Integrating the growing of edible plants into the landscape is not new. It has been done for centuries. While edible landscape design is a relatively new concept in American cities such as Asheville NC, the practice was once common in Mesopotamia. Both the Assyrians and the Babylonians utilized edible fruit trees combined with fragrant bushes and trees in the courtyards of royal palaces and throughout the city.
Why Integrate Edibles into the Landscape?
Planning an edible landscape is not the same as planting a food garden. It is the incorporation of edible plants into the design. The plants are used to provide both a source of food and for aesthetics.
Edible landscape design as used by professionals in Asheville NC encompasses diverse garden types and land areas. It is adapted for any of several reasons including:
- Food security: It provides a local source of food.
- Fossil fuel reduction: Decreases the distance to obtain food. This reduces the amount of fossil foods required to transport food.
- Water efficiency: Promoted sustainable use of water
- Chemical reduction: Reduces the amount of chemicals used in the landscaping process
- Mental health: Gardening is therapeutic
The Importance of Edible Landscaping Promoting edible landscape design in Asheville NC and cities across America allows individuals of all ages to establish a strong connection between them and nature. It also adds to the overall concept of a holistic approach to the urban environment. In doing so, it offers help in escaping from problematic environmental issues such as the impact of monocultures.
