Plant Guilds
A full permaculture guild consists of 7 layers (from Permaculture Guilds: A Primer)
canopy layer (only for larger gardens, not on roofs, balconies, etc.)
low tree layer
shrub layer
herbaceous layer
rhizosphere
soil surface (ground cover)
vertical layer (climbers and vines)
Each guild needs 5 things
nitrogen
nutrients/ dynamic accumulators (non mineral, mineral, soil)
mulch
pollination
protection from external threats
reading