Creating a sustainable landscape doesn’t mean sacrificing beauty for functionality. Edible ground covers are a wonderful way to enhance your garden while providing delicious harvests. Here are three diverse examples that you can easily incorporate into your own space.
Creeping thyme is not only a stunning ground cover but also a versatile herb that thrives in sunny areas. It’s perfect for filling in gaps between stepping stones or in rock gardens, as its aromatic foliage releases a delightful scent when stepped on.
Creeping thyme is drought-tolerant and requires minimal maintenance, making it ideal for sustainable landscaping. It can grow in poor soil conditions, so you won’t need to fuss over soil amendments. The tiny purple flowers that bloom in summer attract pollinators, promoting biodiversity in your garden.
For culinary uses, you can snip fresh thyme leaves to season meats, vegetables, or even add them to your favorite soups.
Notes: Consider using different varieties of thyme for an array of flavors and colors. You can also mix creeping thyme with other ground covers like sedum for a more dynamic look.
Strawberries are a delightful choice for an edible ground cover that doubles as a sweet treat. These plants can spread and fill in spaces while producing luscious berries. They thrive in areas with full sun and well-drained soil, making them perfect for garden borders or as a living mulch around taller plants.
Strawberries will require some care, including regular watering and occasional fertilization, especially as they begin to fruit. However, the reward is well worth it: fresh strawberries right from your garden!
As an added bonus, the flowers of strawberry plants attract beneficial insects, which can help with pollination across your garden.
Notes: Choose everbearing varieties for a longer harvest season, or go with June-bearing types for a bountiful crop at one time. Remember to cover the soil with straw to keep the berries clean and protect them from pests.
Chamomile is often celebrated for its calming tea, but it also makes a wonderful edible ground cover. This low-growing herb can spread out to form a dense mat, making it a great choice for areas that need a soft touch. It’s perfect for a sunny garden path or between stepping stones.
Chamomile loves well-drained soil and can tolerate some drought, which adds to its sustainability. When in bloom, its white flowers with yellow centers not only look beautiful but can also be harvested to make tea or used as a garnish in various dishes.
With its pleasant fragrance and attractive blooms, chamomile can also attract pollinators and beneficial insects, enhancing your garden’s ecosystem.
Notes: You can interplant chamomile with vegetables to help repel pests naturally. If you want to dry the flowers for tea, pick them on a dry day when they are fully open.
Incorporating these edible ground covers into your sustainable landscape not only enhances its beauty but also provides delicious and nutritious harvests. Whether you opt for the aromatic creeping thyme, sweet strawberries, or calming chamomile, each of these plants offers unique benefits that contribute to a thriving garden ecosystem.