Adirondack Harvest is co-sponsoring an educational workshop in Cross Island Farms’ Edible Forest Garden on Saturday, June 18 from 1 pm to 4 pm.

Over the past three seasons Dani Baker, co-owner of Cross Island Farms, has developed just under an acre of her certified organic farm as a multi-functional edible forest garden encompassing numerous permaculture principles and practices. Attendees will join her as she describes the process of planning and planting over 300 cultivars of edible fruits, nuts, berries, and other edibles, both native and uncommon; learn about factors considered in deciding where and with what to plant the seven permaculture layers she has incorporated; and identify a large variety of supportive plants integrated into the landscape. Attendees will have an opportunity to sample edible fruits, flowers, greens and herbs in season and go home with a potted plant to begin or add to their own garden.

This workshop should be of interest to homeowners and backyard gardeners who wish to incorporate perennial edibles into their landscapes as well as farmers who are interested in developing additional income streams. As it develops, Dani expects her garden to offer u-pick opportunities, a site for weddings and other special events, educational workshops and a perennial nursery operation. The fee for the workshop is $20.

The Edible Forest Garden is the latest addition to Cross Island Farms’ diversified operation. Located on 102 acres, this certified organic farm includes season extension hoop houses, annual vegetable gardens, rotationally grazed beef cattle, meat goats, heritage breed pigs, ducks, chickens and turkeys, and renewable wind and solar power. Educational organic tours, workshops, and on-farm primitive camping round out its offerings.

Cross Island Farms is located at 44301 Cross Island Rd, in Wellesley Island. For more information, call Cross Island Farms at (315) 482-3663 or Adirondack Harvest at (518) 962-4810 x (409).

Photo: A Forest Garden (courtesy Chickenshack, North Wales)