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Writer's pictureEmma Croft

Creating a Practical and Attractive Edible Landscape

With thanks to Emma Croft at GetGardening.info for this guest blog on edible landscapes.

Turn your green space into a feast for the eyes and the palate by creating an edible landscape. With the right selection of grasses, plants, and eco-friendly tactics, you can fashion a beautiful, functional garden that's a joy to behold and to eat from. Not only will you enjoy the visual and culinary delights of your edible landscape, but you'll also reap the benefits of growing your own fresh and organic produce. Plus, it's an excellent opportunity to teach children about sustainable living and the importance of food sources.



Add Edible Ornaments for Your Border

Consider using edible ornamental grasses like lemongrass, chives, or ornamental wheatgrass to outline your garden. These grasses not only add character to your garden but also serve as a fresh herb source for your kitchen! Additionally, incorporating edible ornamental grasses can attract beneficial insects and provide a natural barrier against pests. Plus, they require minimal maintenance, making them a practical and beautiful addition to any garden.


Choose Attractive Plants

When selecting plants, choose ones that are both decorative and edible. Think of vibrant purple basil, colourful nasturtium blossoms, and striking rainbow chard. These plants will not only beautify your garden but also enhance your meals with fresh ingredients. In addition, consider incorporating aromatic herbs like rosemary and thyme, which will add delightful flavours to your dishes. Furthermore, growing your own produce can be a rewarding experience that allows you to connect with nature and appreciate the true taste of homegrown goodness.


Prioritise Plant Diversity

Add depth and variety to your garden by choosing plants in diverse colors, textures, and shapes. Play with contrasts, like pairing frilly kale leaves with compact strawberries. This mix will give your garden an artistic touch and make it visually exciting. Additionally, consider incorporating different heights to create a sense of dimension and layering. Don't forget to include fragrant flowers to indulge your senses and attract pollinators for a thriving ecosystem.


Increase Your Home’s Worth with Upgrades

Enhance the charm of your garden by incorporating an outdoor seating area. This delightful addition provides a perfect spot to unwind, taking pleasure in the fruits of your labor while immersing yourself in the natural beauty of your garden. With comfortable seating and a tranquil ambiance, it's an inviting oasis where you can create lasting memories with family and friends.


Certain garden enhancements can increase the value of your home. Features such as well-designed landscapes, outdoor living spaces, and sustainable practices are highly appealing to potential buyers, making your property more desirable. Don't underestimate the power of a beautiful garden in boosting the value and attractiveness of your property.


Consider Sunlight and Water Needs

Grouping plants based on their sunlight and watering needs is a smart strategy that promotes thriving while minimizing maintenance. By creating these plant communities, you can easily manage their care and ensure optimal growth. Plus, it adds a beautiful visual harmony to your garden or indoor space. So go ahead, create your own little plant neighbourhoods and watch them flourish!


Make the Most of Your Space

If you're working with limited space, raised beds and containers can be your best friends. They not only make gardening more accessible but also allow you to control soil quality better. Plus, they add a sense of structure and design to your garden. Additionally, raised beds and containers help minimise weed growth and make it easier to manage pests. Moreover, they provide better drainage for your plants, ensuring optimal growing conditions.


Keep Pests at Bay With Eco-friendly Methods

Use companion planting as a natural pest deterrent. For instance, planting geraniums or African marigolds can help keep Japanese beetles away. This method reduces the need for harsh chemicals and promotes a healthier garden ecosystem. Additionally, intercropping vegetables like basil and tomatoes can help repel pests while maximising space utilization. Moreover, rotating crops and using beneficial insects can further enhance the effectiveness of companion planting in creating a sustainable and thriving garden.


Share Your Green Thumb Journey

Why not start a YouTube channel to share your garden adventures and insights? This platform can provide a creative outlet and perhaps even become a source of income. It's also a great way to connect with other garden enthusiasts and learn from them. Plus, you can inspire and educate a global audience with your gardening expertise. Forming an LLC for your YouTube channel can offer several benefits, including liability protection, potential tax advantages, and the ability to separate your personal and business finances.

Creating an edible landscape that's both practical and aesthetically pleasing involves smart plant selection, thoughtful design, and sustainable practices. By merging beauty with functionality, you can create a space that feeds both the body and soul and adds value to your home. So, why wait? Start planning your edible landscape today and enjoy the rewards for years to come.


More about the author

Emma Croft thanks her mom for giving her a passion for gardening. As a small child Emma watched her mom tend to their garden. Whenever she could, she put her little hands to work and became absorbed in the garden’s world.

Through good grades and a notable talent for golf, Emma got a scholarship to college, but the downside was that the campus was in a downtown area, and the limited access to gardens started to wear on her. Emma knew then that gardening was more than just a hobby, it was what she wanted to do for the rest of her life so she became a botanist.

When Emma isn’t working at the botanical garden she is working on her own garden and watering neighbourhood plants that are neglected. During the winter when she has more time, Emma started to think about making a website to consolidate gardening resources into one place. Emma hopes that GetGardening.info will help you grow your love for gardening and that more people will start to love plants as she does.



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