A beautiful yard and a bountiful harvest, why not have both? At Boulder Ridge Landscaping, we believe your outdoor space should be as functional as it is visually appealing. That’s where edible landscaping comes in. Whether you have a spacious lawn in Muskego or a cozy backyard garden in Waukesha, it’s entirely possible to design a landscape that’s productive, beautiful, and sustainable.
What Is Edible Landscaping?
Edible landscaping is the art of incorporating food-producing plants, like herbs, fruits, and vegetables, into traditional ornamental landscape design. It’s more than just a garden; it’s a fully integrated outdoor space that nourishes both body and soul.
From berry bushes that double as hedges to flowering herbs that attract pollinators, edible landscaping allows Wisconsin homeowners to enjoy beauty and utility in the same space.
Why Edible Landscaping Works in Wisconsin
With a little planning, Wisconsin’s growing season supports a wide variety of delicious, low-maintenance edible plants. Plus, combining form and function in your yard can:
Reduce grocery bills
Increase pollinator activity
Provide a sustainable food source
Enhance your property’s uniqueness and curb appeal
Whether you’re growing tomatoes on a patio trellis or mixing kale into your flower beds, edible landscaping offers year-round rewards.
Creative Ways to Incorporate Edibles Into Your Landscape
Blend Fruits with Ornamentals
Many fruiting plants are also visually stunning. For example:
Blueberry bushes – Vibrant foliage in fall and delicious fruit in summer
Rhubarb – Large, architectural leaves that add texture and structure
Strawberries – Great as a colorful, low-growing groundcover
Tip: Try using raised beds with decorative edging to keep your layout clean and appealing.
Use Herbs as Border Plants
Herbs are some of the easiest edibles to grow—and they look great too. Popular choices for Wisconsin include:
Chives – Hardy and excellent for borders
Thyme – Low-growing and drought-tolerant
Oregano – Fragrant, pollinator-friendly, and tough
Plant these near walkways or patios so you can harvest while you cook or entertain.
Vertical Gardening for Vines & Veggies
Trellises, arches, and fences offer the perfect opportunity to grow vertically and save space. Great vertical growers for Wisconsin include:
Snap peas and pole beans – Fast-growing and highly productive
Cucumbers – Benefit from vertical support for better airflow
Grapes – Add shade and structure while producing fruit
These add height and visual interest while maximizing your yield per square foot.
Smart Plant Pairing: Beauty & Bounty
We recommend pairing edible plants with native ornamentals for a balanced look and better biodiversity. For example:
Calendula or marigolds with tomatoes – Adds color and repels pests
Lavender with cabbage or broccoli – Fragrance, aesthetics, and pollinator support
Basil near peppers – Enhances flavor and looks lush in planters
These combinations improve pollination, deter harmful insects, and make your yard a feast for the eyes and the table.
Bonus: Common Edible Landscaping Challenges (and Solutions)
Challenge: Animals eating your harvest
Solution: Use wire cages, raised beds, or scent-based deterrents like mintChallenge: Limited sunlight
Solution: Choose partial-shade crops like leafy greens, peas, or radishesChallenge: Short growing season
Solution: Try cold-hardy perennials or extend the season with row covers and cold frames
Why Invest in Professional Landscape Design?
Edible landscaping requires more than just planting a few veggies—it’s about creating a cohesive, beautiful, and functional outdoor design. At Boulder Ridge Landscaping, we’ll help you:
Design layouts that balance productivity with beauty
Choose edible plants that thrive in southeastern Wisconsin
Ensure year-round interest, even when crops aren’t in bloom
Whether you’re starting small or dreaming big, our team will guide you every step of the way.
Let’s Make Your Yard Taste as Good as It Looks
Ready to create a landscape that feeds your family and your sense of style? Let’s talk. Call Boulder Ridge Landscaping today or request a free quote online to explore edible landscaping solutions that are tailored to your space, goals, and lifestyle.
Author:
This article was written by Boulder Ridge Landscaping, a professional landscape and hardscaping company serving southeastern Wisconsin. Our team specializes in creative, climate-resilient design tailored to your outdoor space.