Most people think of landscaping as rocks carefully placed, manicured lawns,
and large trees scattered about a property. However, a garden can make a
very attractive addition to any landscape. Whether it is an herb garden
or whether it is a vegetable garden, these features can be just as beautiful
as any other landscape element, and provide added benefits as well. Well
maintained vegetable and herb gardens also provide other benefits: they
are a source of food and can be a source of very pleasing smells.
A herb garden is one of the most common types of edible landscape.
This is because they are very easy to grow, very tolerant of a variety
of climates and conditions, and because they grow rapidly. Additionally,
herbs are more than just tasty. Many of them look very nice, with attractively
shaped leaves and different shades of green that can add a subtle beauty
to the landscape. Not only that, but herbs often smell nice. They can
surround your home with a pleasing perfume that exudes a true sense of “home.”
Many people plant parsley, rosemary, and thyme in their herb gardens,
but there are other herbs that can be planted as well. Cilantro is a
little milder than parsley, and it has a different look. Mint is another
herb that many people do not think to plant, as is lavender. Both of
these herbs look different, and they both give off very nice scents.
Another herb with a very attractive smell is Roman chamomile. Even though
some of these herbs may be less frequently used, it is possible to find
plenty of recipes that use them, and lavender and chamomile are noted
for their usefulness in providing an atmosphere of calm. So even the
scents can be of use. Simple bring them into the house and enjoy the
feelings that accompany the smell.
Vegetable gardens are other edible landscaping devices that can look
very attractive. They, too, can be planted in a variety of climates,
and can be grown in a variety of soils. There are some plants that grow
only in certain regions, but your basic garden fare can be grown almost
anywhere. Just the look of green plants has been shown to be soothing,
and when you grow your own food, it adds another dimension of satisfied
feelings associated with self-confidence and accomplishment. Every vegetable
has its own look to it, and so it is possible to enjoy a variety of different
looks by carefully choosing the plants that you grow. However, you should
choose, first and foremost, plants that you will eat. If you are not
going to eat much squash, avoid planting it. But there are plenty of
vegetables that have very attractive looking plants and even flowers.
Peas have cute little flowers and send up beautiful curly vines. And
there are many species of pepper that look beautiful after the fruit
has arrived, with their yellow, greens, and reds.
When you use herb and vegetable gardens as part of the landscape, there
is no need to plant them all together in one place. Spread them around
the yard. Use tomato plants and squash plants (including pumpkins) can
be used as accents. Herbs make excellent ground cover. Most vegetables
and herbs can be grown very successfully in containers. You can make
a very attractive landscape design if you use flower boxes for your herbs,
and if you use quaint old antique washtubs for things like beans. Pretty
sticks can be decorated to emerge from decorative tins for your peas.
The great thing about growing vegetable and herb gardens as part of
your landscape is the fact that they are edible. They do not cost very
much to plant, and they can save you even more money down the road when
you buy less produce at the grocery store. Additionally, if you have
too much you can always bottle or freeze it for later. Many people use
the excess plants from their gardens as gifts to their neighbors or family
members. There is no reason to relegate herb and vegetable gardens to
some hidden corner of the property, or even to garden in a conventional
way, with large plots. You can add distinction to your yard by using
the unique and inexpensive method of landscaping with herbs and vegetables.
