Edible Landscaping

[chuck_n_grace]

Hi,
There's a house in town that has a large front yard. In front they planted a large garden with a small cornfield. Being a practical sort, I thought it was a great idea. From a neighbor's perspective, concerned about home values, it's probably not appreciated.

Did some reading last year on Edible Landscaping. I really liked those landscapes that were tasty and looked very nice during all phases of growth.

This video highlights our attempt to blend edible food with a nice appearance.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jL7vO4rRxRc

My wife and I would really like to see some photos/videos of your efforts at placing edible plants in your front yard...or the side that is open to view by the general public. We still have a big piece of the front that has not been developed and are open to all sorts of suggestions.

Regards,
Chuck

[niknik]

Well I dont have a front garden.the house opens directly onto the street. but there is a patch at the side, providin access to 3 houses ( I´m the only one that uses it ( and that rarely,.)) but I was thinking last year of doing some "guerilla gardening" and planting something there that would
1 ) look nice ( anything´s better than the weeds and rubbish)
2) provide food either for me or chickens
and 3) be easy to maintain.

I didnt get around to it as, too much clearance to do first. but may have a go this year!

[fifi folle]

Not really got pictures yet but converting our front garden to being productive and pretty with a mixed hedge around it of herbs and currant bushes. Then we've planted fruit trees on dwarf root stocks. We've also put in strawberries. Our front garden is a fair size and it just seemed like a waste.

[Thomzo]

I'm sure there's loads that you can do. Many herbs are really pretty and have the advantage of smelling nice. But don't forget about cut flowers either, much better in the self-sufficientish home than air freshner. Roses can be used to make rose water for flavouring deserts. Lavender for lavender water.

I live on a busy main road and my front garden faces north so I don't even try to grow edibles, but I do grow irises, anemones, daffodils and hydrangeas all of which make lovely cut flowers and the hydrangeas dry for the winter. Oh and pyracantha for the berries for the birds in winter.

Zoe

[dave45]

My apple hedge should be ready in about 3 or 4 years !

[jim]

Dear Chuck,

Edible landscapes? Try this, it's a whole town in Yorkshire that's gone edible.......

http://www.incredible-edible-todmorden.co.uk/

Love and Peace
Jim

[chuck_n_grace]

I forgot about Zoe's suggestion. We were reading about flowers and how many of them are 'edible' and not just nice to smell or look at. I'll revisit that notion with my wife.

Thanks for the link Jim. That's very interesting.

Four years for apples....that's one downside to any landscaping...is the wait! I was excited about buying grape plants...after planting I realized that it takes some time to produce fruits. One of the plants, strawberries I think, they recommend pinching the fruit off early in its growth...to ensure more next year. I think that was right...just can't imagine doing that...just doesn't seem right.

"guerrilla gardening" is definitely a new expression. I think I understand its meaning.

Regards,
Chuck