How to turn your yard into an edible landscape, is not hard at all, and it's very achievable. In times of economical prosperity, it is more convenient to just go to the super-market and pick your preferred fruits and vegetables off the shelf, and go back home and cook them, eat them and enjoy.
Even if the economical situation is not an issue for you to be concerned of, you still might wonder in the back of your mind how were all these fruits and vegetables grown, treated, and handled. What kind of chemical fertilizers, pesticides, fungicides were used in the process of producing them. Not withstanding the fact that in most cases they are imported and are transported long distance, and thus the nutritional value is greatly diminished. There are hardly any vitamins and minerals left in them to benefit you, except for the fiber.
Have you ever thought of the vast grass lawns that you care for and spend significant amounts of money to maintain, by mowing, fertilizing, watering, and so on? Spending money on buying gas, oil, blades and other maintenance parts for your equipment?
Like any serious home owner you are doing your best to maintain your property in mint condition, since for most of us this is probably our most important investment asset. Of course we want to keep it up, with the best quality grass, shrubs, trees and other ornamental plants.
By doing the same thing to keep the property in mint condition, why not planting some fruits and vegetable producing plants, that will actually serve a double purpose by offering the same beauty and quality landscape, as well as edible fruits and vegetables that you and your family will enjoy and benefit from?
A lot of health and economy minded people all over the world are using their back yard, for exactly that purpose: growing their own fruits, berries and vegetables, for a better and healthier life style.
You can do that in both, front yard and back yard. Instead of spending your money on ornamental trees, shrubs, and grass maintenance, you can spend your time and money on some fruit trees, berry bushes, and vegetable seeds. On most of these the investment is just one time and not too expensive, and you will be able to harvest year after year from the same fruit trees and berry bushes.
Just think of the best fruits that you love the most, like apple, plum, peach, apricot, cherry, nectarines, persimmon, fig, and any other fruit trees. The list could be very long, but just think of some that grow well in your area, and you like the most. Also blueberry, blackberry, elderberry, raspberry bushes, etc.
The trees can be planted in an orchard or along the fence, or as focal points in different places in your unique landscape. The berry bushes can be planted in group planting, along the driveway, or along a walkway, along the fence, or anywhere you please, as long as it looks good and is convenient for you.
Choose a nice sunny spot in you yard, and plant your vegetable garden, making sure that it gets as much full sun as possible. Also make sure that it is close enough to a water spigot for easy watering when it's not raining.
With some careful planning, and before long you'll have a nice and beautiful edible landscape. It is not hard at all, and you can do it. In the spring your fruit trees will reward you with a beautiful display of blooms, and green fresh new leaves, as everything comes to life in nature. The whole nature is speaking of the resurrection every spring. Then in the summer and autumn, you will be enjoying the freshest, healthiest and full of vitamin and minerals fruits, that can never be beat by the ones you purchase in the supermarkets with your hard earned money! There's no way. It cannot get fresher than what you pick with your own hand, from your own edible landscape.
The same with all the berry plants, and your vegetable garden. You can still have your preferred ornamental shrubs and trees, hardscapes, night lighting, statuary, lawn furniture, and enjoy your little paradise to the maximum it can offer.
By applying these concepts of edible landscaping, you'll be pleasantly surprised to find out that the value of your property, will increase even more. The image will become richer, more abundant in every way. You worked hard to improve your property, why not try this new approach, for your own good.
I love fig trees, they are easy to grow, and once grown, they are basically care free. So are most of the fruit trees, except for some yearly pruning, organic fertilization, and mulching. Every little effort is worth it, considering the benefits they offer. The fig tree is just an example, but there are endless possibilities to think of, when choosing the fruit trees that you would like to have the most.
As for an economical consideration, far be it to get pessimistic, we always must be optimistic, and believe in yourself that you are more then able to achieve what you put your mind to, but at the same time, considering the actual economic situation we face today, it's a good idea to be prepared and to cut the grocery bill as much as possible. Become self sufficient and at the same time live a prosperous, vibrant and healthy life, enjoying the benefits of nature, and exercising in the outdoors for a better living.
The edible landscaping is a source of fresh fruits and vegetables as well as convenience and freedom. Live well and healthy. Start turning your yard into an edible landscaping today.
Mike Borlovan
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