The Gambia: Wild Food Forest Garden Design

Every so often a project takes you somewhere entirely new. Not just geographically, but creatively.

Invited to The Gambia to bring a philosophy of wild garden design into a completely different context, this project required working hand-in-hand with local people, materials, and craftsmanship to create something genuinely rooted in place. After completing the design, a return visit brought it to life, built collaboratively and completed in just two weeks.

The site presented real challenges. Dust blowing across large sandy terrain. Disjointed pathways. Seasonal waterlogging making movement difficult during the rains. The goal was to restore the feeling of the bush; reintroducing shade, privacy, and tranquillity as a natural escape for the family and visitors. The garden is enveloped in a tiered food forest, designed to feel wild yet fully edible, providing nourishment and habitat for wildlife in equal measure.

The project also gave full expression to a core design philosophy: Hard Lines. Elevated concrete walkways offer practical, low-cost solutions with gaps that allow water to flow freely and ensure year-round accessibility. Larger platforms create spaces for relaxation, firepits, an outdoor kitchen, and hammocks - allowing the garden to grow wild without compromising usability. The design gives people the freedom to enjoy nature without anxiety about maintenance or perceived disorder.

This is garden design without borders, a model we hope will inspire others across The Gambia to embrace a bolder, more natural approach to outdoor space.