0.0.1 Story of the Food Forest Vision for Anglemont, BC, with Creeping Thyme

______________________________________

In the quiet, mountainous town of Anglemont, British Columbia, Mark stood on his hillside property, overlooking the calm waters of Shuswap Lake. The tranquil beauty of the landscape inspired him to turn his land into a self-sustaining oasis—a food forest that would nourish both his family and the local wildlife for years to come.

He had recently purchased trays of creeping thyme (Thymus serpyllum), a hardy, aromatic groundcover known for attracting pollinators. It was the first step in creating his dream of a diverse, vibrant food forest. As he examined the plants, his friend Emma, an expert in permaculture, arrived to help him lay out a plan.

“Creeping thyme is a fantastic start,” Emma said, admiring the trays of tiny, fragrant plants. “Not only does it spread beautifully, but it’s drought-tolerant, prevents soil erosion, and attracts bees. It’ll be perfect for the pathways and sunny patches around your forest.”

Mark smiled. “I want to create something that’s not just functional, but that enhances the natural beauty of this land. The thyme is just the beginning.”

Building the Food Forest: They walked the property, discussing how the creeping thyme would weave into the broader vision of the food forest. With its sloping terrain, Mark’s land was ideal for a layered, multi-species system. Emma suggested starting with native trees like hazelnut (Corylus avellana) and heartnut (Juglans ailantifolia) that would form the canopy.

“Hazelnuts are great for this area, and heartnuts will add diversity to your nut harvest. Both will support the overall ecosystem as their roots improve soil structure,” Emma explained.

Creeping Thyme and Groundcover: Creeping thyme would play a critical role in controlling erosion on the hillside, forming a thick, fragrant mat that would keep the soil healthy. Emma pointed to an area near the path, where thyme could thrive and create a natural, low-maintenance groundcover that was easy to walk on.

“The thyme will spread quickly and fill in gaps. It’ll prevent weeds from taking over, and since it’s low-growing, it’s perfect for paths or under larger shrubs,” she said.

Perennial Vegetables and Pollinators: Next, they talked about perennial vegetables like Jerusalem artichokes (Helianthus tuberosus) and groundnut (Apios americana), both well-suited to Anglemont’s climate. These hardy, easy-to-grow crops would contribute to the food forest’s diversity while providing reliable harvests each year.

Emma suggested planting echinacea and lavender near the creeping thyme, to create a space that would be buzzing with pollinators and bursting with color in the spring and summer.

“Between the thyme, the flowering perennials, and the fruit trees, this place will be a haven for bees, butterflies, and birds,” Emma said. “You’ll be supporting the whole ecosystem.”

0.0.2 Parable of the Gardener

As they worked on the layout, Emma shared a story that had always inspired her:

“There once was a gardener who worked for God, trusting in God’s provision and recognizing the divine within himself and all of God’s creation. He did not dominate the land but respected the free will of himself and others, including family, friends, and neighbors. He learned to forgive, love, and accept people as they were, speaking the truth yet never forcing it. He knew he was worthy to receive divine revelation and always tested the spirits to ensure they came from God.

As the day came for the gardener to meet his Creator, he did so with love and kindness for all creation in his heart. This is the spirit we must embrace to transform our land into something beautiful and sustainable.”

The story resonated deeply with Mark, who saw his food forest not just as a practical project, but as a way to give back to the earth and future generations.

“It’s about more than just the harvest,” Mark reflected. “It’s about creating something sustainable, something that honors the land and the life it supports.”

0.0.3 Food Forest Guide for Anglemont, BC with Creeping Thyme

Creeping Thyme (Thymus serpyllum):

• Site Selection: Creeping thyme thrives in full sun and well-drained soil. It’s drought-tolerant and ideal for sunny paths or hillside erosion control.
• Spacing: Plant about 20-30 cm apart to allow it to spread into a dense, fragrant groundcover.
• Maintenance: Once established, creeping thyme requires little care. It’s hardy and spreads quickly, perfect for keeping weeds at bay.

Trees and Shrubs:

• Hazelnut (Corylus avellana): A hardy tree that thrives in well-drained soil. Plant 4-5 meters apart. Harvests nuts in fall.
• Heartnut (Juglans ailantifolia): Another excellent nut-producing tree. Plant 10-15 meters apart to allow space for growth.

Perennial Vegetables:

• Jerusalem Artichoke (Helianthus tuberosus): Plant in well-drained soil. This perennial provides reliable tubers and is drought-tolerant.
• Groundnut (Apios americana): A nitrogen-fixing perennial vine that thrives in partial shade and provides edible tubers.

Pollinator Support:

• Echinacea and Lavender: Both are ideal for attracting pollinators and supporting the surrounding ecosystem. Plant near thyme to create a colorful, fragrant area that bees will love.

With the help of creeping thyme and a carefully selected variety of trees and perennials, Mark’s vision of a thriving food forest in Anglemont was beginning to take shape. Over time, his land would become a flourishing ecosystem, providing not only food but also habitat for wildlife and pollinators, all while enhancing the natural beauty of his home.