How would you like to have a beautiful garden that also produced food for your family? Think about it—food prices are up, land is sitting there begging to be used, there’s a huge resurgence in veggie gardening and many people are interested in eating more locally grown food because of peak oil. The logical conclusion is to take veggie gardening to the next level and make your landscape edible.
The cutting edge of landscaping right now is making more out of every single bit of land by planting edibles. You can go whole hog (pun intended) and plant your entire landscape with edibles or plant just a few veggies among your ornamentals. Either way, you’ll be doing yourself and your family a favor.
So what’s an edible landscape? Think fruit and nut trees, berry bushes, vegetables, herbs and edible flowers!
And what would you get out of the effort you extend? Just the freshness and exquisite flavor of nuts, fruits, herbs and vegetables from your home garden, food grown without pesticides and herbicides, food security for your family, savings on grocery bills, different fruits and veggies not available in stores--and last but not least—the pleasure of being outside, communing with nature and having fun.
And here's another great idea--make it a family project! It's an opportunity to teach your kids where food actually comes from.
For more info, go to Edible Landscaping and NGA’s Edible Gardening site. Check this list of edible plants and trees. Or (if you live in Delaware County) call our Delco Master Gardener hortline at 610-690-2671
Do you have a gardening question? In Delaware County, call our Master Gardeners hortline at 610-690-2671 on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9 AM-12 NOON.
UPCOMING MASTER GARDENERS EVENTS
January 10, 2009
Plants by Mail
Mail order is an excellent way to purchase varieties of both common and unusual plants. There are many new web sites and plant catalogs that will make you a better gardener, all from the warmth of your home. Cost: $10.
The Garden Series at Haverford Township Adult School
A collection of one night classes for both the indoor and outdoor garden. Classes taught by Delaware County Master Gardeners. Take one, two or all five– and save. For more information, go to Haverford Adult School or call 610-446-8022.
Registration required for all events. Please call 610-690-2655 for more information or visit our web site for a registration form.
