Edible Landscaping

When you're selecting plants and trees to landscapesoils than others, so select plants that will thrive in your
your home and yard, why not consider those that arearea. Strawberry plants, rhubarb plants, currant bushes,
edible or have edible components? There are manybush cherries, gooseberries, grapes, and raspberry,
plants and trees that provide attractive foliage andchokecherry, honeyberry, elderberry, and blueberry
decorative interest to your landscape and can also bebushes have very diverse and distinctive foliage, for
used for eating or cooking. This article will focus onexample. When planted in groupings or with other
some really easy alternatives you can incorporate intocomplementary plants to take advantage of their
your master landscaping plan or add to your existingindividual features-such as height, leaf size, leaf texture,
landscaping that do just that.etc.-they can add interest to your landscaping in
Fruit trees. Fruit trees are a wonderful addition to anyaddition to tasty fruits and edibles that work well in
landscape. During the springtime or early summer, thecooking and even jams.
blossoms on these trees are delightful and colorful.In addition, bright red chokecherries, blue blueberries,
Later the fruit provides color and interest to your yard.currant bushes that change color, and other fruit laden
And ultimately, at harvest time, you can reap evenfoliage provides beautiful color and visual interest.
more benefits in the way of tasty fruits for eating,Again, floral blossoms contribute to a gorgeous
freezing, and baking.springtime display. And both blossoms and fruits are
The specific type of fruit tree you incorporate into yourfragrant.
landscaping will depend on the plant hardiness zone inHerbs do double duty. Many herb plants can be
which you reside. Some kinds of fruit trees requireincorporated into flower gardens, potted gardens or
warmer temperatures, specific soil types, or longerpatio landscaping, and other landscaping elements in
growing seasons. Consider, for example, apple, orange,your yard, as well. They are varied in form, color,
lemon, plum, pear, nectarine, apricot, peaches, mulberry,structure, and scent, providing a wonderful range of
and cherry trees, among others. There are manypractical diversity. Spiky lemon grass, tarragon,
different varieties of each, and some come in miniaturerosemary, basil, and even chives are great additions.
varieties for smaller spaces.Some flower and provide wonderful fragrances as
Go nuts with trees. Many varieties of trees thatthey grow in addition to seasoning cooking after they
produce edible nuts can also be wonderful additions toare harvested.
your landscape. Similar to selecting other trees, you willGoing green. While all natural landscaping elements are
want to be sure the tree you select will thrive in your"green" in terms of being good for the environment
area of the country. Some nut producing trees toand ecologically friendly, edible plants are an even
consider are: walnut, hazelnut, almond, pecan, chestnut,better use of environmental resources, including those
and butternut.in your yard. Why not incorporate plants that can help
Colorful fruits amid the foliage. You can include otheryou feed your family and neighbors and provide all of
fruit growing plants in your landscaping to introduceyou with organic food options? You'll save money, help
height, depth, and visual interest to your yard. Manyreduce waste from packaging of products you would
fruits are produced by low-growing plants with foliageotherwise purchase in stores, and do your part to
that is also attractive and can make a nice groundimprove your little part of the world.
cover. Again, some fruits grow in better climates and