Eat Your Garden: Our Favourite Plants For Edible Landscaping

It’s been decades since vegetables were relegated to a fenced-off backyard veggie patch. And it’s no longer uncommon to find edible plants placed front-and-centre in boulevard gardens and front borders. This practice—of blending edible and ornamental plants in an aesthetically pleasing and sustainable way—is known as edible landscaping. In this post, we’ll show you how it’s done, guiding you through the principles of and our favourite plants for edible landscaping.

What is an Edible Landscape?

A decorative container holds eggplant, sweet potato vine and tradescantia against a backdrop of an espaliered apple tree.

An edible landscape integrates food-producing plants into ornamental garden designs. This approach merges the traditional beauty of landscaping with the practicality and joy of growing your own food. The result is a garden that not only looks stunning but also provides fresh, homegrown produce.

An example of an urban edible landscape might include a couple of small fruit trees such as espaliered or columnar apples, perennial berry shrubs such as blueberries or currents, and a mix of larger annuals with attractive features such as eggplant and pepper. Ground covers could take the form or strawberries or thyme, and even vines could be edible when kiwi, pole beans, or snap peas are used. Edible landscapes can also be created in—or supplemented by—containers.

Benefits of an edible landscape

• Aesthetic appeal: Edible landscape design follows similar principles to ornamental garden design. Edible plants can be just as beautiful as ornamental ones. Colour can be introduced through the vibrant reds of cherry tomatoes, the lush greens of lettuce, or the striking purples of eggplant. Interest can be maintained by combining different leaf forms and textures, and by layering plants of different heights.
• Space saving: By landscaping with edible plants, you’ve fit two gardens into one.
• Sustainability: Growing your own food can reduce your dependence on imported and conventionally grown produce.
• Health and wellness: Freshly harvested fruits and vegetables are rich in nutrients—and, as we all know—gardening is good for the soul!
• Biodiversity: Edible plants attract a variety of pollinators and beneficial insects, enhancing the ecological health of your garden.

Incorporating edibles into an existing ornamental garden

If you already have an ornamental garden, you don’t need to start from scratch. Here are some tips on how to seamlessly blend edible plants into your existing landscape:

Shade tolerant Astrantia major and Lacinato kale grow alongside potatoes in a garden bed.

1. Start small

Begin by introducing a few attractive edible plants into your garden beds. Perennial herbs like rosemary and thyme are great for this as they are both attractive to us and pollinators, as well as useful in the kitchen. Leafy greens like kale or Swiss chard, planted in small clusters, could add texture and colour.

2. Use edibles as border and ground cover plants

Edible plants can serve as wonderful border or ground cover plants. For instance, low-growing herbs like oregano and thyme work along the edges of beds either as a ground cover or border. Strawberries are another great option, as they form a lush green carpet and produce delicious fruits.

3. Mix edibles with ornamentals

Blend edibles and ornamentals in the same bed for a diverse and visually appealing garden. For example, plant colourful lettuce varieties among your flowers, or grow climbing beans on an ornamental trellis.

4. Incorporate fruit trees and shrubs

Fruit trees and shrubs can be integrated into your garden design as focal points or background plants. Dwarf varieties of fruit trees such as apple, pear, or cherry can fit into smaller spaces and still produce a bountiful harvest. Blueberry, gooseberry, current, and rosemary form larger shrubs that can easily meld into existing gardens.

Designing an edible landscape from scratch

If you’re starting fresh, designing an edible landscape from the ground up allows for greater creativity and customization. Here’s how to get started:

1. Plan your layout

Consider the layout of your garden space and how you can maximize both beauty and productivity. Think about the sun exposure, soil type, and water availability, as these factors strongly influence what you can grow.

• Zones and microclimates: Identify different zones in your garden based on sun and wind exposure, and plan accordingly. For example, plant sun-loving vegetables like tomatoes and peppers in the sunniest spots.
• Pathways and access: Design wide pathways for easy access to all parts of your garden. This will make maintenance and harvesting more convenient.

2. Choose a variety of plants

Beginning with trees and working your way down to the smallest plants in your garden plan, select a mix of trees, shrubs, perennials, ground covers, and annuals to create a diverse and resilient ecosystem. See our recommendations below.

3. Implement companion planting

Companion planting involves growing certain plants together to enhance growth and deter pests. For example, planting marigolds with tomatoes can help repel nematodes, while beans can fix nitrogen in the soil, benefiting nearby plants.

4. Focus on soil health

Healthy soil is the foundation of a successful landscape (edible or otherwise). Incorporate organic matter like compost to improve soil structure and fertility. Mulching helps retain moisture and suppress weeds.

Sugar snap peas can be grown up a trellis. Shorter varieties can trail over the edge of containers.

5. Incorporate vertical gardening

Maximize space by growing plants vertically. Use trellises, arbors, and fences to support climbing plants like beans, peas, and cucumbers. Vertical gardening not only saves space but also adds visual interest.

Our favourite plants for edible landscaping

Everyone’s definition of what makes an attractive landscape plant varies. We favour those with multiple seasons of interest, interesting foliage or vibrant colour. Here are some our favourite edible plants that are perfect for landscaping.

Fruit trees for edible landscaping

As long as there’s sun, even the smallest garden has room for a fruit tree. Here are our top recommendations for fruit trees to grow in the Metro Vancouver area.

Espaliered apple trees beautify a blank garage.

Apple (Malus domestica)

Dwarf apple trees are compact and ideal for small gardens. They produce beautiful, fragrant blossoms in spring and a variety of delicious apples in the fall. In our region, they are not prone to disease.

Care: Plant in full sun with well-drained soil (or grow in a large container). Prune annually to maintain shape and encourage fruit production. See our article on apple trees for small spaces for more info.

Pear (Pyrus communis)

Like apples, pear trees offer beautiful spring blooms and sweet, juicy fruits. They can be grown as standard trees or espaliered against a wall. Choose an Asian pear variety for something a little more unusual.

Care: Plant in full sun and well-drained soil. Prune to maintain an open canopy for better air circulation.

Fig (Ficus carica)

With their broad, iconic leaves and sweet fruits, fig trees make an attractive specimen tree for the garden.

Care: Plant in full sun and well-drained soil. Mulch heavily to protect from frost, or grow in a container and move to a protected location over the winter.

Citrus (Citrus spp.)

Citrus, such as this Meyer lemon, offer beautiful fragrance when in bloom

Moderately hardy in our climate, citrus are small trees that are classified as either acid or sweet, depending on the fruit they produce. In Vancouver’s mild coastal climate, acid citrus (like lemons, limes, and yuzu) are the better choice for outdoor growing. Generally more well suited to cooler climates, they can be grown in containers and brought indoors for the winter, or in ground in a sheltered location where they can be offered additional winter protection. Sweet citrus such as orange or grapefruit need the protection of a greenhouse.

Care: Plant in a sheltered, sunny location, preferably against a south or west wall, for extra warmth and protection. Provide winter protection in the form of mulch and frost-protection fabric, or grow in containers and move to a protected location. Use a complete citrus fertilizer during spring and summer when the tree is actively growing and fruiting. Inspect regularly for pests like scale, whiteflies or spider mites. 

Shrubs for edible landscaping

Shrubs are the backbone of the edible garden, retaining their structure all through the winter.

Blueberry (Vaccinium spp.)

Blueberries offer a range of colour while ripening.

Blueberries are attractive shrubs with glossy green leaves, white or pink spring flowers, and tasty blue fruits. They also provide stunning fall colour and new spring growth. Better yet: they love Vancouver’s naturally acidic soil. Every edible landscape needs blueberry shrubs. 4-6 ft tall and 2-3 ft wide.

Care: Require acidic soil (pH 4.5-5.5) and full to part sun. Mulch to keep roots cool and moist. During late winter or early spring (January-March) when they are fully dormant, selectively prune older stems to the ground to encourage new growth.

Raspberry (Rubus idaeus)

While they do require sturdy supports and are not the most attractive plants, raspberries are great for creating edible hedges. Grow them at a sunny edge of your property as they are not much to look at during winter. 5-8 ft tall by 2 ft wide (per cane).

Care: Plant in full sun with well-drained soil. Best grown with strong vertical supports to corral them. If you have a summer-bearing variety, prune old fruiting canes in fall or late winter. Everbearing varieties can be pruned in late winter, cutting all canes to the ground.

Haskap (Lonicera caerulea)

Haskap, also known as honeyberry, is a hardy deciduous shrub with sweet blue berries. They have a unique, sweet-tart flavour reminiscent of blueberries with notes of blackberry and grape. Haskap requires cross-pollination from another variety to ensure good fruit production. They make a great hedge. 4-8 ft tall by 4-5 ft wide.

Care: Generally easy to grow, haskap prefers full sun and rich soil. Prune in late winter while the plant is still dormant.

Gooseberry (Ribes uva-crispa)

Gooseberries are small, thorny shrubs that produce tart, juicy berries in green, red, or purple. They’re great for fresh eating, baking, or preserves. 3–5 ft tall and wide.

Care: Plant in full sun to partial shade in moist, well-drained soil. Prune to maintain airflow and shape. Protect from powdery mildew and birds.

Currant (Ribes rubrum, Ribes nigrum)

Currants are compact shrubs that yield clusters of red, white, or black berries. They’re excellent for jellies, juices, and attracting pollinators. 3–6 ft tall and wide, depending on species and variety.

Care: Grow in full sun to light shade. Water during dry spells and prune annually to encourage new fruiting wood and good air circulation.

Thimbleberry (Rubus parviflorus)

Thimbleberry foliage resembles soft maple leaves.

This BC native, related to raspberries and blackberries, is known for its large, maple-like leaves and unique thimble-shaped, red berries. Thicket forming and growing up to 6 feet tall, Thimbleberry has white flowers in clusters that bloom in late spring to mid-summer. The berries can be eaten fresh or preserved.

Salmonberry (Rubus spectabilis)

Native to the Pacific Northwest, Salmonberry is characterized by its bright pink flowers and edible fruits, which change from yellow to red. Salmonberries are a tall deciduous shrub, growing up to 12 feet tall. Their juicy fruits are delicious fresh or preserved. 

Rosemary (Rosemarinus officinalis)

This fragrant, evergreen shrub is not only useful in the kitchen, it’s also known for its medicinal properties. Drought tolerant and easy to grow in sunny spots, rosemary is hardy to just below freezing and needs to be protected in harsh winters. 2-6 ft tall and up to 4 ft wide, depending on variety.

Care: Plant in full sun with well-drained soil. Grow in a container and move to a protected location over the winter months.

Golden sage is featured in an ornamental window box

Sage (Salvia spp.)

Another attractive evergreen herb, sage comes in a variety of colours, from the grey-green of common sage (Salvia officinalis) to the gold-variegated leaves of golden sage (Salvia officinalis ‘Icterina’) and the dusky-purple, white, and green foliage of tricolor sage (Salvia officinalis ‘Tricolor’).

Care: Plant in full sun with well-drained soil. Harvest regularly to encourage bushiness.

Large perennials and vines for edible landscaping

Asparagus (Asparagus officinalis)

Asparagus is a long-lived perennial that produces tender spears in spring. The fern-like foliage adds texture to the garden. Plant against a fence or other dedicated site, and wait three years before harvesting to allow the plant to establish itself.

Care: Plant in full sun with well-drained soil. Allow the foliage to grow and die back naturally each year to nourish the roots.

Artichoke (Cynara scolymus)

Artichokes are large, architectural plants grown for their edible flower buds.

A striking tender perennial grown as an annual in colder climates, the artichoke features silvery, deeply lobed leaves and tall, architectural flower stalks topped with edible flower buds. Use artichokes as a focal point in mixed ornamental-edible borders or in large containers with good drainage and at least 15 gallons of soil volume.

Care: Prefers full sun and rich, well-drained soil. Needs consistent moisture, especially as buds develop. In our climate, artichokes can be overwintered with a thick layer of mulch and a protective covering.

Grape (Vitis vinifera / Vitis labrusca)

Grapes are vigorous, deciduous vines that offer lush foliage and sweet or tart clusters of fruit in late summer to fall. Their leaves turn golden in autumn, adding seasonal interest. With proper training, they can be grown on arbors, pergolas, fences, or trellises to create living shade structures or privacy screens. Excellent for vertical interest and edible shade. Can be trained into decorative forms like espaliers or arches for formal or cottage-style gardens.

Care: Plant in full sun and deep, well-drained soil. Prune annually during dormancy to encourage fruiting and maintain structure. Provide a sturdy support system. Grapes benefit from good airflow to prevent mildew.

Hardy Kiwi (Actinidia arguta)

Hardy kiwis are fast-growing deciduous vines with small, smooth-skinned fruits that are sweeter than their larger, fuzzy cousins. They are highly ornamental, producing fragrant white flowers in early summer and offering vigorous growth that can quickly cover a pergola or trellis. Ensure you buy both a female and male plant to ensure cross-pollination, or look for a self-fertile variety such as ‘Issai.’ Ideal for quick vertical coverage in edible landscapes as long as strong supports are provided; their foliage provides dense summer shade.

Care: Full sun to part shade, with fertile, moist, and well-drained soil. Needs strong support and space to sprawl. Prune regularly to manage growth and improve fruit yield.

Rhubarb (Rheum rhabarbarum)

Rhubarb has large, dramatic leaves and bright red stalks that are tart and delicious when cooked. Its bold leaves make a wonderful focal point in an ornamental border.

Care: Plant in full sun or partial shade with rich, well-drained soil. Harvest stalks by twisting them at the base.

Ground covers and low-growing plants for edible landscaping

Some strawberry plants, such as this everbearing rose variety, offer pink blooms.

Strawberry (Fragaria spp.)

Strawberries spread quickly and produce sweet red fruits. They are excellent as a ground cover or in hanging baskets. Alpine strawberries can tolerate less sun than Fragaria vesca.

Care: Plant in full sun with well-drained soil. Mulch to keep fruits clean and deter pests.

Thyme (Thymus spp.)

This low-growing, small-leafed herb forms a tidy mound and produces tiny white flowers. It attracts bees and other beneficials.

Care: Plant in full sun with well-drained soil. Drought-tolerant and requires minimal maintenance.

Oregano (Origanum vulgare)

This fragrant culinary herb tolerates less sun than most Mediterranean plants. It forms creeping mounds and can self-seed throughout the garden.

Care: Plant in full sun or part shade. Drought-tolerant and requires minimal maintenance.

Annuals for edible landscaping

Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum)

Tomatoes are versatile and come in many colours and sizes. They can be grown in beds, containers, or, for dwarf types like ‘Tumbler,’ hanging baskets.

Care: Plant in full sun with rich, well-drained soil. Support vining (indeterminate) types with stakes or cages. Water and fertilize regularly.

Basil (Ocimum basilicum)

Basil is a fragrant warm-season herb with bright green leaves. It’s perfect for culinary use and companion planting.

Care: Wait until nights are above 10°c to plant outdoors. Grow in full sun and well-drained soil. Pinch back regularly to encourage bushy growth and prevent flowering.

Eggplant makes an attractive edible plant for containers or garden beds.

Eggplant (Solanum melongena)

Eggplants produce glossy, purple (or sometimes white or striped) fruits and add ornamental appeal to garden beds. Their tropical-looking leaves and tidy growth habit make them a star in the edible landscaping world.

Care: Plant in full sun in fertile, well-drained soil. Provide warmth, consistent watering, and support for heavy fruit.

Peppers (Capsicum spp.)

Peppers come in a range of shapes, colours, and heat levels. Both sweet and hot varieties make colourful additions to edible landscapes. These are tidy, well-behaved plants that easily integrate into ornamental beds.

Care: Grow in full sun with well-draining soil. Water consistently and support taller varieties as needed.

Dill (Anethum graveolens)

Dill has feathery foliage and umbrella-like flower heads that attract pollinators. Both leaves and seeds are edible. It would look right at home in a meadow-inspired planting.

Care: Plant in full sun and well-drained soil. Allow some plants to flower and set seed for continuous harvest or reseeding.

Peas (Pisum sativum)

Peas are cool-season annuals with delicate vines and tendrils. Both the pods and shoots are edible. They quickly cover a trellis, adding appeal with their pretty white or purple blooms. 

Care: Grow in full sun to partial shade. Provide a trellis for climbing varieties and keep soil evenly moist.

Scarlet runner beans climb attached poles to create a kids’ play space.

Beans (Phaseolus vulgaris)

Beans are easy to grow and come in bush and pole types. Their flowers attract pollinators, and their pods add texture to the garden. Pole beans can be grown up stakes placed in teepee form to create a wonderful hideaway for children.

Care: Plant in full sun with well-drained soil. Water regularly and provide support for pole varieties.

Squashes (Cucurbita spp.)

Squashes, including zucchini and pumpkins, have appealing fruit and bold foliage. Their large blossoms are also edible.

Care: Grow in full sun with rich soil. Allow space for vines to spread or use trellises for smaller varieties. Keep soil moist and mulch to retain moisture. Hand pollination may be necessary for best fruit production.

Flowers for edible landscaping

Many edible flowers can be easily started from seed.

Nasturtium (Tropaeolum majus)

Nasturtiums have vibrant, trailing or bushy foliage and peppery, jewel-toned flowers. Both leaves and flowers are edible and attractive in salads. 1–2 ft tall, up to 3 ft spread (trailing varieties may sprawl further)

Care: Grow in full sun to part shade with well-drained soil. Avoid overly rich soil for best flowering. Great for borders, containers, or spilling over edges.

Borage (Borago officinalis)

Borage is a pollinator magnet with fuzzy leaves and star-shaped blue flowers that taste mildly of cucumber. Flowers are often frozen into ice cubes or used in drinks. 1.5–3 ft tall and wide

Care: Plant in full sun in well-drained soil. Can self-seed easily. Water moderately.

Breadseed Poppy (Papaver somniferum)

A vibrant red breadseed poppy blooms alongside airy blue flax and ornamental allium.

This ornamental annual produces large, showy flowers and seed pods filled with edible poppy seeds. 2–4 ft tall, 1–2 ft wide.

Care: Grow in full sun and well-drained soil. Direct sow in early spring; does not transplant well. Allow pods to dry on the plant before harvesting seeds.

Flax (Linum usitatissimum)

Flax produces delicate blue flowers and slender stems. The seeds are edible and rich in omega-3s when fully mature. 1–2.5 ft tall, 1 ft wide

Care: Prefers full sun and well-drained soil. Harvest seed heads once they’ve turned brown and dry.

Calendula (Calendula officinalis)

Calendula, or pot marigold, has cheerful orange and yellow blooms with slightly bitter, tangy petals. Often used in teas, salads, and skin care. 1–2 ft tall and wide.

Care: Plant in full sun with moderately rich soil. Deadhead to prolong bloom.

Chives (Allium schoenoprasum)

Though often grown for their mild onion-flavoured stems, chives also produce purple pompom flowers that are edible and add a mild allium flavour. 1–1.5 ft tall and wide.

Care: Full sun to part shade, moist but well-drained soil. Divide clumps every few years.

Viola (Viola spp.)

Pansies, violas, and Johnny jump-ups offer edible blooms in a wide range of colors with a mild, sweet flavour. 6–10 inches tall and wide.

Care: Grow in part shade to full sun, especially in cooler weather. Deadhead to extend bloom.

Edible landscaping is more than a trend—it’s a beautiful, sustainable, and deeply satisfying way to connect with your outdoor space. Whether you’re tucking a few herbs and leafy greens into an existing flower bed or designing an entirely new edible garden from the ground up, the possibilities are as diverse as the plants themselves. With thoughtful planning and a creative approach, you can enjoy a landscape that not only nourishes the body but delights the senses year-round. Ready to get started? Visit us for expert advice and locally suited plants that will help you bring your edible garden to life.