Transforming your outdoor space into an edible garden is a popular trend that blends beauty, practicality and health benefits
An edible garden is much more than a vegetable garden. It is a landscaping design that combines functionality, leisure, and aesthetics so that you can enjoy the spectacle of vibrant plants whilst reaping the nutritious rewards of their fruits and herbs all year round. Landscaping experts point to an increasing demand for this type of ‘nutritious space’.
Creating your edible garden starts with planning. You need to put careful thought into the space available, the plant species you’d like to grow, and their different flowering and harvesting times. It’s also helpful to think about arranging them according to height so that they form natural layers. In this way taller fruit trees provide shade for mid-height shrubs, and so on for shorter species such as aromatic herbs, medicinal plants and vegetables that thrive close to the ground. Another point to consider is choosing native varieties or plants that easily adapt to the island’s climate.
The French term ‘potager’ perfectly captures the essence of edible gardens. It refers to an ornamental design where perennial plants and vegetables coexist, forming beautiful geometric patterns with specific colour palettes.
Colour plays a crucial role in creating depth and visual interest. Warm tones like bright yellow marigolds or orange nasturtiums draw the eye. Cool blooms, on the other hand, offer a sense of calm and serenity. Colour can be cleverly used to define design patterns and guide our gaze to the points we want to highlight. With colour in mind, vegetables and flowers become artistic tools for crafting a harmonious space.
Naturally, an edible garden embraces organic principles. Think Km 0 (local food) and ‘slow food’ – a return to the authentic flavours of food grown without the chemicals and demands of large-scale agriculture. Imagine harvesting fresh, toxin-free produce right from your doorstep!
Apart from planning their aesthetic appeal, successful edible gardens require practical considerations. Ensure your chosen plants have access to sufficient sunlight. The soil should be rich in organic matter, loose and well-aerated for proper drainage, and weed-free. Understanding the planting, flowering, and harvesting cycles of your chosen varieties is also key.
Maintenance involves regular tasks like weeding, supporting climbing plants, and harvesting to prevent fruits from falling. A localized drip irrigation system helps conserve water, while pest control and disease prevention ensure your
garden thrives.
