By Billie Parish, Butte County Master Gardener, April 10, 2015
Treat edibles the same way you would ornamentals, by considering each plant's growth habit, color, and texture. For instance, experiment with contrasting dark and light colors by alternating green and purple basils; or complement the wispy foliage of variegated society garlic (Tulbaghia violacea), which has edible leaves and flowers, with the more stately structure of a yellow scallop (“pattypan”) squash plant.
For a border plant that looks as good as it tastes, try an ever-bearing strawberry such as ‘Albion,' which will bear dainty white flowers followed by crimson fruit throughout the summer. The eggplant, which is also known for its attractive fruit, is perfect for a midsize border plant. The velvety leaves of “Black Beauty” almost cushion the blow of its intense, near-black fruit. But eggplant comes in many other colors (and sizes), as well. Eggplants can be red, green, pink, striped, oblong or spherical. The rare variety ‘Lao White' suggests the derivation of the name ‘eggplant,' with its bright white, egg-sized fruit which eventually ripen to yellow.
Another midsize border plant boasting an abundance of color options is the pepper. The fruit of the spicy ‘Chinese 5 Color' pepper can range in color from cream, yellow, orange to red and purple, all on one plant! For a more subtle, yet equally engaging look, the fish pepper touts variegation in both the foliage and the pepper itself. But don't let these cool colors fool you, the fish pepper is quite hot.
In order to create depth and dimension within the garden, plants such as cucumbers, melons, beans, and some varieties of squash may be grown vertically. A rustic bamboo teepee with a combination of ‘Purple King' and ‘French Gold' pole beans will not only look great, but the vibrant colors will help ensure that no bean goes un-harvested! Equally eye-catching is the aptly named ‘Moon and Stars' watermelon, which is dark green and speckled with glowing yellow ‘moons' and ‘stars.'
Useful edibles are not limited to annuals. The silver, jagged appearance of the artichoke (a relative of the thistle) has been a long-time favorite in many a flowerbed.
Edibles can also offer solutions to many common yard dilemmas. If you are looking for a plant to create a screen or hedge, consider the tropical-tasting pineapple guava or the semi drought-tolerant blue elderberry. For a shade tree with the benefits of tender, juicy fruit, try the loquat, which thrives in this area. And if you need shade, but don't want to commit to a tree, consider covering an arbor with a deciduous grape or kiwi vine.
Regardless of the qualities you are looking for in a plant, chances are that those qualities exist in an edible. So why not get the most out of your space and resources by planting a multi-functional landscape?