Edible Gardening for Delicious and Nutritious Delight
Not too long ago, I had the wonderful opportunity to attend a lecture by Jim Gilbert, the owner and plant designer of One Green World. As a self-proclaimed plant enthusiast, I was eager to soak up his expertise on all things edible and exotic. But when he started gushing about the pawpaw tree, my ears perked up in delight.
“Think of an avocado that tastes like banana, is high in protein, and is great for vegetarians,” Jim exclaimed. “Plus, you can’t even buy these in the store because they bruise so easily.” My mouth was watering already. As someone who tries to avoid sugar, the fact that this fruit tasted so good without being overly sweet was music to my ears.
Pawpaws and Other Surprising Edibles
The pawpaw, also known as Asimina triloba, is a small tree native to the Appalachian region. Native Americans even introduced it to Lewis and Clark back in the day. What makes this fruit so special is its compact, globe-shaped growth habit, which means it needs little pruning and can fit nicely into even the smallest of yards. Plus, it thrives in partial shade, so you can tuck it under an existing tree.
But the pawpaw isn’t the only edible gem Jim shared that day. He also raved about the Golden Sentinel apple, a compact columnar variety with disease resistance and a flavor reminiscent of an improved Golden Delicious. And for those with limited space, he recommended trying a Callaway crabapple as a pollinator – it only grows to about 6 feet tall, making it perfect for small landscapes.
Blending Edibles and Ornamentals for Maximum Impact
As inspiring as these exotic edibles were, I couldn’t help but wonder how they would fit into a beautifully designed landscape. After all, I want my garden to be both productive and visually appealing. Luckily, I recently came across an article on the Mississippi State University Extension website that shed some light on this very topic.
The article discussed the concept of “edible landscaping” – combining edible plants like vegetables, herbs, and fruit trees with traditional ornamentals to create a stunning and functional outdoor space. According to the author, Brie Arthur, author of “The Foodscape Revolution,” this approach can actually increase your curb appeal while helping to reduce your grocery bill.
Designing an Edible Oasis
So, how exactly do you pull off this delicious design? The key is to think about layering different elements, just like you would in a container garden. Start with a “thriller” plant – something tall and eye-catching, like a cherry tomato. Then, use “filler” plants, like basil or colorful coleus, to add depth and texture. And don’t forget the “spillers” – trailing plants like nasturtiums or lemon verbena, which can cascade over the edges of raised beds or planters.
The best part? You’re not limited to just your backyard. Porches, patios, and even balconies can become the perfect canvas for an edible masterpiece. And if you’re really short on space, container gardening is a fantastic option. A1 Landscape Construction can help you design a custom setup that maximizes your available area.
The Joys of Homegrown Goodness
As I left Jim’s lecture, I couldn’t wait to get home and start planning my own edible landscape. The idea of growing not just beautiful flowers, but also nutritious fruits and veggies, right in my own yard was simply too enticing to resist. And knowing that I could blend these elements in a way that would boost my curb appeal? Well, that was the icing on the (pawpaw-flavored) cake.
So, if you’re like me and dreaming of a garden that’s both productive and pleasing to the eye, I encourage you to embrace the world of edible landscaping. With a little creativity and the right guidance, you can transform your outdoor space into a veritable oasis of delicious delights. Who knows – your neighbors might just start asking for a taste of your homegrown goodness!
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