Gardening isn't only meant for tending flowers and grass. Besides it can't be therapeutic, it can help you turn your backyard into an edible landscape. This means you can choose to plant edible plants. In the long run, not only you'll have a little green paradise, but also free fruits, veggies and edible flower
What's an Edible Landscape?
Edible landscaping involves growing plants that are not only visually appealing but also edible. This can include fruit-bearing plants, herbs, vegetables, and flowers that you can eat. Instead of just focusing on traditional landscaping with shrubs and grass, you can incorporate plants that serve a dual purpose.
Throughout history, various cultures have embraced the concept of edible landscaping. From the Egyptians to medieval monks, plants were strategically placed to work together harmoniously. Herbs and edible flowers were often grown within hedges, grape vines cascaded over arbours, and berry shrubs created natural borders.
Edible landscaping is not only aesthetically pleasing, but it's also beneficial for your yard and the environment. Instead of investing in a traditional lawn or ornamental plants that require a lot of maintenance and resources, consider incorporating edible plants into your landscaping. It's a simple yet effective way to make your outdoor space both attractive and practical. Plus, it's a smart way to make the most out of limited gardening space.
How to Create an Edible Garden?
Choose edible plants that are both beautiful and not too tempting for wildlife. Add some colour with plants like rainbow chard or strawberries in your flower beds. Swap out short-blooming flowers for blueberry bushes or rosemary plants. You can incorporate structures like fences or arbours to support vining fruits. Create contrast by mixing in salad greens with brightly coloured bulbs. Use containers to plant small hot pepper plants alongside colourful flower containers.
Fruits
Blueberries
If you've got some space for shrubs, consider adding highbush blueberries to your edible landscape. These neat little shrubs boast lovely bell-shaped flowers in the spring, delicious fruit in the summer, and stunning foliage that turns shades of gold and deep red in the fall. Even in winter, their twisty branches and interesting bark add a touch of charm to your outdoor space.
Strawberries
Alpine strawberries are more well-mannered than regular ones. Instead of spreading runners everywhere, they grow in tidy little mounds, making them perfect for lining flower beds. These day-neutral strawberries produce a big harvest in the spring and keep blooming and fruiting all season long. Kids enjoy picking these little gems; despite their size, they are bursting with flavour.
Brambles
Brambles, like raspberries and blackberries, are simple to cultivate and can be used to create wonderful hedges. They thrive in full sun but can still produce a decent harvest even in partial shade. Raspberries come in a variety of colours such as red, gold, black, and purple. Additionally, there are thornless options for both raspberries and blackberries, making the picking process much more convenient.
Herbs and Veggies
Pole Beans
Pole beans are a great option for a fast-growing cover in your garden. Not only do they provide beautiful flowers to admire, but they also produce delicious beans for your meals. For a pop of colour, consider planting varieties like yellow ‘Golden Gate’, speckled ‘Rattlesnake’, or purple Italian heirloom bean ‘Trionfo Violetto’. To protect your plants from nibbling pests like rabbits, you can surround the base with chicken wire, although the height of pole beans usually keeps the pods safe from harm.
Artichokes, Eggplants and Hot Peppers
Artichokes make a stunning perennial border, especially when used as a background for other plants. Eggplants also bring in beautiful colour and texture. The long, slender types mature quickly, and the hanging strands create a nice contrast against vibrant flowers.
Hot peppers bring a burst of colour to your garden; and with sweet bell peppers, you can have a rainbow of colours. Just like with pole beans, make sure to protect your peppers at the base when they are young. Once they grow taller, they should be safe from pests.
Herbs
Certain herbs are perfect for incorporating into your landscaping; rosemary, thyme, sage, and oregano bring unique foliage and fragrances to the garden.Lavender and rosemary are wonderful choices for creating borders or neat hedges that provide some definition to your garden or yard. Thyme, on the other hand, is fantastic as a ground cover due to its low-growing nature.
Garlic, Onion, Chives and Salad Greens
You can't think of an edible plant, without considering garlic, onion or chives. These plants work wonders as a natural border to protect other plants from critters. When it comes to greens, it's best to grow them in containers or raised beds to keep critters at bay. However, they can also add a nice touch to your flower garden.
Edible Flowers
Edible flowers can enrich your dishes. Not only do they add visual appeal to salads and soups, but they are also delightful to eat. Explore some of our top picks for edible flowers that you can grow and enjoy!
