Edible Landscaping: Eat Your Yard
Even though edible landscaping is not a new concept, its charm and practicality are beginning to appeal to the masses—and for good reason. Whether it’s a groundcover of creeping strawberry, oregano or thyme; a hedge of raspberry or rosemary; or a bountiful potted array of dainty lettuces and hardy chards, a yard designed with the stomach in mind, as well as the eye, introduces area residents to an entirely new way to eat locally.
Here are some of our area’s experts
Basalt Mountain Gardens: Ginger Janssen
Janssen is at the forefront of integrating permaculture and garden climates into her designs. She advises beginners to take a small area and start with plants they like to eat, then make attractive landscape designs. She also involves clients’ kids because they’ll be maintaining the landscape and reaping its benefits.
970.379.9713 | BasaltMtnGardens@gmail.com
Colorado Soil Systems: Jimmy Dula
Dula maintains integrating edible plants into landscaping makes sense financially and gives you control over what you eat. He suggests starting by replacing one or two strictly ornamental plants with something bright and tasty.
903.746.3520 | ColoradoSoilSystems.com
Eco Systems Design: Jerome Osentowski and Michael Thompson
Regarded as some of the top experts in the field, Osentowski and Thompson are passionate about sharing their deep knowledge of growing food at altitude. Osentowski’s innovations and advice are also available in his book The Forest Garden Greenhouse—How to Design and Manage an Indoor Permaculture Oasis (Chelsea Green). CRMPI.org
Stephanie Syson
For Syson, an independent consultant with a background in greenhouses, garden design and medicinal herbs, feeling comfortable with growing food can be a tool of empowerment. She suggests that beginners try varieties of plants, such as Siberian tomatoes, that are bred for our cold nights and short growing season.
970.309.9296 | Stephanie@DynamicRoots.com
Creative Endeavors: Eden Marsh and Jay Phillips
Creative Endeavors specializes in integrating edible plants into ornamental beds, for beauty and function. Edible landscapes focus on aesthetics, soil and plant heath, as well as create complementary environments for beneficial insects like bees and butterflies.
970.309.7496 or 970.309.1816 | CEGardening@gmail.com
Gretchen’s Gardenscapes: Gretchen Hofmann
With 35 years of experience Hofmann specializes in everything from xeriscapes and food production to planting organic gardens in containers on decks and patios.
970.618.6804 | GHofmann@sopris.net
