The initial plant list had about 120 different species – mainly perennial plants from around the world, most with multiple uses: food, medicine, fuel, fibre, construction, dye, scent – chosen to generate maximum interest for visitors, from school children through to garden experts. They include the full range of layers, from roots (oca Oxalis tuberosa, American groundnut Apios americana) and ground cover (strawberries Fragaria, herbs) through to climbers (hop Humulus lupulus, kiwi Actinidia arguta, grape Vitis vinifera), small shrubs (lemon verbena Aloysia triphylla, blue sausage tree Decaisnea fargesii, Chilean guava Ugni molinae) and taller trees (cherry Prunus avium, Japanese raisin tree Hovenia dulcis). Most of our fruit trees are heritage varieties dating back to Victorian breeders and beyond. Notable for their taste (though not for the uniformity required by supermarkets), they will also enrich the gene pool which will create new varieties which can cope with the weather brought about by global climate change.

The garden has matured well – looking at the dense foliage, it's difficult to remember the early years when spindly saplings swayed above little clumps of green and oceans of woodchip. Ours was no instant show garden! Most of the original plants thrived but some, eg currants, struggle and a few have died. The garden has developed its own personality and follows its own muse, occasionally shaped by Mary's eye and trowel. We have added new plants – the Agroforestry Research Trust's catalogue is just too tempting – and the list has now grown to over 185 species.

A booklet about the garden, including recipes and selected plant list with uses is available from RISC's World Shop. Download a low resolution version.

  Edible & useful plants (481.76kb)

Download the full plant list

  Full plant list (49.68kb)

Download a list of herbs

  Herbs@risc (36.96kb)

Listen to an interview with Dave on the Alternative Kitchen Garden

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