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The arrival of the edible phenomenon has been gaining popularity to the point where there is not a magazine that doesn't have some colourful photo or article on it . In the U K Garden Centres last summer , sales of edibles increased from 50% to 75% . so it was just a matter of time before it hit here too . With the Green vibe now a huge driving force behind this popularity , planting anything edible has now become the thing to do for the first time in years. Its not only the inflating food prices or the way we perceive our food to be compromised by pesticides or additives so much, but that more and more people have realized the health benefits to growing your own food supply. For the first time in many peoples lives they have got a 'buzz' from tilling their very own plot of land . Whether it be a small window box growing some culinary herbs , a slightly larger scale of boxed vege gardens or to a orchard of everything fruiting from Blueberries to plums , lemons to Oranges,.This is an exciting new trend and it will here for a while.
Looking in on the New Zealand physcy could have something to do with it as well. It seems we are a nation of people keen to try alternative health remedies as apposed our neighbouring Australians. A Large percentage of us will try something other than main stream medicines first whether it be naturopaths , acupuncture or just plain massage. Our mind set is such, that its about taking control back and feeling good about ourselves as well.
Over the decades our history of gardening has taken its form . From having to supply troops during the world war two and then growing food just for survival during the depression ,' The Edible Garden' from long ago still has some remnants in some Kiwi back Yards today. Most of the old fruit trees have gone however, having become unfashionable in the 90"s giving rise to subdivision or when food prices were reasonable . But there is still the odd old gnarly plum tree tucked away now probably relieved that the popularity of fruit trees is on the rise!
Seeing this huge potential in the Edible Market appearing and being inspired by it herself , Designer Jules Moore started working with clients who were also challenged to the calling . Its about of thinking beyond the Vege Patch and thinking outside the square . "You can design a garden that looks great too and have it pride of place instead of down the back where its hidden.". One of her clients Lyndell Wilson , even made portable wire hats for her strawberries to keep the birds at bay and her dogs away. Each strawberry has its very own hat nestled in between the stone Jules and her team put in. "Its perfect for them , drawing on the heat and holding the warmth around them ". Lyndells Straw also helps keep the strawberries moist and aids with the PH. Either side of the stone work, the design is simple but effective . A pergola with stainless steel rigging will support two different types of Grapes and beyond that the blueberries and raspberries are hedged in by another favourite The old fashioned Cranberry [Mrytus ugni] Which not only fruits in March but the fragrance is divine. Smaller fruit trees such as a Mandarin "Satsuma" and a Tahitian Lime are on the lower levels while a double graded Apple and something else are elevated slightly higher .And a row of Feijoas form a hedge down one side of her small but compact design." It really works , I love my garden its so therapeutic " Lyndell says .She also grows her own vegetables in a near by keystone garden, put together by the team at Plantetearth Ltd."This is perfect also as it is raised and we have put in a good garden mix enabling a great crop of beans " In fact Lyndells Beans feed the whole family for nearly three months last year [ but according to her son Kendall he says "it felt like a whole year!"]
At this years Auckland Flower Show , Jules Moore from Plantetearth ltd will showcasing the Edible Garden in her retail stand and as a series speaker on the same . But in the design stakes this year ,she teams up with Cindy Nancarrow of Planting Solutions to put together a Formal edible garden Called "A Taste of thing to come' In this small space which is a planted boarder 6 x 3 they will not only demonstrate how compact your garden can be and still look good . But that it can be designed tastefully having a stunning array of colour's and fruits to please any fruit salad connoisseur ' A Taste of thing to come' not only compels us to think differently, to think outside the square in using alternative plants in a formal landscape design , like feiojas and Mandarins that can be standardized, or Cranberries that can become small hedges and strawberries potted colour . But that it all adds double value when you think about it . Not only can it look good but it can Taste good also.
Click here to see our edible catalogue
Plantet Earth Ltd 111 Taupaki Rd, Kumeu, Auckland Phone 09 412 2689 Fax 09 412 2683 Freephone 0800 218 090 www.plantetearth.co.nz http://www.thegardenshow.co.nz/edibles.html |
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