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Edible Landscaping -- Plants That Are Edible

Sometimes you get a 2-for-1: landscape plants that look good and provide you with edible landscaping, too! So it is with, e.g., blueberry bushes and fruit trees. Other times, you simply conclude that landscaping should be practical, and you decide to plant edible landscaping as a matter of principle. And yet other times, nature dumps edible landscaping in your lap: edible "weeds."
Apple Trees - Pruning and Selection
Learn all about apple trees, including how they can be employed in a design for edible landscaping. Tips on selecting apple trees is followed by information on apple tree care, which includes pruning apple trees. Qualities of different varieties discussed, including their taste and the climate zones in which they thrive.
Weeds That Are Edible Plants
In the case of some weeds, the most efficient and effective control measure is simply to consider them part of your edible landscaping. Find out about some of the weeds that qualify as edible plants.
Dandelion Greens
Love 'em or hate 'em, this article about dandelions is for you. The first page is dedicated to those who have pledged an eternal war on dandelions. If you're not one of those folks, just click on to Page 2, where I discuss the dandelion as a component of edible landscaping. That's right: all parts of the dandelion plant are edible! So why fight it? Keep it as edible landscaping!
Hickory Trees
Don't try cracking the husk of hickory nuts prematurely, unless you're a glutton for hard work. Rather, wait for the fruit of hickory nut trees to ripen, first. For more tips, consult the full article on hickory trees by clicking the link above.
Purslane for Edible Landscaping
Edible landscaping with purslane, a common lawn and garden "weed." Purslane's use as a gourmet food is discussed, supplemented by a recipe link. And purslane's health benefits are detailed as well. Think twice before killing this edible landscaping weed!
Companion Planting With Edible Landscaping
Centuries before books came to be written on "companion planting," the Iroquois and other pre-Columbian denizens of North America were practicing a version of it. Learn how their techniques improved the soil and obviated conventional mulching. Consider trying it in your own edible landscaping themes.
Edible Landscaping With Flowers
Marie Iannotti, About's Gardening Guide, tells us that, in addition to their good looks, pansies and other flowers are candidates for edible landscaping, providing an excellent garnish.
Timetable for Harvesting Fruits From Fruit Trees
You have to love edible landscaping. While, growing a few fruit trees will never refute the saying, “Money doesn’t grow on trees,” any savings you derive from vegetables, fruiting bushes and fruit trees is a nice complement to the aesthetic value they offer. Vanessa Richins, About’s Trees and Shrubs Guide, tells us when to harvest fruits from fruit trees and fruiting bushes in this handy article.
Spacing for Apple Trees, Other Edible Landscaping Tips
This is Part I of a two-part article on the care of fruit trees, a fine component of edible landscaping. It begins with general considerations for planting fruit trees and culminates in a table detailing how much space different types of fruit trees require. Apple trees, for instance, need to be spaced at 25' intervals. Part II (see link below) treats of chilling requirements.
Edible Landscaping Tips - Chilling for Apples Trees
Part II of an article on the care of fruit trees, providing a table with examples of chilling requirements for the production of various fruit trees, including apple trees. Apple trees, a staple of edible landscaping, need 300-1200 hrs. of chilling. Fruit trees can increase the real estate value of your property, because they're both attractive and functional.
Blueberries - Versatile Edible Landscaping
An Iowa State University Extension article. Information on drainage, sun and pH requirements for blueberries. Includes method and timing for planting, plus mulching, spacing and pruning considerations. Blueberry bushes provide both edible landscaping and fall foliage color.
Visit Greenwood Nursery for Edible Landscaping Tips
Greenwood Nursery supplies top quality plants for edible landscaping wholesale to the public. Their inventory of inexpensive edible landscaping plants includes both ornamental trees and fruit trees, as well as bushes. They're also a resource for gardening products and landscaping tips. Whether it's buying apple trees or learning about pruning them, the Greenwood Nursery site is worth a visit.

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