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I can not think of an edible plant that is not also ornamental. One of my ideal gardens is a front yard in the style of an old-fashioned formal orchard with a grid of edible fruit trees in place of a lawn, under-planted with spring-flowering bulbs and wildflowers.
It has an entrance path bordered by Lavender or Rosemary hedges, with espaliered Apples and Figs against the house for summer cooling. A loggia or arbor is covered with Grapes or Kiwi vines. Evergreen screens are either Dwarf Olive, Pineapple Guava, Loquat or Citrus. Surrounding the rear patio area is a mix of herbs, lots of scented Geraniums, and fragrant, drought tolerant blooming perennials.
The vegetable garden is just beyond within an ornamental wire and post fence, so that deer and other animals are free to pass by the garden without doing much damage. The fence may be fronted by a pomegranate hedge to further discourage deer from jumping over.
The keys to an environmental and sensual garden are creativity and planning. Let your dreams inspire your labors and both garden and table will be abundant and full of life! |