When selecting plants for an edimental garden, you’re in luck, as you have no less than 20,000 species to choose from! That’s right — there are over 20,000 types of edible plants in the world. With an edimental garden, it’s all about plants that look good and taste good in your favorite recipes. Edimental plants can be annuals or perennials, shrubs or trees, and everything in between. When selecting your plants, it’s essential to consider your climate, the size of your garden, and your gardening skill level.
Among the most popular choices in edimental gardening are herbs like lavender, chives, sage, rosemary, and thyme. These herbs are culinary staples in many cuisines and add a fragrant and decorative touch to any garden space. Vegetables such as Swiss chard and kale, particularly the ornamental varieties, artichokes, french beans, and eggplants, are also favored for their vibrant colors and textures. They provide a visual feast in the garden and a literal one on the table — they’re also low-maintenance and incredibly nutritious.
Fruit trees and bushes like apples, pears, gooseberries, and currants are key players in the edimental space. These plants offer the double benefit of producing delicious fruits and being visually striking elements in garden design, especially when they bloom or change colors with the seasons. Additionally, edible flowers such as nasturtiums, marigolds, chamomile, and borage are increasingly popular for their dual role as both garnishes for dishes (or infusions for delicious teas!) and vibrant, eye-catching additions to garden beds.
