Apartment Therapy Re-Nest | Green Around the Corner: An Edible Front Yard

Green Around the Corner: An Edible Front Yard

It's looking like our garden is not going to happen this year, though we have grand plans for a no-dig plot next year, and we are expecting a bumper crop of apples from the tree. But we're living vicariously through a neighbor's garden. Check out this zucchini plant—at least we think that's zucchini!

Those look like beans on the trellis by the front door. There may be a few more edible plants mixed in, but we can't even pretend to know about gardening.

However, we do like how the mix of edible and decorative plants works together to balance the usual expectation of what a front yard should be with a more sustainable idea. It's like a softer, gentler approach to Fritz Haeg's Edible Estates manifesto. We're wondering if this idea might be more appealing to people who are not quite ready to get rid of everything decorative in favor of raising crops.

Comments (3)

Actually, that's probably a pumpkin. Most zucchini plants are more clustered around a central point. And zucchini leaves are usually a bit more pointed instead of the nice round happy pumpkin leaves.

And don't give up on your garden quite yet! I'd still consider getting at least a container herb garden started to keep you inspired through the winter!

posted by muffinman on July 31st 2008 at 2:20pm
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You posted yesterday on Berkeley's paths, right? The one with the photo of the path up to Indian Rock? I grew up in Berkeley, and in my experience it was possible to grow greens and herbs there throughout the year. Then, in Autumn, that's the best time to plant natives -- in time for the wet season.

posted by Eucritta on July 31st 2008 at 3:20pm
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So lovely! I was walking around in this suburban neighborhood and thinking how sterile the grass looked. I know from experience that the edible garden can get a bit scraggly but, gee, so much greener than grass. Some edibles are very attractive - lettuce, kale, amaranth, runner beans... Anyway, it's often good to throw ornamentals in there to mix things up a bit. It confuses the pests and creates a healthy ecosystem.

And yeah, I see a very round fruit on your 'zucchini' there.

posted by whytephoenix on August 4th 2008 at 6:20am
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