Welcome back, Garden Master! Last month, we identified some of the latest auteumn gardening trends, and what we found was the wonderful horticultural world of ‘edimentals’: Where beauty meets functionality: Introducing edimentals, edibles that also serve as beautiful ornamentals! Get ready for a culinary journey unlike any other, Garden Masters! We’re about to show you how you can seamlessly integrate functional herbs and vegetables into your ornamental garden that is guaranteed to create a sensory paradise that tantalizes the both the eyes and the taste buds.
The Beauty of Herb Integration
It’s easier than ever to create a lush green landscape in your backyard interspersed with bursts of vibrant blooms, the air alive with the fragrant perfume of culinary herbs. This is the magic of incorporating herbs into your ornamental garden. Not only do they add visual interest and texture, but serve a practical purpose, offering a bounty of flavours to elevate your culinary creations. For our selection of ornamental seeds, click here.
Selecting the Perfect Herbs
When choosing herbs for your ornamental garden, the possibilities are endless. From classic staples like rosemary and thyme to exotic varieties like lemon balm and Thai basil, each herb brings its unique charm to the table. Consider the overall aesthetic of your garden and select herbs that complement the existing colour palette and design elements. Click here to explore our variety of herb seeds.
Planting with Purpose
Now that you’ve chosen your herbs, it’s time to get them into the ground. Whether you opt for traditional rows or embrace a more freeform approach, the key is to plant with purpose. Group herbs together based on their water and sunlight needs, creating microclimates that support healthy growth and vitality. If you’re growing your herbs from seeds, consider growing them in a grow house before incorporating them into your garden. And don’t be afraid to mix things up – experiment with different combinations to discover what works best for your garden.
Pairing Herbs with Ornamentals
One of the joys of integrating herbs into your ornamental garden is the opportunity to play matchmaker between plants. Certain herbs have symbiotic relationships with specific ornamentals, enhancing their growth and deterring pests. For example, planting lavender near roses can help repel aphids, while basil can improve the flavour and yield of tomatoes. By strategically pairing herbs with ornamentals, you’ll create a harmonious ecosystem that thrives on mutual benefit. In case you missed it, you might also be interested in our guide to biodiversity.)
Creating an Aromatic Landscape
As Tanya Visser often emphasises, a garden should engage all the senses – and what better way to than with a fragrant and aromatic landscape to tantalise both your nose and your taste buds? Herbs like lavender, mint, and sage infuse the air with their intoxicating scents, turning your garden into a veritable oasis of fragrance. Place them strategically near seating areas or pathways where their aroma can be enjoyed to the fullest.
Pairing Ornamental Herbs and Vegetables
Now, let’s explore ten ornamental herbs and vegetables that can add beauty, functionality, and flavour to your garden. These versatile plants not only enhance the aesthetics of your outdoor space but also provide a bounty of culinary delights. Here’s our curated list:
1. Pineapple Sage:
Pineapple sage is known for its striking tubular red flowers that bloom in late summer or autumn, attracting sunbirds and butterflies to the garden.
Culinary use: The leaves of this herbaceous shrub have a pineapple-like scent and flavour, making them a tasty addition to salads, teas, and cocktails.
2.Sweet Peas:
Sweet peas are garden favourites renowned for their delightful fragrance and a kaleidoscope of colourful blooms. These climbing annuals grace gardens with clusters of flowers in shades ranging from soft pastels to vivid hues of pink, purple, blue, white, and red. Their cascading vines and charming blossoms add a touch of whim and romance to any outdoor space.
Sweet peas also play a vital role in attracting pollinators such as bees and butterflies, fostering biodiversity and ecological balance in the garden.
However, it’s important to handle sweet peas with care! While their flowers are safe and beautiful, other parts of the plant, including the seeds, can be toxic if ingested. Hence, sweet peas are primarily cultivated for their ornamental value rather than for consumption.
3.Rosemary:
With its aromatic foliage and woody stems, rosemary is a versatile herb that adds texture and fragrance to garden beds and containers. Use it as a decorative shrub or trim it into ornamental shapes for added visual interest.
Culinary use: Rosemary is a popular herb in Mediterranean cuisine and pairs well with roasted meats, potatoes, and vegetables.
4. Kale:
With its ruffled leaves and striking colours, kale is a beautiful and nutritious addition to any garden. Plant it in ornamental borders or use it as a focal point in container gardens for a bold and dramatic effect.
Culinary use: Kale is a nutrient-rich leafy green that can be used in salads, smoothies, soups, and stir-fries.
5.Variegated Sage:
With its variegated leaves and upright growth habit, variegated sage adds colour and texture to garden beds and borders. Plant it alongside other herbs and ornamentals for a visually pleasing display that’s as attractive as it is aromatic.
Culinary use: Sage has a savoury flavour that pairs well with poultry, pork, and pasta dishes.
6. Swiss Chard:
With its vibrant stems and glossy green leaves, Swiss chard is as visually appealing as it is nutritious. Plant it in containers or mixed beds for a pop of colour that adds interest to your garden all season long. Rainbow Swiss chard in particular is a show-stopping addition to any garden. Plant it in rows or clusters for a striking display of colour that is sure to catch the eye of any passerby.
Culinary use: Swiss chard can be cooked like spinach and used in a variety of dishes. It can be sautéed, steamed, or used raw in salads and wraps, or incorporated into soups, stews and stir-fries.
7.Purple Basil:
With its deep purple leaves and spicy aroma, purple basil is a striking ornamental herb that adds drama and flavour to garden beds and containers. Use it as a border plant or interplant it with other herbs and vegetables for a visually appealing display.
Culinary use: Purple basil has a slightly stronger flavour than green basil and can be used in salads, pesto, and as a garnish for pasta dishes and pizzas.
8. Ornamental Peppers:
With their compact growth habit and colourful fruits, ornamental peppers are a fun and festive addition to any g arden. Plant them in containers or mixed beds for a splash of colour that lasts throughout the season.
Culinary use: Ornamental peppers are edible but are typically used for decorative purposes due to their small size and intense heat.
9. Ornamental Oregano:
With its trailing stems and pink flowers, ornamental oregano adds texture and colour to garden borders and hanging baskets. Plant it alongside other herbs and flowers for a charming and fragrant display.
Culinary use: Oregano is a versatile herb commonly used in Italian and Mediterranean cuisines to flavour sauces, soups, and meat dishes.
10. Silver Thyme:
With its silvery-grey foliage and compact growth habit, silver thyme is a versatile ground cover that adds texture and interest to garden beds and containers. Plant it in sunny, well-drained locations for a low-maintenance and visually appealing display.
Culinary use: Thyme has a subtle lemony flavour that complements a wide range of dishes, including roasted meats, vegetables, and sauces.
Let Your Garden Flourish In All Of Its Aromatic Glory
Integrating herbs into your ornamental garden is a delightful way to elevate its beauty and functionality. With careful selection, thoughtful planting, and strategic pairing, you can create a garden that not only captivates the eyes but also nourishes the body and soul. We hope this guide will help you create a beautiful, aromatic garden buzzing with biodiversity.
Remember to visit your nearest Makro, Builder’s Warehouse or Game for all the tools you need to create an edimentals garden. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok for more gardening trends and tips.
