Edible gardens are gaining in popularity across the nation and new gardeners are hungry for planting and design tips. I encourage people to get the most of their yards and take advantage of every inch of sun-kissed space.Â
To maximize the use and benefit of your yard, consider taking your herbs and vegetables out of the garden plot and mix them in to the landscape where they can rub shoulders with ornamental plants. Edible plants are just as beautiful as annuals and can supply color if you allow some of the plants to flower. I do.
Check out these space saving ideas that create a beautiful and bountiful garden.
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Train a dwarf lemon tree against your fence for fruit, color and fragrance.
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A mature, well pruned apple espalier can double as a living fence. Wood never tasted this good!
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Enjoy the luscious taste of a pineapple guava grown in a pot and placed within the garden bed.
This small 3′ x 6′ foot garden bed hosts a potted, dwarf Citron tree, 6 bronze fennel plants, 6 Thai basil plants, 6 parsley, a bunch of red onions, garlic and beets! Don’t sacrifice  style and beauty in the edible garden. You want something nice to look at while your food grows in.
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A close up of my beloved Citron. Can’t wait to squeeze it into a summer drink!
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Dwarf kumquats don’t need much room and look how much fruit they reward you with!
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Dwarf and compact Meyer lemons are ideal for a “mini orchard.” Mix these prolific “fruiters” directly in the mixed border. I accompany them with lavender and ornamental grasses for a low water, aromatic garden.
Yes, there is room in your yard for fruit trees. Look for varieties labeled, “dwarf,” “compact,” “espaliered,” and “patio size.”
Visit Eden Makers Blog in a few days to see more ideas of how to integrate vegetables and herbs in small gardens.
“You can have your garden and eat it too!”
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Hi M.D,
Can you grow citrus in pots? I’m guessing it is not warm enough to grow citrus in Portland?
Shirley
Wish we could grow citrus outside here near Portland, Oregon.
Apple – yes. Had condidered your espallier apple idea for a fence before. I’m thinking of grafting a couple together so that the limbs become like fence rails.
Or with pear, which grow nicely here.
M. D. Vaden
(Near Portland, Oregon)
Shirley – food, not lawns. You go girl! Thanks for keeping the idea of edible, beautiful plants on everyone’s mind. Another of my favorites is the almond tree. Stunning spring flowers and very edible nuts – even here in coastal Santa Barbara.
Hey, take a peek at my latest video blog (you know where to find me). Music, special effects (no dancing girls). Other than turning my camera upside down and being in desperate need of a steadycam rig, I’m off and running. Better watch yer back, chica.
Hi Shirley,
I’m a big fan of espaliered apple trees. I hope to have one someday that’s as impressive as the one you show in the photo. I’ve seen them trained along fences, but, aesthetically, I prefer walls for espalier.
Great post. Thanks
Some lovely ideas Shirley, not that I can grow citrus trees but other fruit trees are possible. I have seen some lovely cherries on dwarf root stock.
Best wishes Sylvia