I just moved to northern Georgia, and want to get started on a forest garden. The previous owner turned a large portion of the back yard into a landscaped area, with evergreen trees, blueberry bushes, holly bushes, and some bushes I don't recognize. I'd like to keep the blueberry bushes, remove the holly, and replace with edible plants. The area is on a west-facing hill. Unfortunately, we live in a community with an HOA, so removing the large evergreens may require approval, I have license to remove/replace anything else I like, as long as the area keeps its current footprint. So my questions are:
1) What are these plants (see photos)?
2) What should my first step be in establishing a forest garden?
3) What would you recommend for my area? (Persimmon and Elderberry top my wish list)