Edible Landscaping, it’s not just for you.

You hear a lot of people these days wanting to grow more of an edible landscape so that they can enjoy the nuts, fruits and edibles all for themselves, but to give a greener perspective on the possible landscape you should not loose fact of the wildlife around you.

Many of the edible landscape plants that people can choose are extremely beneficial to the wildlife around them. It’s understandable that people sometimes consider the wildlife as pests when they all but obliterate a crop of cherries from their nice new tree but understand that they need to survive and not just enjoy their food.

With this in mind I like to think of keeping a share tactic in place so that I can insure that half of any plant is kept for human use, while the other half is free range for any critter that chooses to take part in it.

One example is the use of bird netting. It’s a wonderful product that’s able to keep birds out, but do you really need to use it over all of your plant? A large Elderberry bush can be covered only half way and still provide a crop large enough for you to make gallons of wine or syrup. Blueberry bushes are planted in at least two kinds to ensure cross pollination. Instead of protecting both, just pick one and cover it.

There are countless plants which provide edible fruit that’s good for people as well as wildlife. I could easily fill a book with the information on what’s out there and how it benefits the wildlife, but instead I’ll simply go over the plants that are currently, or will be within our landscape and explain them.

• Paw-Paw: Beyond being a wonderful fruit for people with a banana / peach flavor, the fruit is good for song birds, skunks, raccoons and many others.
• Hazelnut: I’ve yet to get many nuts off my bushes as the squirrels and birds beat me to it every time, which I welcome.
• Pecan: Squirrels, raccoons’ and many other critters will not only enjoy the nuts but also the tree, making nests or just hanging out in it.
• Walnut: These are extremely beneficial for wildlife and provides food source for many creatures when they need it in the fall.
• Wild Cherry: Are great for birds of all kinds and will readily be devoured. We’ve got three trees on the property. I’m planning to only tape one with bird scare tape.
• Elderberry: These are not only prized for their fruit, but their blooms are a magnet for butterflies.
• Grapes: Having a small vineyard is fun. Just share part of it and only net what you HAVE to have for a good crop. The birds and squirrels will love you for sharing.
• Gooseberry: A wonderful bush which is good for hummingbirds and birds. The thorns make it a nice hiding place as well from predators.
• Lingonberry: This short evergreen provides wonderful fruit which birds love.
• Wild Blackberry: A staple for many birds and an extremely beneficial habitat for predator protection.

There are several other types of edible plants which we have and are not listed above, or will eventually find their way onto this property before all is said and done. In fact I’ve got a peach tree and 2 plum trees on order which should come in soon.

Eventually I’ll be getting more that are on my wish list such as… raspberries, huckleberry, currants, serviceberries, wintergreen, hops, wolfberry, aronia and countless others.

So while you’re considering growing edibles for yourself to lower your footprint on this earth, don’t forget those animals around you and try to share.

Some resources you may enjoy which list many edible plants:
http://ediblelandscaping.com
http://www.raintreenursery.com

You may need to find local sources for these plants. The above links are provided only as examples of edibles which merchants offer for sale, not an endorsement.

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