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When people think of gardens they usually think about beautiful landscapes or nice little plots with vegetables all in a row. In most people’s yards that’s how it is too, separate areas for each. Why not combine these two to form an attractively landscaped edible garden? Here are a few suggestions for edible trees, shrubs, vines, groundcovers and more.
To plan your edible garden, start with the trees. Trees are what will decide if you have mostly sun or shade to work with. You will want to consider how much area you have to work with. Consider, too, how much room the trees you are considering will take. This will help you decide how many and in what locations you want to plant the trees. If you do have limited space you can plant dwarf trees.
Here are some ideas for attractive trees that also bare fruit: Persimmons work well in fall landscaping, because of their fiery fall color. Pistachio also has good fall color, but for the female to fruit you will need a male nearby. Almond trees have a delicate overall shape and also lovely flowers. Plums can be a very good choice, especially the variety P. blireiarna, which have small pink flowers, purple fruit and colorful leaves. Medlars are a good shade tree with pink-white showy flowers and good fall color. Different varieties of peaches blossom at different times. ‘Double Red’ flowers earlier than the others do. Some other good landscaping trees are cherry, apple, chestnut, citrus, pear, olive and walnut.
The next step is to pick which bushes compliment the trees and the shape of the yard and any other features. Some of the vines such as blackberries can also be used as shrubs if tied and pruned properly. The thorned blackberry bush also has the advantage of keeping out unwanted guests. Gooseberries and currants are also good fruiting shrubs.
Vines can add an air of beauty and delicacy like no other plant. A perfect place for vines is on a fence, gate or trellis. Grapes are the best choice for fruiting vines. Not only is the vine pretty, but the ever popular fruit comes in several colors that can be a wonderful contrast. Another vine that can be planted with some creativity is the pea. Some vines that need a lot of care, but will grow well on a trellis are blackberries, blueberries, elderberries and cowberries.
Most people automatically plant grass as a groundcover. Grass has the advantage of being able to walk on it, but paths can be added and then even the ground cover can be edible. Plant strawberries, which will spread and fill the ground with flowers and sweet berries. Other groundcovers include mint, and the little known wintergreen teaberry.
A variety of plants can be used in the flowerbeds. Some have flowers and others have wonderful shades of green as their main contribution. They can be planted with herbs like basil, ginger, and thyme. Also in the flowerbeds you can plant strawberries, ornamental cabbage, kale, small varieties of sunflowers and bunchberries. The variety cornus canadensis is pretty and has small bunches of delicious red berries.
Be creative and you can be the envy of the neighborhood for your landscaping and your fruit.
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