1. Would you like to cash in on the fastest growing, most politically correct trend in gardening?
Welcome to the edible landscape! The down side to an introduction of a fruit-producing plant is,
of course, the possible mess when the fruit ripens. With a little explanation to a homeowner
beforehand, acceptable choices can still be made. The great surge in the desire for home food
production overshadows the potential downside if a little ‘counseling’ is done before planting.
Because all plants create a mess of some size during a growing season, sliding into something
that can be eaten, dried, or preserved in some other way, will fill a niche that is rapidly
expanding.
We know that vegetables play well with ornamental flowers and shrubs, so an integrated
planting can fill the need for “pretty” and still be “edible.” Since you already ask preference
questions before designing/installing a landscape plan, just add “What do you like to eat?” to
your usual list. Don’t ask “What do you want to grow?” or you will get caught in the “Well, what
is easiest to grow?” trap. Even if radishes and onions are near foolproof, it won’t make your
client happy when they have a bountiful harvest and THEN remember that only one member of
the family likes radishes and onions aren’t anybody’s favorite.
Brush up on the pollination requirements before creating your recommended variety list. For
instance, Bartlett Pears will produce with only one tree planted, but a second tree will boost the
harvest. Apple varieties can be very finicky about what pollen will be accepted to produce fruit.
Remember, very few sweet cherries are self-fertile – which brings me to an opinion statement:
Because of the Western Cherry Fruit Fly, I believe a Sweet Cherry tree to be useful only
as 1. A shade tree or 2. A Robin Feeding Station.
Consider Rhubarb for an impressive addition to a lush landscape design. An artichoke plant,
while usually only an annual, will still make an incredible focal point in a mostly ornamental
garden. And a couple of purple cabbage plants will absolutely shine as they begin to mature
amongst the marigolds.
There will always be a call for the stand-apart vegetable garden, but when space is a major
factor in the design process, integration will be a great help. Herbs, too, are often considered
only for an official, organized ‘Herb Garden.’ Help your clients visualize the beauty of a border
of Purple Ruffle Basil; a tasty ground cover of Golden Creeping Thyme; or a sparkling addition
of Tri-Color Sage in the front planting beds.
You can add substantially to your versatility in our business by taking advantage of the
exploding growth in the request for edible landscaping. Whether it comes from planting seeds
or nursery stock, shrubs or trees, annuals or perennials, folks want to ‘graze’ in their own little
garden spot. They may be concerned about the safety of grocery store produce and know (or
are learning) that you can control exactly what is sprayed on your own garden. Maybe they
want to reduce the miles traveled by their peppers or potatoes. Whatever the motivation, you
can be the solution they are looking for!
Happy Growing! Joy in the Garden

2. Try substituting these into any regular landscape plan:
TREES – FOR -
Almond trees ………………………………………………….. Flowering
Cherries
2 varieties of Filbert ………………………………………… Clump River Birch
Sour Cherry trees ……………………………………………. Lilac, Forsythia
Dwarf Peach tree (except in deep shade)………….. Japanese Maple
SHRUBS –
Gooseberry …………………………………………………….. Pyracantha,
Barberry
Raspberry (especially along an east facing fence) Privet, Juniper
Grape vine ……………………………………………………… Virginia Creeper
Dwarf peach, plum, or apple ….………………………… Mugho pine
ANNUALS –
Opal basil. ……………………………………………………. Ageratum, Lobelia
Eggplant ………………………………………………………. Tall Zinnia

3. Bright Lights Chard ………………………………………. Medium Marigold
Sun Sugar tomato …………………………………………. Black-eyed Susan
vine
PERENNIALS –
Asparagus ……………………………………………………. Ornamental Grass
Golden Sage …………………………………………………. Moonbeam
Coreopsis
Chives …………………………………………………………. Blue Fescue Grass
Oregano ………………………………………………………. Ajuga