Plants For A Future: A Resource for Sustainable Perennial Horticulture
Finding reliable information on edible and useful plants is essential for anyone looking to build a more sustainable lifestyle. Plants For A Future (PFAF) serves as a comprehensive online not-for-profit resource dedicated to this goal, focusing primarily on plants suited for temperate regions. The organization's name is a clever play on the phrase "plans for a future," reflecting its commitment to long-term ecological health.
The Mission of PFAF
As a registered educational charity, PFAF is driven by a clear set of objectives aimed at advancing public knowledge. The organization promotes all aspects of vegan-organic horticulture and agriculture—a method of growing food that avoids both animal-based inputs and synthetic chemicals. Their primary emphasis is on the use of trees, shrubs, and other perennial species, which are plants that live for more than two years.
Beyond promotion, the charity is dedicated to conducting research into these sustainable agricultural practices and disseminating the findings to the wider public to encourage ecological stewardship.
The PFAF Plant Database
At the heart of the organization is an extensive online database. This tool provides detailed information on over 8,000 plants, categorized by their growing environments:
- Temperate Regions: 7,000 plants suitable for temperate climates, including those found in the UK.
- Tropical Regions: 1,000 plants specifically for tropical situations.
The database was originally established by Ken Fern, who populated the initial records with 1,500 plants grown on his 28-acre research site located in the South West of England. Since 2008, the database has been professionally managed and maintained by a dedicated administrator employed by the Plants For A Future Charity.
[ไม่มีภาพประกอบ]Community Engagement and Research
PFAF extends its influence beyond its digital database by actively participating in global discussions on sustainability. The organization publishes books to share its knowledge and its members frequently contribute to various professional conferences.
Furthermore, the organization is an active participant in the International Permaculture Research Project, contributing to the scientific understanding of permaculture—a system of agricultural and social design principles centered on simulating or directly utilizing the patterns and resilient features observed in natural ecosystems.
Key Facts
- Focus: Edible and useful perennial plants.
- Database Size: Over 8,000 plants total (7,000 temperate, 1,000 tropical).
- Core Philosophy: Ecologically sustainable vegan-organic horticulture.
- Founder's Contribution: Ken Fern started the database with 1,500 plants from his 28-acre site.
- Legal Status: Registered educational charity.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Primary Focus | Perennial species for sustainable agriculture |
| Total Plant Records | 8,000+ |
| Temperate Plant Records | 7,000 |
| Tropical Plant Records | 1,000 |
| Research Affiliation | International Permaculture Research Project |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main goal of Plants For A Future?
The main goal of PFAF is to advance public education regarding ecologically sustainable vegan-organic horticulture and agriculture, with a specific focus on perennial plants like trees and shrubs.
Who started the PFAF database?
The database was originally set up by Ken Fern, utilizing data from 1,500 plants grown on his 28-acre research site in South West England.
What types of plants are included in the database?
The database includes over 8,000 edible and useful plants, consisting of 7,000 species for temperate regions (including the UK) and 1,000 species for tropical environments.
Is PFAF a commercial entity?
No, Plants For A Future is a not-for-profit organization and a registered educational charity.
How does PFAF contribute to the scientific community?
PFAF contributes by publishing books, participating in conferences, and collaborating with the International Permaculture Research Project.