Why Do Edible Landscaping?
With so many other gorgeous ornamental plants out there, (I’m looking at you, hydrangea!), why focus on edible landscaping?
First of all, because it's unbelievably fulfilling.
Do you know how intoxicating it is to just trounce into your very own backyard and eat raspberries to your heart's content? Or watch your toddler race to a fruit tree to see if "his" plums are ripe yet? I'm not gonna lie - that, on its own, is a pretty solid reason to choose edible landscaping.
But beyond the emotional satisfaction, there are also some very practical reasons it’s a great idea.
You Get to Grow What You Actually Want
Having edible plants in your backyard allows you to curate what you want to grow based on your preferences - your cooking habits, eating patterns, and your lifestyle.
Instead of growing what ships well or stores wells, you grow what you enjoy eating.
Environmentally Friendly
Before you get your panties in a bunch, I'm not completely hating on lawns. I don't personally get the appeal, but I know that many people do (cough cough, my husband). Lawns are great for running around, watching kids play soccer, and all that good stuff.
But outside of that? They're kind of...boring. And they require a lot of upkeep! I have sooooo many things I'd rather do with my time rather than mow our lawn. So many. Add in the emissions from the mower, the monoculture of just having one type of grass, and the chemicals that are sometimes used to keep them weed-free, and you're looking at an environmental blight.
By incorporating edible landscaping, you naturally reduce how much lawn you need to maintain.
Even adding a few edible plants increases biodiversity to your yard, which can improve soil health, attract pollinators, and support local wildlife. You don’t have to overhaul your entire property for this to matter.
Foodie Bliss
Food doesn't get any fresher than your own backyard - and for anyone who enjoys cooking, that’s incredibly appealing.
Imagine craving pesto and, instead of running to WalMart, you walk outside and grab a few bunches of basil to whip up a homemade batch. Not even comparable to store-bought.
Growing your own food also gives you access to varieties you simply won't find in the grocery store. We have a few types of raspberries (Double Gold and Anne Yellow) that are sweet, delicious, and productive, but they're also VERY soft, which makes them a poor choice to be shipped commercially.
The same goes for other, less well-known fruits - when's the last time you saw gooseberries or white currants in the store?
And let me be clear - those were some of our biggest hits last year with the toddler crowd. :)
Aesthetics
One of the biggest misconceptions about edible landscaping is that it can’t look good.
In reality, the sky is the limit.
If you want to have trellised rows of berries up and down your yard, you can absolutely do that.
If, however, you prefer to keep a more "traditional" looking yard, that's also doable. You're simply swapping out traditional ornamental plants for ones that you can actually eat.
Many edible plants are genuinely beautiful landscaping plants. Blueberries, for example, have lush, glossy green foliage in summer that turns a blazing yellow-orange early in the fall, before settling into a deep burgundy color.
And this doesn't have to be all or nothing.
If you love your hydrangeas, keep them. Edible landscaping can exist alongside traditional perennials - and often looks best that way.
Sustainability (The Practical Kind)
This is worth saying out loud: edible landscaping isn’t just for people trying to live off-grid.
From a practical standpoint, growing some food at home reduces reliance on long supply chains and builds a little resilience into everyday life. You don’t have to be self-sufficient for this to be meaningful.
Edible landscaping is sustainability without the pressure.
Economic Value (Just Not the Way People Usually Promise)
Edible landscaping is often sold as a way to save money on groceries. After more than a decade of doing this, I’m skeptical - especially if you have kids.
Where the real economic value shows up is in your property.
Thoughtfully designed landscaping always adds appeal. Landscaping that’s productive, attractive, and environmentally sound adds another layer of value. It signals care, planning, and longevity.
Healthier Habits
When healthy food is growing right outside your door, it becomes easier to make better food choices.
Some of my favorite summer evenings involve slowly meandering through the yard, casually snacking on fruits and veggies as we go. It’s relaxing, grounding, and practical. It also gives us a sense of what’s ready to harvest - and how to plan meals around what’s abundant.
With all of these great advantages, it’s hard to say which has the most impact - it’s truly about what is most important to you and your yard.