Transforming Landscape Into a Productive Permaculture Garden

Edible landscaping is a revolutionary approach to gardening that combines traditional landscaping with micro-farming and permaculture. This innovative method creates a beautiful, green space that not only pleases the eye but also provides food for both you and local wildlife.

The benefits of edible landscaping are manifold. It offers aesthetic appeal, contributes to the environment, provides sustenance, encourages community, and fosters a deeper connection with nature.

In an edible landscape, plants like bush cherry, gooseberry, rugosa rose, and aronia make great hedges. These hardy plants not only serve as natural barriers but also offer delicious fruits. Currant bushes (red and black) thrive in partial shade and add a burst of flavour to your harvest. Black raspberries, too, do well in shaded areas, sweetening your garden's bounty.

Permaculture, a design system at the heart of edible landscaping, emphasises "Catch and Store Energy." This principle is implemented through features such as swales, rain gardens, and Hugelkultur beds, which help store water, nutrients, and organic matter. Permaculture also follows principles like "Observe and Interact" and "Obtain a Yield," encouraging designers to observe their space and make changes that work with nature, increasing yields and biodiversity.

Starting an edible landscape is a gradual process. It's recommended to begin by observing and interacting with the space before making any significant changes. Cherry trees, with their beautiful flowers and juicy cherries, are a great addition to any edible landscape.

The concept of edible landscaping was popularised by Rosalind Creasy in the 1980s. Her 1982 book, "Edible Landscaping," introduced the idea of integrating food plants into ornamental garden design, making the concept well known.

Transforming fruit gardens, vegetable gardens, or native plant gardens from underutilised lawn spaces can significantly boost biodiversity and offer fresh food. By adding a variety of edible plants to your garden, you can explore new flavours and support local biodiversity. Using permaculture principles in garden design also makes it more sustainable and easier to care for.

In a world where the typical American diet consists of only 20 species of edible plants, edible landscaping offers a chance to explore the vast array of over 20,000 edible plant species. Embrace this sustainable approach to gardening and reap the benefits for yourself and the environment.