One of the best things about landscaping with vegetables and herbs is the fact that they are edible. Many folks think of landscaping as manicured lawns and large shrubs planted about their property, yet an edible garden can make a very attractive addition to any landscape. Whether it is an herb or a vegetable garden, or a combination of both these additions to your landscaping adds beauty and provide added benefits of food and fragrant foliage.

An herb garden is probably the most common type of edible landscape. They are easy to grow, they tolerate different climates and conditions and because they grow rapidly gardeners love to include them in their gardens. Herbs are more than just tasty and attractive they also have many health benefits when added to your cooking. The fragrance of herbs is another benefit these plants offer. Simply bring them into your home and enjoy the feelings that accompany their fragrance.


The most common herbs that are planted by gardeners are parsley, rosemary, and thyme. Cilantro is another consideration to add to your landscape. It has a little milder flavor than parsley and it has a more delicate appearance. Mint, lavender and chamomile have wonderful fragrances.  These herbs are used in aromatherapy and are noted for their usefulness in providing an atmosphere of calm.

Vegetable are another edible landscaping option. They, too, can be planted in a variety of climates. Every vegetable has its own color, texture and shape.  Almost all vegetables have flowers that form before the vegetable is produced. Peas, tomatoes and squash all have flowers of different colors and sizes. Multicolored peppers make a beautiful statement after the fruit has arrived, with their yellow, greens, and reds fruit.

When you use herb and vegetable gardens as part of the landscape, there is no need to plant them all together in one place. Spread them around the yard. Use tomato plants and squash plants as accents. Herbs make excellent ground cover.


Most vegetables and herbs can be grown successfully in containers. Consider using items that have outlived their initial purpose but still have some life in them to use as planters for your vegetables and herbs.  Things such as watering cans, old wheelbarrows, worn out buckets or an old porcelain tub, adorned with greenery, can all add a touch of whimsy to your yard.