ALL-IN-ONE GARDENING

Summer is on its way, which means that we can start living and entertaining outdoors again. That means beautifying the garden where we will appreciate it most.

- Alice Spenser-Higgs

Quite likely, that is a sunny space close to the house, and what better place for growing edibles, especially amongst the flowers, shrubs or succulents in the surrounding beds?

Mixing it all up is the perfect solution for gardens that are not large enough for a dedicated veggie and herb garden.

It is also a wonderful way of inviting butterflies, birds, bees, ladybirds and many more intriguing creatures into your personal space.

What are the benefits?

Biodiversity is the buzzword these days, because the greater variety of plants, the better the chance of attracting beneficial garden wildlife. They are essential for maintaining a healthy, natural balance in the environment that reduces the need for pesticides.

Companion planting is the method of growing herbs and flowers with vegetables to improve the productivity of vegetables. Over the centuries, certain plants have proved to be ‘good companions’ for certain vegetables because they repel pests, attract pollinators or help to improve the soil.

Extending the practice of companion planting into our prime garden space makes gardening more sustainable and productive.

Food at our fingertips: To grow them successfully, vegetables need almost daily attention, and the closer they are, the easier it is. That first cup of coffee in the morning could be the perfect time to water the lettuce, harvest some carrots or pull out a weed.

Home-zone swank: With some creative combinations and careful planning, the result can be a lush interplanting of flowers and veggies that will intrigue friends and family, especially if they are invited to harvest the salad or take home a bunch of Swiss chard.