At first, “edible landscaping” may sound odd, but think of citrus trees. Lovely, evergreen trees, with striking glossy green foliage. The bonus is the delicious and nutritious fruit for your consumption. This is one form of edible landscaping.

Then there is full-tilt, all-out, “balls-to-the-wall” edible landscaping.  Botanist mentor and dear friend Richard S. Felger (of blessed memory) planted a vegetable garden in his front yard back in the 1980’s. He lived in a very posh neighborhood at the time and he shocked some neighbors, amused others, and had several people follow his lead.

Since many of my readers live in communities with HOA’s and a host of laws against using your front yard as you see fit, I would like to suggest some lovely landscape plants that are generally accepted in all neighborhoods.

Live Presentation?

I have a nice powerpoint presentation = Easy & Edible Home Landscape Plants. I have it “in the can” – and all ready to share, complete with a plant list.  Let me know below in the comments if you would like me to come and speak to your group.

Start With Herbs

Rosemary

Robust rosemary is widely planted throughout the Southwest, as it thrives in our arid climate, and even in the cooler elevations. How many of my readers remember that it is an herb? Commonly found in Italian dishes, rosemary adds piquant flavor to many foods. It can be used fresh or dried, or turned into an herbal salt – which is something for Savor the Southwest, another site I write for.

Germander

Gorgeous germander is great if you get tired of seeing rosemary everywhere, and it is just as drought tolerant. Creeping germander is a low ground cover with glossy evergreen leaves. Bush germander is taller, and comes with silvery leaves or glossy green ones. Bush germander only survives with good drainage. Use any germander in cooking just like you would use rosemary.

Laurel

Lovely Laurel. True laurel is the source of bay leaves and a beautiful evergreen tree. Slow growing, it is good for small yards, or even containers. Protect from frost when young. The leaves are best dried before using. They can be harvested any time but are best in spring.

Garlic Chives

Green and garlic-y, garlic chives have narrow, bright green edible leaves. The leaves are edible, not the roots.  Best of all, the leaves are green (and tasty) all year. Cut a few leaves any time for salads, egg dishes, or anywhere you want a mild garlic flavor.  There are so many ways to enjoy garlic chives. Globes of tiny flowers are also edible (edible flowers on Savor the Southwest). Looking like a short, skinny daylily plant, it adds a waterfall of green to any low-water landscape.

Meet Some Greeks

Oregano and marjoram are kissing cousins from the dry rocky hills of Greece. Both make an excellent groundcover, especially between the stones of a flagstone path. Your nostrils will be filled with the scent of oregano as you use the path. Or cut some and toss it in your next pot of spaghetti sauce.  More ways to use oregano.

But Wait – There’s More

Let’s not forget our local desert plants – but let’s also save them for another day. Then there is the of edible flowers from the landscape. So many choices! Also have to wait for another day.

Some Herbs that will Grow Here:

The last few copies of this out-of-print award winning Southwestern book are now for sale. Father Kino’s Herbs: Growing and Using Them Today   The review says:

“Award-winning garden writer Dr. Jacqueline A. Soule has pulled together a fascinating book on the life of Father Eusebio Francisco Kino and some of the plants that he brought to Southern Arizona and northwestern Sonora, and area called the Pimeria Alta.”

This link is to our sales site. The profits from the sale go to the local Horticulture Therapy non-profit Tierra del Sol Institute.  We hope you will help support this great Southwest non-profit!

Legal Notes

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Disclaimer

The authors of this website have researched the edibility of the materials we discuss, however, humans vary in their ability to tolerate different foods, drinks, and herbs. Individuals consuming flowers, plants, animals or derivatives mentioned in this blog do so entirely at their own risk. The authors on this site cannot be held responsible for any adverse reaction. In case of doubt please consult your medical practitioner.