Do I dare design my own Edible Landscape?

10 years ago

Years ago, I gradually added to a fruit garden in a spacious and beautifully sunny garden in Maryland, 7A. I didn't know how big it would become when I started; I just grew to love growing things and whenever I wanted to add something, I picked the best remaining spot and planted. I recently moved to Western NC, same zone. I'd like to plant the same fruits and then some, but this yard will require some creative design to work around the existing trees, etc. I knew I needed professional help. So I enlisted the help of a local edible landscape designer. First I met with him. He was confident most if not all of my desired plants would fit in the large clear area, and I wouldn't have to worry about dodging trees or waiting until I could clear more land. I filled out a lengthy questionnaire (which included everything from public sewer vs. septic, desired plants in great detail, lifestyle and planned time commitment to garden), and then waited impatiently as he went through his process. Meanwhile I bought every fruit tree and berry plant that I wanted, and planted them in generously sized pots---so that they'd be ready to go. When the garden design finally arrived, the primary planting area was directly over what I soon realized is my septic drain field. Luckily I hadn't paid for his services.
My hardy kiwi are outgrowing their stakes, half the plants are outgrowing their pots, and the berries require constant watering.
Do I dare to design this myself? My fear is that I'll install a huge trellis for the kiwi, and later realize it won't work there because wxyz....or dig huge pits, amend the soil, and plant baby trees only to have to move them later when I realize reasons those were bad spots.
It wouldn't be the first time I had to move a tree, but the concept of making all the wrong decisions is overwhelming. And I'm gun shy to hire someone else.
Have you done your own design? Have you made and corrected your own mistakes? Can anyone share personal experiences to help me figure out what to do?
Thanks so much,
Ann in Asheville

Featured Answer

steve bossie (3b) ME

10 years ago

i just started laying out plants 2 years ago on my property. now i have 13 different varieties of berry bushes , 3 hybrid hazelnuts, 2 varieties of apple and 2 apricot trees on a half acre. i just payed attention where the sun was on the property and various times of the day and started the area closest toward the sun angle with the shorter bushes and built up to the biggest at the back of the property. all get at least 10hrs. full sun. some types of berry bushes can tolerate some shade like honey and elderberry. other absolutely need fun sun like sea buckthorn and raspberries. sit down and draw a diagram with the positions of the sun marked over your property. you will see your spots that get shaded and what stays in full sun. pay attention when outside how much each area gets what amount of sunlight. write that at the bottom of your diagram. now that you have that info.look into how much daylight each type plant needs. then draw them into your diagram. plant accordingly. thats how i did my yard and everything is growing great. now if you're designing for aesthetics, then you need to brainstorm a little more but with a diagram with you layout set out in front of you, it will make further planning a lot easier. good luck!

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Comments (9)

sunidayze
10 years ago
Ann, I'm in a small town about an hour NE of Asheville and I'm wanting to do edible landscaping in my yard. Due to financial constraints, I am just doing a few plants each year. It's also less overwhelming for me that way because I don't have to decide where to put a lot of things at once. :) You might check with AB Tech (great little community college) and see if their landscaping department could help you. Sometimes the schools will have students do things like that with a teacher checking up on them. Good experience for the student, great deal for you. The extension office may have someone who could help you with planning as well. I have gotten blueberry bushes, blackberries, strawberries, and apple trees from the county extension office in my county. I'm not sure if there is an extension office in Buncombe Co. but if not check with Yancey, Mitchell, Avery, and Madison Counties. Yancey, Mitchell, and Avery county extension offices have plant sales every spring. Nan Chase, author of Eat Your Yard actually lives in Asheville. This is a growing movement in western NC. There are probably a lot of resources in the Ashvl area. Good luck!
Ann
Original Author
10 years ago
Thank you Sunidayze! I need to get it together. I've been paralyzed by fear of failure! :/ I will look for the extension office.
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Francesco Delvillani
10 years ago
I'll plant also Asimina triloba....it's a very good (and rare) fruit trees that will perfectly grow in USDA 7A
Ann
Original Author
10 years ago
I have 3 of them! Not rare at all, but I did get "designer" paw paws to hopefully have the best fruit! :)
Ann
Original Author
10 years ago
Thanks Steve bossie,

I've been staring at my design for over a month and I think I just need to get started. Its so hot now I think I'm going to wait a month or so, but I haven't changed a thing in my design since June so I think I'm going to go for it! :)

Thanks everyone!
steve bossie (3b) ME
10 years ago
awesome! good luck! post some pics of your results!
Francesco Delvillani
9 years ago
Don't forget Asimina triloba among all...:)
Charlie
9 years ago
I designed my own edible landscape in zone 7A in Northern VA and I have peaches, persimmons, cherries, blackberries, blueberries, gojiberries, jujube, apricot, Asian pears, figs, strawberries, honeyberries, hardy kiwis and fuzzy kiwis and many vegetables.