Edible landscape: which plants to choose

Why not create a garden that looks good and tastes good by planting a mix of herbs, flowers and vegetables? We’ll tell you about plants that are edible and as beautiful as flowers.

In an edible landscape, fruit trees and shrubs, herbs, vegetables and flowers grow side by side rather than in separate beds. If you like the idea, you don’t have to completely redesign your garden; you can start by planting a few edible plants in one part of your garden that fit in well with your garden and taste good.

What is an edible landscape?

Growing your own vegetables is all the rage, but often you don’t have the space in your garden or the time to create and maintain vegetable patches. In an edible landscape, you plant vegetables, herbs and fruit trees and shrubs next to flowers and ornamental shrubs, without separating the vegetable and flower beds.

The idea is that edibles can be very attractive and do not need to be grown in a separate area. Instead, vegetable plants and fruit trees are integrated into the garden and become elements of the garden design. The look of the garden changes constantly as fruit and vegetables are harvested and replaced, so the garden always looks different.

How to create an edible landscape

If you want to create an edible landscape, here are some things to consider

• Colours: flowering strawberries or the leaves of Swiss chard add colour to the garden.

• Use: Replace short-flowering shrubs with fruit trees.

• Structure: You can plant vines on a fence or pergola, for example.

• Companion Planting: Combine plants that have similar site and soil requirements.

• Water requirements: Newly planted plants have higher water requirements and need regular watering until they are established. Plants will also need more water during the main growing season. Group plants according to their water requirements to use water as efficiently as possible.

• Space: Consider how tall the plants will grow to ensure they can develop to their full potential and that smaller plants are not crowded out.

•  Potted plants: Think potted plants. Heat-loving plants, such as chillies, can be placed against the wall of the house and combined with other plants that harmonise in colour.

Blueberry (Vaccinium corymbosum)

Blueberries have pretty, but rather unremarkable flowers. Instead, it is the colourful autumn foliage that brings colour to the garden. The fruit is a real treat. If possible, plant at least two blueberry bushes. As blueberries need acidic soil, it is often a good idea to plant them in containers and use rhododendron soil.

Fruit trees

The flowering season of fruit trees is a highlight of the garden. The flowers attract many bees and other insects, so the buzzing and humming is a real treat. If you have a small garden, you can choose a dwarf fruit tree. Fruit trees also have the advantage of being prune-tolerant and can (but should) be cut back again and again.

Blackberries (Rubus fruticosus) and raspberries (Rubus idaeus)

Blackberries and raspberries are easy to grow and can be planted as a hedge. They prefer a sunny position but will also bear fruit in partial shade. Their flowers, which resemble small, simple roses, are lovely to look at. We recommend varieties that are thornless, grow upright as a shrub and do not form runners.

Strawberries (Fragaria)

Ground cover strawberry varieties are are particularly suitable for an edible landscape. There are varieties that form runners and are suitable for larger areas. Non-runner varieties, such as the month-flowering strawberry Alexandria, make good bed borders. Most varieties bear fruit several times a year, so you can harvest continuously.

Vegetables and herbs for the edible landscape

Scarlet Runner Beans (Phaseolus coccineus)

If you want a quick, edible screen on a trellis, runner beans are the way to go. Runner beans grow up to 5 metres high and have bright red flowers. There is a huge choice of varieties and you can choose from green, variegated, yellow or blue varieties.

Runner beans grow best in sunny to partially shaded areas and need a nutritious, well-drained soil.

Vegetables

There are a number of vegetables that will look good in any border. The colourful leaves of Swiss chard can compete with any flower. Cabbage also looks good in a border. Tuscan black cabbage has very distinctive dark leaves. Pepper and chilli plants produce bright fruit but need a very sunny, sheltered spot. Grow cherry tomatoes in pots and snack on the fruit. Fennel produces tall, delicate shoots with dainty umbels.

Perennial vegetables

Perennial vegetables are easy to grow because you only need to plant them once and you can harvest them often. For example, rhubarb is very easy to look after. Once planted, xou can harvest the stems every year.

Herbs

Herbs also look good in any flower bed. Chives are good for bordering beds. Rosemary and lavender can be cut into low hedges to give structure to the garden. Thyme can be used to replace lawn grass or as a ground cover. Mint has many uses in the kitchen. As mint spreads vigorously by rhizomes, it should be planted in a root barrier or pot.

Edible flowers

Do you love flowers more than anything else? Then edible flowers such as marigold, nasturtium, roses, phlox or bellis are perfect for you.