Post by Indilwen on Aug 4, 2010 19:24:56 GMT 12
When most people hear ‘edible gardening’ they imagine the vege plot around the back of the house. Straight rows of caterpillar eaten lettuce and wilted silver beet!
Today; as garden’s become smaller and lives busier, edible gardens have the opportunity to become the main garden. As we are faced with issues such as genetic engineering and high levels of pesticides and herbicides in the food we buy, it makes sense to grow as much food as we can.
By having an edible garden, your outside space can serve several purposes at once. It can be a place to enjoy, whilst providing food, protection from the elements and screening from the neighbours.
There are many new exciting edible plants which are now available They not only produce seed or fruit but are also attractive in their own right. Be it as a shade tree, as an Avocado, or as a low hedge such as blueberries.
Small courtyard gardens are ideal, as there are now many fruit trees that have been grated on to dwarf root stock. This means these trees only grow to about one and a half metres, but produce ordinary sized fruit. Another trick for small courtyards and gardens is to espalier fruiting trees up against walls. Not only does this save valuable growing space but also provides structure and a focal point for the garden.
Edible gardens can be set out in a formal style or incorporated in an organic, informal pattern. The best thing about it is there are no set rules, only the ones you want to make. Edible plants can be incorporated with other flowering plants and shrubs to appear to look like any other garden. The only difference; you can enjoy walking into your garden and picking delicious sun warmed fruits and berries, or cut up a lemon for that summer G and T.
Today; as garden’s become smaller and lives busier, edible gardens have the opportunity to become the main garden. As we are faced with issues such as genetic engineering and high levels of pesticides and herbicides in the food we buy, it makes sense to grow as much food as we can.
By having an edible garden, your outside space can serve several purposes at once. It can be a place to enjoy, whilst providing food, protection from the elements and screening from the neighbours.
There are many new exciting edible plants which are now available They not only produce seed or fruit but are also attractive in their own right. Be it as a shade tree, as an Avocado, or as a low hedge such as blueberries.
Small courtyard gardens are ideal, as there are now many fruit trees that have been grated on to dwarf root stock. This means these trees only grow to about one and a half metres, but produce ordinary sized fruit. Another trick for small courtyards and gardens is to espalier fruiting trees up against walls. Not only does this save valuable growing space but also provides structure and a focal point for the garden.
Edible gardens can be set out in a formal style or incorporated in an organic, informal pattern. The best thing about it is there are no set rules, only the ones you want to make. Edible plants can be incorporated with other flowering plants and shrubs to appear to look like any other garden. The only difference; you can enjoy walking into your garden and picking delicious sun warmed fruits and berries, or cut up a lemon for that summer G and T.