Edible Landscapes:
Beauty and Bounty
|
|
|
|
Imagine stepping outside and harvesting a handful of strawberries, snipping fresh basil for dinner, or plucking sun-warmed tomatoes - all from a landscape that’s as beautiful as it is productive. Edible landscaping blends the best of both worlds: the visual appeal of ornamental gardens and the satisfaction of growing your own food. Whether you have a sprawling yard or just a sunny patio, there’s a way to bring edible plants into your landscape.
|
|
Start with the Space You Have
|
|
|
Traditionally, orchards and vegetable gardens have been tucked away into their own corners of the landscape. But today, more gardeners are weaving edible plants right into their flower beds, creating spaces that are both functional and gorgeous. Here’s how to set yourself up for a thriving edible garden:
|
|
|
1. Take stock of what you have-full sun or shade, wet or dry soil. Even a small patio or balcony can support a container garden filled with edibles.
2. Choose plants that fit your landscape style. Edibles can be just as attractive as ornamentals, especially when you mix colors, textures, and heights for visual interest.
3. Place each plant where it will get what it needs. For example, sun-loving herbs like thyme and sage thrive in bright spots with moderate water.
|
|
Edibles for Every Nook & Cranny
|
|
|
Here's a quick guide to common edible plants by site conditions:
|
|
Full Sun, Moderate Water
Tomatoes, cucumbers, beans, squash, okra, eggplant, sunflowers, grapes, chives, thyme, oregano, lemon verbena, lemongrass, sage, onions
Full Sun, Regular Water
Peppers, melons, rhubarb, fruit trees, asparagus, blueberries, strawberries, blackberries, basil
Part Shade, Moderate Water
Serviceberries, Asian greens, parsley, dill, kale, chard
Part Shade, Regular Water
Mints, raspberries, cilantro, lettuce
|
|
|
|
With a little planning and creativity, you can turn any space-big or small-into a resilient, diverse, and rewarding edible landscape, and enjoy fresh flavors at your fingertips. Ready to get growing? We’re here to help you every step of the way!
|
|
|
We've got two more Sundays open for the 2025 season: May 18th and May 25th. We'll be here on Sundays from 10am-4pm at both the garden center and Stone Market for the rest of May, so stop by for a visit!
|
|
|
|
|
