Dani Rancourt, Kelsey Stultz, Sarah Alrufairi
June 26, 2015
Saint Louis University planted a stone fruit orchard that focused on sustainable and organic agriculture practices in 2014. The orchard, along with the well-established
SLU organic garden, provide a platform for teaching sustainable food systems to students of all ages. Master and student gardeners only use OMRI approved practices to keep the garden and orchard flourishing. This means there is a strict avoidance of all potentially harmful pesticides and insecticides. Research and innovative planning to repel pests and attract pollinators are essential practices to maintaining an organic fruit orchard.
Permaculture is a method by which organic farmers create a sustainable, selfsufficient ecosystem based on whole-system thinking. A successful implementation of permaculture in the SLU orchard will replicate patterns and relationships in nature to a point where little human intervention is necessary to keep the orchard fruitful (1). Two of the many ways the SLU orchard will implement permaculture include companion planting as well as utilizing plants that work to accumulate beneficial nutrients in the soil.
Nutrient Accumulation
The permaculture plants we recommended in row 4 are dynamic nutrient accumulators, according to Gaia (3). This means they help enrich soil quality by removing toxins from the soil, gathering nitrogen from the air and convert it to plant available form, or bringing mineral to the soil and make them available to be used by neighboring plants.
The following are dynamic accumulators in row 4:
●
Wild Bergamot (Monarda fistulosa):
- Rich in flavanoids (antioxidants)
● Lavender:
- Rich in calcium, iron, vitamin C
●
Chives:
- Rich in potassium and calcium
● Rosemary:
- Rich in potassium, calcium, iron, manganese, copper, and magnesium.
●
Dill (Anethum graveolens):
Rich in nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, calcium, and magnesium.
● Coriander:
- Rich in potassium, calcium, manganese, iron, and magnesium.

● Yarrow (Achillea millefolium):
- Rich in nitrogen, potassium, phosphorus, and copper.
● Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare):
- Rich in nitrogen and phosphorus.
Permaculture Row 4
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4 5 6
8
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1. Wild Bergamot 2. Lavender 3. Chives 4. Rosemary 5. Dill 6. Coriander 7. Yarrow 8. Fennel
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Permaculture Row 4
Companion Plants
Companion planting is one of the keys to a self-sustaining permaculture. Companion plants are plants with characteristics that will support the growth of the tree by which they are planted. Companion plants attract specific pollinators and repel pests to protect the tree. Companion plants also cover space that weeds would otherwise take over.
Design Plan for implementing permaculture in Row 4 of SLU garden Orchard:
Including flowering herbs such as dill (Anethum graveolens), coriander (Coriandrum sativum), fennel (Foeniculum vulgare), and yarrow (Achillea millefolium) along the sunny edge can attract pollinators and insect predators. (4)
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Permaculture Row 4
References
(1)Retrieved on 6/26/15: http://permacultureprinciples.com/
(2)Retrieved on 6/26/15: https://herbs-herbal-supplements.knoji.com/herbs-bergamot-history-culinary-uses-and-nutrition/
(3)Green C, Hemenway T. Gaia’s Garden. Chelsea Green Publishing, White River Junction
Vermont. 2009.
(4) Retrieved on 6/26/15 https://midwestpermaculture.com/eBook/Plant%20Guilds%20eBooklet%20-
%20Midwest%20Permaculture.pdf
(5)Retrieved 6/26/15 http://www.bowoodfarms.com/_ccLib/downloads/Companions_-_Fruit10.pdf
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