Natural plants for natural gardens.
Below is a list of the plants we have available, by *clicking on the plant
name* you will find extensive information about that particular specie
including uses, functions, ecology, niche requirements and more.
* We can deliver tracked and recorded via international courier to anywhere
in Europe. *
* Email balkanecologyproject@gmail.com <balkanecologyproject@gmail.com>
with your order.*
Acknowledgement and gratitude to *Ken Fern* for establishing the
excellent plants
for a future database <http://pfaf.org/>that we have used extensively both
for rearing and caring for the plants we grow and for building our plant
profiles.
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THE NURSERY
[image: Picture] <http://www.balkep.org/hibiscus-syriacus.html>
With much pleasure we grow and distribute the majority of beautiful and
interesting plants you can find on this website. We often collect seeds
native to the Balkan region as well as exotic species from all over the
world and nurture them in our forest gardens. Our plants are reared with
various types of biological composts made on site or purchased from local
farmers. We use polyculture planting schemes to repel pests and ensure
pathogen-free plants. We do NOT use commercial chemicals or practice any
methods harmful to the environment. As a result, our plants are more
resilient and better prepared for a life outside the nursery setting.
Some of our plants are sourced from partner nurseries, in particular the
fruit and nut cultivars. These plants are not biologically grown and
minerals are applied to the plants as well as organic fungicides used.
We strive to keep the bulk of our stock 100% biological and in order to
meet demand we are now working with friends and neighbours who understand
and operate biological gardens to help us provide great plants to our
customers.
We aim to not only provide individual plants but communities of plants that
relate to each other forming stable flourishing ecosystems for gardens
everywhere.
FOREST GARDEN CATEGORIES
[image: Picture]
Search the layers below for plants
Our nursery species are categorized by their physical niche within a
temperate forest ecosystem. The forest ecosystem can be divided into seven
layers. A forest garden takes advantage of each of these layers. When
planted appropriately, a forest garden allows for a greater density of
resources and a largely self-maintained and healthy ecosystem.
The *Upper Canopy <http://www.balkep.org/upper-canopy.html> *includes both
pioneer and slow-growth species. The fast-growing, nitrogen-fixing,
pioneer species quickly dominate the upper canopy while providing soil
fertility, water retention, wildlife habitat, and eventually timber. The
slow-growth species include a variety of late-succession nut and timber
trees.
The *Lower Canopy* <http://www.balkep.org/lower-canopy.html> includes fruit
trees and nectary species ideal for bee-keeping. Many of these species are
also long-term timber resources and provide excellent wildlife habitat.
The* Vertical Layer <http://www.balkep.org/vertical-layer.html> *includes
many food-bearing species. However, these vigorous climbing plants can
negatively impact the growth and yield of other species. Therefore,
additional care must be taken when designing the vertical layer of a forest
ecosystem.
The *Shrub Layer* <http://www.balkep.org/shrub-layer.html> features
shade-tolerant species with edible berries and fruits. These plants also
provide a valuable source of biomass which helps to maintain soil fertility.
The *Herb Layer* <http://www.balkep.org/herb-layer.html> is most abundant
in the early stages of succession. They provide many edible and medicinal
resources for humans, while providing rich habitat for pollinators and pest
predators.
The *Ground Cover* <http://www.balkep.org/ground-layer.html> species
protect the soil from erosion and reduce the need for mulch as a forest
garden develops. Many of these plants provide edible and medicinal
resources.
*Delivery from November - AprilEmail is anytime to reserve your plants *
Our courier service is tracked and recorded i.e a signature is needed on
receipt of the plants. Delivery is estimated to take between 5-7 days.
We accept payments in British Pound, Euro and Bulgarian Leva via Bank
transfer and PayPal.
For larger orders or to countries outside of Europe send us an email and we
will get back to you within a day.
*N.B - USA and Australia maintain import restrictions regarding seeds and
plants. Please be aware of any phytosanitary regulations in your area and
act accordingly. *
THE GARDENS
[image: Picture]
Our bio-nursery- part of a 10 yr old forest garden
Our gardens are the nursery to the plants we are offering and include over
415 species of plants.
(photos here <http://www.balkep.org/gallery.html>). We are currently
working on two sites, one 9 yr old 1500m2 residential garden and a 2500m2
site outside the village where we are transforming the low-grade
agricultural land into a biologically-diverse, productive, and
ecologically-sound habitat. We also have a further 4.5ha of land under our
stewardship.
The gardens are open to the public on scheduled open days and events
throughout the year. If you would like to visit outside of these times
please email us to arrange a convenient time.
We use natural resources and bio-ferts in all of our gardens, harvest
rainwater, grey water, compost, use dry toilets and have various plant
nurseries through out the sites. We host educational courses during the
year <http://www.balkep.org/> designed to inspire and assist those wishing
to establish their own productive ecological landscapes.