Edible plants for any garden
At Nelson Thomas Landscape Architects, we regularly incorporate at least a couple of perennial plants into our residential landscape designs which are easy to care for and edible. We do this for multiple reasons, the first of which is that these particular plants are hardy and reliable, especially for Sydney gardens, but also beyond. They blend in beautifully when layering contrasting foliage, and are suitable to use in a variety of different styles of gardens. We find it is also a gentle way for our clients to engage with their garden, even if they are not endowed with green thumbs.
Some of our go-to favorite edible perennials, which would work in just about any garden, include the following shrub, dwarf specimen tree and ground cover:
Rosemary — Rosmarinus officinalis
Rosemary has the habit of a small to medium size shrub, but also is available in a weeping ‘Prostrate’ cultivar which makes it a great option for rooftop or balcony planter gardens, as it will spill over and soften the built form. Native to the Mediterranean region, Rosemary is drought tolerant with fragrant evergreen needle-like leaves. It can have purple, blue, pink or even white flowers, attractive to bees and butterflies. Thriving in hot, sunny locations, it can tolerate salt spray and is hardy down to -15°C. It prefers well drained, light, alkaline soils but also grows well in stony, calcareous soils. Rosemary is commonly used in cooking to flavour meats and vegetables, and can even be brewed as a tea.
Some plants to combine in a bed with Rosmarinus officinalis include Lavandula ‘Ghostly Princess’, Rhodanthe anthemoides, Anigozanthos ‘Cross of Gold’, Phoenix roebelenii and Limonium perezii.
Lime Tree — Citrus X latifolia
The Tahitian Lime tree is a great pick as a dwarf specimen tree, either in the ground or in a large pot. It has glossy vibrant green leaves, fragrant flowers, next to no thorns and juicy, green, seedless fruits that have a wide application in the kitchen. These trees like full sun and free draining sandy-loam soils kept moist. It fruits from Autumn to Spring and can tolerate light frosts once established, and is otherwise suited to most climates. Too easy! Lime juice is great paired with avocado, meats, in deserts and in drinks (Margaritas!)
Plants which we have combined with Citrus X latifolia includes: Gaura Lindheimeri, Poa labillardieri, Echium fastuosum, Rosmarinus officinalis and Westringia longifolia.
Native Violets — Viola banksii
Native Violets are a brilliant ground cover for light to heavily shaded areas, such as under trees and atrium gardens. Its evergreen, creeping habit makes it a great option for in between and around steppers along the shady side passage of a house or atrium garden. It can even be used as a lawn substitute if the foot traffic is light. This sweet little plant has delicate white and purple flowers which may be plucked and added to salads, and bright, fresh green leaves. Native Violet is adaptable to different soils, as long as it is moist.
We have combined Viola banksii with Alocasia macrorrhiza, Blechnum cartilagineum, Neomarica gracilis, Ficus lyrata and Alpinia nutans.
RELATED PROJECTS
Barefoot House
Greenwich House
Perennial Home