A node is a group of neighbors that decide to build an edible landscape together. It can be 3 neighbors, up to an entire block.

The idea is this: Neighbor #1 plants a Pear tree and has a nice sunny backyard for heat-loving crops. Neighbor #2 plants a Plum tree and had an excellent shaded area for Chard, Kale, Spinach, etc Neighbor #3 plants an apple tree and great soil for blueberries. All the neighbors plant what works best in their yards, and then they share the bounties.

The design process is very similar to what we would go through with an individual, just with a group of people: Who likes to eat what, how much maintenance are the people of the neighborhood (and their children!) willing to do.