Easy Edible Landscaping Projects to Start Now

Blend beauty and utility with herbs, berries, and ornamental vegetables

At Bru-Mar Gardens, we believe that a garden should nourish both your soul and your table. That’s why edible landscaping—where function meets flair—is one of our favorite ways to help gardeners make the most of their outdoor spaces. Whether you’re starting fresh or enhancing existing beds, edible plants like herbs, berries, and colorful vegetables can be just as beautiful as traditional ornamentals.

Here’s how to mix edible plants into your landscape with style and purpose this spring.

1. Create a Front Walkway Herb Border

Instead of traditional annuals alone, line your walkway with fragrant and useful herbs. Try:

Lavender for scent and pollinators
Thyme or Creeping Rosemary as a ground-hugging border
Purple Basil or Chives for pops of color and texture

These herbs are as lovely as they are practical—and once established, they’re low maintenance and drought tolerant.

2. Mix Berries Into Foundation Plantings

Berry-producing shrubs offer seasonal interest with spring blooms, vibrant fall foliage, and of course—delicious fruit.

Blueberries (like those from Bushel & Berry) have stunning red fall color and pair beautifully with evergreens
Strawberries can be used as a groundcover under taller shrubs or in sunny bed edges
Raspberries can be trained along fences or arbors for vertical structure and summer snacking

Look for compact or container-friendly varieties if space is tight.

3. Use Ornamental Vegetables as Eye-Catchers

Edible plants like kale, Swiss chard, and lettuce come in a rainbow of colors and textures.

Tuck ‘Bright Lights’ Swiss Chard into flower beds for bold stems that rival any bloom
Use curly kale in cool-season container combos
Plant red romaine and frilly leaf lettuces along path edges for soft contrast

Rotate in warm-season crops like eggplants, peppers, or even okra later in the season.

4. Design an Edible Island Bed

If you have a sunny patch of lawn you’re ready to reclaim, an island bed filled with a mix of edible and ornamental plants can serve as a centerpiece. Try:

A small dwarf fruit tree in the center
Rings of marigolds, nasturtiums, and borage (all edible and great pollinators)
Borders of beets, carrots, or parsley

It’s a conversation starter and a harvestable haven all in one.

5. Incorporate Edibles into Containers

Don’t overlook patios and porches—containers are a great way to add edibles anywhere.

Combine cherry tomatoes with trailing oregano and upright rosemary
Pair miniature peppers with petunias and calendula
Plant a full pizza garden in one pot: basil, oregano, tomatoes, and peppers

Refresh these containers with seasonal changes to keep things interesting (and edible) all season long.

Final Tips for Success:

Choose varieties suited for USDA Zone 7b to ensure vigor and productivity
Embrace organic practices for a healthier harvest and environment
Keep pollinators in mind—many herbs and edible flowers attract beneficial insects
Start small and build each season!

Edible landscaping is the perfect way to bring more meaning—and flavor—to your garden. At Bru-Mar Gardens, we’re here to help you pick the right plants, plan your space, and get growing.

Need help finding herbs, berries, or veggie starts that fit your landscape style? Visit us at 1009 Bay Ridge Road in Annapolis and chat with our friendly team—we love helping local gardeners grow with confidence!