You may want to consider for you zone 5 yard Paw Paws, American persimmon, quince, grapes, kiwi vines, peaches, mulberries, blackberries, raspberries, and strawberries. Have Fun!

Chervil2

Definitely consider serviceberry/juneberry clump bushes. They have very sweet berries in June, and look nice as well. They are covered with small white flowers which turn into sweet berries. There are many different cultivars. Visit your local nurseries and pick your favorite. They produce prolificly every year.

Always an. . .Angel

cortneycas,
Sounds like you and I have the same idea about our yards.

You might try looking into the Midwest Fruit Explorers, it is a non-profit organization of amateur backyard fruit growing enthusiasts. Most of the members live in the counties surrounding Chicago.

I was able to go to their annual show last fall and talk to some helpful people. We tasted some pawpaw and other stuff, it was a fun outing.

I have service berries in the front yard. They are okay but rather seedy. I use strawberries as groundcover. Did you know daylilies and hosta are edible? I believe hosta is used in oriental cooking.

Are you interested in just fruit trees/bushes or other perennials, annuals or vegetables?

RexAnne

Here is a link that might be useful: Midwest Fruit Explorers

cortneycas
so how did it go? what did you deside to put in?