Page 26 - Landscape-Issue155

FEATURE

EDIBLE LANDSCAPES

Text and photos by Dr Jonathan Foley

Edible gardens are trending around the world as people want to get closer to
their food sources and re-establish natural connections in their own homes. The

permaculture movement is gaining traction with its holistic approach to plant,
people and planet as healthy eating and living merges with our outdoor lifestyles.

ince monastic medieval times, there
has been a rich historical tradition
Sof combining ornamental and
edible plantings, where rectangular and
square geometric gardens were laid out
for multiple purposes, supplying the
kitchen with herbs and vegetables and
the dispensary with medicinal plants.
The English pottager or kitchen garden,
together with a cottage style of gardening,
explored a more freestyle design approach,
blending ornamentals and edibles in an
informal way.
This article describes a new project
on the North Coast of KwaZulu-Natal, a
residential estate that has introduced
ornamental edibles into the common
areas of the landscape for the benefit of its Ripe coffee cherries on the branch of a coffee tree. This small sub-tropical tree is well-suited to container
residents. gardening

Elaleni Lifestyle Estate
Located at Salt Rock, Elaleni Estate provides it provides an attractive alternative, well black seeds. The plant has distinctive three
a creative approach to landscaping with suited for harsh coastal conditions. angled stems and clings to supports with
edibles. On entering the estate, a powerful One of Elaleni’s main features is a well- its aerial roots.
circular centre piece of an imposing baobab stocked communal vegetable and herb
tree surrounded by the Octopus Aloe (A. garden which makes use of gumpole Design options
van bahlennii), forms a focal point. The construction and low stone gabion A few other styles of edible gardening
outer ring of this traffic circle comprises walls to accommodate changes in level. well-suited for landscaping include:
mass groundcover plantings of pineapples, Brimming with easily grown herbs such as Hugelkultur: A type of raised bed popular
whose dusky pink hues mirror those of the various types of Basil, Sage and Origanum, in northern Europe, whereby soil is grown
aloes. Pineapples are a three-year crop that the traditional favourites of Rosamary on top of decomposing wood, tree trunks,
flourish in these sandy soils, enjoying the and Lavender also blend with indigenous branches or other woody material. The
full heat and sun exposure on this site. They alternatives such as African Rosemary theory is that the breaking down or
are highly sustainable since they generate (Eriocephalus africana), a hardy, aromatic rotting of the timber generates nutrients
both pups from the base of the plant and and ornamental shrub. On the vegetable and retains moisture, creating a fertile
new plants from the tops of the fruit. side, neat rows of lettuce, spinach and environment for plants to grow in.
As an alternative to the planting of other salad greens take their place along
indigenous or exotic trees, the avenue with fine textured Asparagus, whose Keyhole gardening: This system
planting is made up of avocado, litchi, edible spears pierce the soil. originated in Africa and is now popular
macadamia, mango and other assorted Coffee trees (Coffea arabica) are also internationally, based on a raised bed
fruit trees. Some of the citrus trees, planted en masse for impact. Coffee trees shaped like a keyhole. In the centre is a
such as lemons, are espaliered as neat prefer a well-watered position, enjoying compost heap that gradually leaches out
trellises forming a centre piece dividing full sun or semi-shade matched with good nutrients to the surrounding soil. It is a
the traffic, while passion fruit climbs on ventilation. This small sub-tropical tree is useful and sustainable method of creating
a timber pergola adjacent to the road. also ideally suited for container gardening a raised bed that should avoid the need
Another centre piece of banana plants and indoor use. for adding nutrients. It also reduces the
completes the sub-tropical atmosphere, Another landscaping innovation was amount of watering required.
complemented with group plantings of the construction of T-shaped timber
coconut palms set into the lawn verges. supports for the exotic cactus, the Dragon Terracing: This is a great solution for
An unexpected textural treat is the mass fruit vine (Selenicereus undatus). Also sloped gardens. By creating flat terraces
planting of tea tree bushes, Melaleuca known as Pitaya, Night-blooming Cereus, that step down the slope, water runoff
alternifolia. These hardy Australian natives or Strawberry Pear, this plant is known and erosion are virtually eliminated. Flat
are well known for producing tea tree for its large, fragrant, white flowers that planting beds make the perfect place for
oil which has antiseptic, antifungal and typically bloom only at night. The flowers all kinds of edibles and ornamentals. Even
anti-inflammatory medicinal benefits. As develop into the distinctive red or pink- the walls of the terrace can be used for
an ornamental bush planted en masse, skinned, white-fleshed fruit with small containers and other decorative items.

24 Landscape SA • Issue 155 2025 Check us out www.salandscape.co.za