From Milk Cartons to Mangroves: My Unexpected Journey into Edible Landscaping
I can still vividly remember the thrill of planting that first seed in a milk carton during my kindergarten class – the anticipation as I watched it sprout and grow, the pride I felt when I got to take it home and add it to my family’s garden. Little did I know that this simple act would lay the foundation for my future passion for horticulture and landscape design.
As I progressed through school, my love for the natural world only continued to blossom. I fondly recall the Earth Day tree-planting ceremony in first grade, where I eagerly dug a hole and tucked a young sapling into its new home. And who could forget the joy of wandering through fields, picking vibrant wildflowers for my mom? These early experiences instilled in me a deep appreciation for the wonder of the natural world and all it has to offer.
It wasn’t until high school, however, that I truly found my calling. A horticulture-based biology class, taught by a professor who radiated enthusiasm for all things green and growing, sealed the deal. I was hooked, and knew that I had to pursue a career in this field.
From Classroom to Cultivating Change
Armed with a B.S. in Horticulture and Landscape Design from the University of Minnesota, I set out to create beautiful outdoor spaces. But something was missing. I found myself drawn to the environmental science building, contemplating a double major. I wanted to do more than just design pretty landscapes – I wanted to be a pioneer, to create positive change in the world.
This desire to make a difference led me on an unexpected journey. I closed my fledgling landscaping business and joined the Peace Corps, spending nearly two years in Mali, West Africa. It was an experience that opened my eyes to the challenges faced by communities around the world, particularly when it came to food security and sustainable living.
When I returned home, I was determined to find a way to combine my passion for landscaping with my newfound commitment to environmental and social justice. I delved deeper into the world of permaculture, completing a 10-month Permaculture Design Certificate Course, and also immersed myself in the study of herbalism and botanical ecosystems.
Cultivating a Greener Future
It was during this period of exploration and learning that the concept of edible landscaping truly took root in my mind. I saw it as a way to not only create beautiful, functional outdoor spaces, but to also address pressing issues like food access, community engagement, and environmental sustainability.
As I shared on my own website, “My unique combination of ornamental landscape principles, permaculture design, and love for medicinal plants has helped me creatively weave positive change into my clients’ lives.” I was determined to put this powerful blend of knowledge and experience to work, helping others create their own vibrant, edible oases.
And so, with renewed energy and a clear vision, I embarked on the next chapter of my journey. I started by focusing on my home state of Wisconsin, where I now live with my husband and two young daughters. Here, I’ve been able to put my passion for edible landscaping into practice, designing and implementing stunning gardens that not only nourish the senses but also the body.
Transforming Public Spaces, One Bite at a Time
But my work doesn’t stop at the boundaries of private properties. In recent years, a growing movement of gardeners, food activists, landscape designers, and urban planners has been pushing the boundaries of what public green spaces can be. As the Smithsonian Magazine reports, “Flowers are pretty, they say, but if those blossoms become apples or zucchini, isn’t that even better?”
From community vegetable gardens to urban fruit forests, the concept of the “edible landscape” is transforming public parks and shared spaces around the world. In Detroit, Lafayette Greens is a vibrant urban oasis where visitors can admire the flowers, enjoy live music, and even harvest fresh produce to take home or donate to local food banks. In Chicago, the Gary Comer Youth Center has turned its rooftop into a thriving 8,000-square-foot garden, producing over 1,000 pounds of fruits and vegetables each year.
And the trend isn’t limited to the United States. As the Smithsonian article highlights, edible landscapes are sprouting up across the globe – from the rice paddies of Shenyang University in China to the fruit and vegetable gardens adorning the streets of Le Havre, France.
Cultivating Community, One Bite at a Time
What I find most exciting about this movement is the way it brings people together, fostering a sense of community and shared responsibility for the land. Whether it’s volunteers harvesting potatoes in Seattle’s Beacon Food Forest or commuters grabbing a handful of herbs from the train platform in Todmorden, UK, these edible landscapes encourage us to reconnect with the natural world and with each other.
And the benefits extend far beyond just fresh, healthy food. As the Smithsonian article notes, these spaces can also “transform public spaces from being passive scenes to view or experience at a relatively superficial level” – providing opportunities for education, recreation, and even economic development.
Embracing the Edible Landscape
If you’re like me, and have fond memories of planting seeds, tending gardens, and foraging for wild edibles, then I invite you to join me in embracing the future of gardening: edible landscaping. Whether you’re dreaming of transforming your own backyard into a verdant, productive oasis or envisioning a community-driven public space bursting with fruit, vegetables, and herbs, the possibilities are endless.
At A1 Landscape Construction, we’re passionate about helping our clients in Temecula, California, and beyond, bring their edible landscape dreams to life. From custom design and installation to ongoing maintenance and education, we’re here to guide you every step of the way.
So what are you waiting for? Let’s get growing and cultivate a greener, more nourishing future, one bite at a time.
