“We’re here to help form things. We have a food forest mimicking what the natural forest does.” Ann and Gord Baird’s edible gardens make use of less-than-ideal growing spaces on their rocky knoll. Nook and cranny gardens optimize micro-climates — water catchment for perennial plants, rocks that retain warmth to extend the growing period, and trees providing fuel, food and shade. They are transitioning away from the annual food plants. As more perennials get established, they’re becoming foragers rather than cultivators. While the cob oven cooks food, it adds warmth to the wall it shares with the cob greenhouse. Inside, heat-loving plants are enjoying tropical warmth in southern Canada! [www.eco-sense.ca]. Episode 290.
Grow Your Food in a Nook and Cranny Garden, Part 2
By Janaia Donaldson, originally published by Peak Moments Television
June 29, 2015

Janaia Donaldson
Janaia Donaldson is the host and producer of Peak Moment TV conversations showcasing grass roots entrepreneurs pioneering locally reliant, resilient communities during these challenging times of energy and resource decline, ecological limits, and economic turbulence. We tour North America in our mobile studio, taping on location. Peak Moment Conversations are online at www.peakmoment.tv/
Tags: Food, food forests, food growing, growing in a small space
Related Articles
Towards Food Sovereignty
By Michel Pimbert, Radical Ecological Democracy
At its heart, food sovereignty is a people-led response to the existential threats and multiple crises facing agri-food systems.
June 13, 2025
The Power of Diversity & Community-Managed Natural Farming – The Future of Agriculture Comes From India
Crop diversification to improve the soil microbiome is key to the approach of the Andhra Pradesh Community-Managed Natural Farming (APCNF) movement.
June 12, 2025
Finding Our Way Home Part III: Finding Community
By Zia Gallina, The Subversive Farmer
For me, the mountain on which I live, the animals and plants, the climate, the river and underground spring… actually the land and all it encompasses… this is also my community.
June 11, 2025