Flowers = fruit
It is that time of the year when we start thinking about planting for the spring. Why can’t we enjoy the fruit of our shrubs and trees? Why do we hide our veggies behind the garage? There are lots to choose from and most of them need the same amount of care as standard landscape plants. when we plant color plants in the spring, we expect them to last 3 or 4 months. In the same amount of time, you can grow a spectacular crop of lettuce. They come in all shapes, sizes and colors. When it gets hot, harvest them and move on to peppers. Those red, orange and yellow globe fruit are beautiful and heat tolerant. Need a border plant for full sun? Thyme is not only yummy but is a beautiful, drought tolerant perennial. How about a hedge that has white flowers in the spring, blue-tinted foliage that turns purple in the winter. Blueberries fill the bill.
Mix it up
If you love mixed planting in pots, add a herb or 2. Many have great textures and will flower. Slip a rosemary into a trouble spot, it just may be what mother nature wanted. How about that spot that gets full sun, where everything else has failed? Did you know that okra is a member of the hibiscus family and has lovely flowers? The chances to drop an edible into the landscape is amazing. If you like butterflies, put in some dill and fennel. They keep coming back and their soft, willowy foliage adds great texture and movement to the garden…and the butterflies might share some with you. Need an evergreen tree to block the view of that nosy new neighbor? Citrus can work in that situation.
Family friendly
Since I started the herb garden at home in a few old pots, last spring, my kids are eating a wider variety of food and more willing to try new ones. Our edible garden is now about 200 square feet. Just yesterday my teenager (of her own free will and without being asked) went out to the garden, harvested several different kinds of lettuce and greens, then made a salad for lunch. Why didn’t I do this years ago? All I do is announce that I am going to the garden and my pre-teen is putting her shoes on to come help. She even knows what to do if I tell her I am making herb potatoes for dinner. How great is that?
It doesn’t need to be big or fancy. There are no rules. Buy what you like and find a spot. One will lead to another. Before you know it, your oregano is best buddies with the purple fountain grass and your pomegranate tree is making shade for your impatiens. All the while, you can be eating your yard and telling your friends that you grew it yourself. They will think you’re a garden god(dess) and start asking advice, just smile and tell them “It all started with….”.