Many wild animals get food from the forest, as well as stealing it from our gardens. When squirrels aren’t digging up your raised beds and eating your strawberries, they’re gathering nuts in the woods. Trees grow food high in fat (like pecans, hazelnuts, and walnuts), as well as food high in sugar (like apples, peaches, and persimmons).

Here at Morningside Community Garden, we have two Asian Persimmon trees. The fruit ripens in late October.

We also have blueberry bushes, red and black raspberry canes, and honeyberries.

This fall, we will be moving some things around in the garden to create an edible food forest around the perimeter of the garden. What other trees and shrubs would you like to see in the garden? Send an email to gardens@leapforlocalfood.org with your suggestions.