Lila Nield

Jeff Steez wrote:Papaya? It’s dwarf in the sense it’s one of the skinner trees that exists. It entirely grows upwards instead of out.

I don't think I can grow papaya in zone 7. But I am planning on planting paw paw, in another spot)

Jay Angler wrote:How deep does the plastic border go and where does the moisture drain to that lands on the pea gravel?

The plastic border is the same depth as the wood raised bed. I think about 18 inches. Yes there is weed cloth below the gravel. Our yard has a slope south to north. So it would drain towards the blackberries, in general.
Yes it probably would be a gamble. I just have a small yard and would love to pack in the fruit.
-first post still learning how to use this message board

So I created a 30 ft long 18 inches tall and 2 feet wide wood raised bed for blackberries, before I came across all the permaculture ideas. I would love to add in a fruit tree(s) to this area interspersed with the blackberries. But most places suggest a 4 foot wide area for their roots. On one side of the raised bed is a rock retaining wall and on the other side is play area with a thick molded plastic border and pea gravel. I am in the suburbs, zone 7, lots of wind with a .25 acre lot. Any trees I would keep under 8 feet, probably 6-7 ft through twice a year pruning. This area is on the north side of my property with full sun.

What tree or other companion plants would you suggest for this area?

(I was thinking a dwarf or patio fruit tree? But we also have very little rain water 6-8 inches a year, but I do have access to a cheaper irrigation water to water my property and lots of wind.)

I'm slowly trying to transform my backyard from just weeds to a food forest.
Thanks!