A perennial polyculture is a diverse, mixed plant community, comprised of many different perennial plant varieties growing together in the same landscape. These plants are chosen due to their complementary relationships, as each plant mutually supporting the other’s growth. Some farms use a method called Alley Cropping, which alternates between one row of mixed tree crops, and one row of annual vegetables. Another method is called a Food Forest, which is a unique type of orchard design that uses edible plants to mimic the natural synergy found in the multi-layered growth of the wild forest ecosystems.