° in winter to over 40°C in summer. Introduced to North America in 1882 and now thrives in some of our most extreme regions.
A reliable choice for northern agroforestry / permaculture landscapes as an edible perennial. Makes an excellent hedge plant that tolerates drought, severe cold, road salt and neglect. Nanking cherries can also be used as an understory in shelter belts, as they will tolerate some shade.
Requires cross pollination from any Nanking cherry or apricot. Plant pollinators within 200’ or less (closer is better). Fruits in mid to late July.
Zone: 2
Height and width at maturity: 6’-9’ x 6’-9’
Fruit size: ~0.5”
Age: Seedling
Size: 4-6”
$19.99/tree (plantings of at least 2 recommended for proper pollination, ie. 1 Ranch and 1 Berry Hill)
Elderberry produces large clusters of tiny white flowers that bear dark purple berries. Elderberries are loaded with antioxidants and are prized for their medicinal value as an immune tonic. Commonly found in riparian areas. An excellent choice for permaculture landscapes - cold hardy, drought tolerant, pest and disease resistant. Great for birds and beneficial insects.
Berry Hill is very cold hardy, vigorous and productive. Does well with heavy pruning, removing most or all wood over 2 years old. Fruit ripens uniformly and early.
Zone: 3
Height at maturity: 5-8’
Spread at maturity: 4-6’
Age: 1 year
Size: 6-18”
Elderberry ‘Berry Hill’, Sambucus canadensis berry hill
$19.99/tree (plantings of at least 2 recommended to ensure proper pollination, ie. 1 Ranch and 1 Berry Hill)
Elderberry produces large clusters of tiny white flowers that bear dark purple berries. Elderberries are loaded with antioxidants and are prized for their medicinal value as an immune tonic. Commonly found in riparian areas. An excellent choice for permaculture landscapes - cold hardy, drought tolerant, pest and disease resistant. Great for birds and beneficial insects.
Ranch is very vigorous and heavy yielding, and more drought tolerant than other varieties. Stems are strong and upright. Bushes are quick to establish. Strongly determinate.
Zone: 3
Height at maturity: 5-8’
Spread at maturity: 4-6’
Age: 1 year
Size: 6-18”