Frugal foodies in Seattle are betting that a wide patch of grass a stone’s throw from a busy road and in view of the city skyline is the ideal setting for a “food forest,” where residents can pluck fruits off the branches of community fruit trees and teens can tend community gardens. Such neighborhood food supplies are sprouting up throughout the nation, from Syracuse, N.Y., to Portland, Ore. The parcel sits on land owned by a local utility. The city of Seattle set aside $100,000 to launch the venture.
As in most parks, designers plan to plant trees, shrubs perennials and annuals – but nearly all of them will be edible. Others will attract bugs used for natural pest repellent.
Organizers Glenn Herlihy, left, Briar Bates and Jackie Cramer plant a "food forest" on this site in Seattle. (Photo ELAINE THOMPSON, A.P.)
