The term “edible landscaping,” or “edimentals,” is rapidly gaining popularity in landscaping but what is it exactly? It’s blending the utility of vegetable gardens, berry bushes, and herb gardens into the aesthetic appeal of traditional landscaping. Not only does this provide a sustainable source of fresh produce, but it also adds a unique visual charm to your outdoor space.
What is Edible Landscaping?
Edible landscaping, or edimentals, is about integrating food-producing plants into your garden in a functional and visually appealing way. This could mean replacing ornamental shrubs with berry bushes, using herbs as ground covers, or incorporating vegetable patches in aesthetically pleasing designs. The idea is to create a landscape that feeds the body and the soul. Edimentals are less maintenance than other vegetables and don’t require sowing yearly or a significant portion of your yard to grow. Plus, with their deep roots, they’re considered to be drought-tolerant.
What are the Benefits of Edible Landscaping?
- Health and Nutrition: Growing your fruits, vegetables, and herbs ensures access to fresh, organic produce.
- Environmental Sustainability: Edimentals encourage a more sustainable way of living, reducing the carbon footprint of transporting food.
- Aesthetic Appeal: Vegetable plants and herbs can add unique textures, colors, and structures to your garden.
- Educational Value: It’s a fantastic way for children and adults to learn about nature and their food source.
How Should You Design Your Edible Landscape?
- Start Small: Begin with easy-to-grow herbs and vegetables, gradually expanding as you gain confidence.
- Consider Aesthetics: Arrange plants in patterns or groupings for visual impact. Use vegetables with exciting colors and textures.
- Incorporate Perennials: Berry bushes and perennial herbs can provide structure and continuity.
- Utilize Vertical Space: Trellises and arbors can be used for climbing plants like beans and cucumbers, adding another dimension to your garden.
What Plants Should You Use?
- Vegetables: Lettuces, kale, and rainbow chard are nutritious and visually striking.
- Herbs: Rosemary, thyme, and lavender provide wonderful aromas and can double as ground covers or border plants.
- Fruits: Blueberry bushes, strawberry plants, and dwarf fruit trees offer delicious rewards and beautiful blooms.
How Do I Care for My Edible Landscaping?
- Water Wisely: Install drip irrigation systems for efficient watering.
- Soil Health: Regular composting enriches the soil, promoting healthier plants.
- Pest Control: Use natural pest deterrents and encourage beneficial insects.
Edible landscaping is a great way to transform your garden into a source of food, beauty, and pleasure. It’s an innovative approach that combines the joy of gardening with the practicality of growing your food. Integrating edibles into your landscape is a rewarding journey worth exploring, and we can help. Reach out today to get started!