Unleash the Flavor in Your Backyard: Embracing Edible Perennials
As a kid, I have fond memories of my dad showing me a delightful trick with stonecrop sedum. He’d gently press the leaf between his thumb and forefinger, softening it, then carefully push sideways to loosen the skin on the front and back. With a quick puff of air, the leaf would inflate like a little balloon – a endless source of amusement for a curious child. Even today, I still love sharing this simple pleasure with visiting kids in my garden.
In a small-space garden, I’m a big advocate for including multipurpose plants – those that offer more than just ornamental appeal. Edible perennials and perennial vegetables are a fantastic choice for the space-constrained gardener. Not only do they come back year after year, but they also provide the opportunity to graze straight from the garden, plucking just enough for the meal at hand.
Choosing Edible Perennials for Your Grazing Garden
So what are some of the best edible perennials to incorporate into your landscape? Let’s dig in:
Lovage
This imposing perennial deserves a spot in any ornamental bed, with its celery-like leaves that are perfect for adding flavor to soups and salads.
Asparagus
Sure, you’ll want to harvest the spears in spring, but this perennial also grows into a tall, ferny plant that adds wonderful texture and movement to the garden. Just be sure to provide some support to keep it from flopping onto its neighbors.
Bronze Fennel
The feathery bronze leaves of this plant are edible, as are the flowers. The pollen can even be used to add a pop of color when decorating a plate. And the seeds? They’re great for adding flavor to sausages.
Chives
Both the leaves and flowers of chives are edible, making this a tidy, well-behaved plant perfect for edging the garden.
Horseradish
While the root is the star of this plant, providing the base for the well-known condiment, the leaves can also be added to pickles. Just be aware that this is a tenacious perennial with a deep root system, so choose its location wisely.
Jerusalem Artichoke
Also known as sunchokes, the tubers of this plant are plentiful and versatile. Just keep in mind that it’s considered a bit of a weed in some areas, so be prepared to contain it.
Lemon Balm
The fragrant foliage of lemon balm is perfect for adding to salads or drying for tea. And the best part? Just brushing against it while in the garden releases that lovely scent.
Lovage
My neighbor Dave swears by lovage as the secret ingredient in his award-winning tomato soup. The leaves have a celery-like flavor that’s perfect for adding depth to all sorts of dishes.
Mint
My daughter once grew a staggering 19 types of mint – chocolate, spearmint, pineapple, and more. Mint is excellent for teas and ice cream, but be warned: it can be quite invasive. Grow it in containers if you don’t want it to take over your garden.
Oregano
This hardy, aromatic herb not only adds flavor to your cooking, but it also makes an excellent ground cover, attracting bees with its lovely blooms.
Rhubarb
With its big, beautiful leaves, rhubarb makes a stunning addition to the garden, especially when planted next to a pond. And of course, the tart stalks are a classic in pies and jams.
Sage
While the common gray-green sage is a staple, don’t overlook the variegated and tri-color varieties, which can add a lovely pop of color to the herb garden.
Sorrel
This is one of my personal favorites – a tangy leaf that’s perfect for mixing into salads or using to add brightness to soups and braises. And it’s rarely found at the supermarket, so it’s a real treat to grow your own.
Daylily
The flowers and buds of daylilies are edible, making them a beautiful and delicious addition to both savory and sweet dishes.
Bergamot
Also known as bee balm, this plant is a magnet for pollinators and its leaves can be used to make tea. The flowers are also edible, lending a lovely flavor when tossed into fruit salads.
Hosta
While primarily grown for their ornamental foliage, the unfurled hosta leaves in spring are also delicious when steamed and served with butter.
Stonecrop Sedum
Beyond its late-summer blooms and winter interest, this reliable perennial also has edible leaves with a mild, slightly lemony flavor. And of course, there’s always the fun of blowing up those little balloon leaves.
As you can see, the options for incorporating edible plants into your landscape are vast and varied. And A1 Landscape Construction is here to help you transform your yard into a tasty, edible oasis. Whether you’re dreaming of an in-ground vegetable garden, raised planter beds, or simply want to dot your flowerbeds with flavorful perennials, we’ll work with you to create a landscape that’s both beautiful and bountiful.
Unlock the Potential of Your Outdoor Spaces
Edible landscaping isn’t just about growing your own food – it’s about connecting with nature, fostering a sense of accomplishment, and providing nourishment for both body and soul. As the contributors at Southern Living Plants note, “The greatest gift of edible gardens may just be the sense of accomplishment at harvest time. Your hands and hard work nurtured these crops.”
And you don’t need acres of land to get started. Containers, porch pots, raised beds – all of these can be incorporated into even the smallest of outdoor spaces to create an abundant, edible landscape. Just look at the inspiring examples showcased on Southern Living Plants, from a small urban front yard transformed into a bountiful harvest to a classic English-style potager garden packed with both beauty and bounty.
Organic Approaches to Pest Control
Of course, one of the common concerns with edible gardening is dealing with pests. But as Gardenary’s founder explains, pests are simply evidence that you’re growing healthy, organic food – something even the bugs find irresistible. The key is to take a holistic, organic approach to pest management, focusing on nourishing your plants, introducing natural predators, and avoiding harsh chemical treatments.
By pruning away damaged leaves, providing nutrient-rich compost, and closely monitoring for new pest activity, you can empower your plants to fight for themselves. And when necessary, organic sprays like diluted castile soap or garlic barrier can lend a helping hand without compromising the health of your edible landscape or the surrounding environment.
Cultivate a Tasty Oasis at Home
So what are you waiting for? It’s time to unleash the flavor potential of your outdoor spaces and transform your landscape into a delectable, edible wonderland. Whether you’re dreaming of juicy berries, fragrant herbs, or crisp veggies, A1 Landscape Construction is here to help you bring those culinary fantasies to life.
Get ready to experience the joy of plucking a ripe fig or harvesting a handful of edible flowers for your salad. Embrace the beauty and bounty of an edible landscape, where every visit to your backyard becomes a delicious adventure. The future of your outdoor space is flavorful, nutritious, and waiting to be cultivated. Let’s get growing!
