Edibles in the Landscape

Edibles in the landscape.  Join The Garden Club of Switzerland on September 14, where Master Gardener, Barbara Purple, walks us through the many plants that not only brighten the landscape but can be used as food sources.  Beautyberry is one such plant that takes center stage in the fall.  The juice from its berries can be made into a jam, or drunk as a beverage.  Birds love the drupes and spread the plants far and wide from the seed.  Some of these plants are not edible unless prepared properly.

 Another popular way of using edibles in the landscape is called foodscaping.  Plants like these not only have decorative value but can be eaten (generally without a lot of processing to remove toxins).  Such plants are not necesarily native.  If you do edible landscaping be careful what chemical (and organic) treatments you apply.  Pesticides and fungicides, if used, should not be used in a way that renders the food plant dangerous.

Remember that your edible landscaping may be particularly attractive to wildlife.  Unless you plant specifically for wildlife use techniques that will allow you to reap the benefits of your efforts.

The meeting is open to the public.  It starts at 10AM and runs until 12:30 in the front Bartram room of the Bartram Trail Library..  Master Gardeners may receive CEUs for attending.