For a long time, edible and ornamental plants were kept in separate corners of the yard. Ornamental plants were reserved for flowerbeds or planters, while vegetables, fruits, herbs, and other edibles were relegated to the vegetable garden. That era is behind us—today, these two worlds can beautifully coexist in the same space. Have you heard of foodscaping?

Simply put, foodscaping is the integration of edible plants into ornamental landscape design, blending functionality with beauty. Not everyone has the luxury of a large plot of land to grow a full-scale vegetable garden. That’s where creativity comes in—making the most of your available space to grow fresh food.

Project by: La Pinière

Edible Flowers May Already Be in Your Yard

Chances are, your current flowerbeds already contain some edible plants without you even realizing it. Hostas, bee balm (monarda), pansies, marigolds, and daylilies (hemerocallis), to name just a few, are all edible—either in part or in whole.

Eat Your Flowerbed—Literally

If your front yard flowerbed gets plenty of sun, it could be the perfect spot to incorporate a few edible plants. Many of them are also visually appealing, making it easy to mix textures and colors for a stunning look:

• Leafy greens like Swiss chard and kale add lush, sculptural foliage.
• Herbs such as basil and rosemary offer both fragrance and structure.
• Colorful vegetables like purple cabbage or rainbow chard add vibrancy.
• Tomatoes, peppers, and eggplants can become bold focal points.
• Strawberries work beautifully as groundcover.

Creative Uses for Edible Plants

Beyond the flowerbeds, there are many other spots in your yard where edible plants can shine. Use them to highlight key areas or mix them into your landscape for an unexpected pop of flavor and color.

Project by: Brisson Paysagiste

Creating edible landscapes is easy—and rewarding. They provide fresh, local, and healthy food all season long, while enhancing your yard with beauty, color, and texture. To design a space that combines aesthetics with sustainable food production, get in touch with a certified Maître Paysagiste today.