NORTH ADAMS, Mass., A column published by the Hardwick Gazette on June 16 suggests that home gardeners consider mixing food crops into their existing landscaping. The article, written by UVM Extension Master Gardener Deborah J. Benoit, highlights fruit trees, berry bushes, annual vegetables, herbs, and edible flowers as options that can add visual interest while providing a harvest.
Fruit trees such as apples require a second variety for pollination, while peaches are self-fertile. Highbush blueberries and serviceberries are native to North America and offer fall color. Pole beans and cucumbers can be grown on trellises, and low-growing strawberries or cranberries can serve as borders or groundcover. Herbs like dill and chives add texture, and flowers such as daylilies and roses are edible when properly identified and free of pesticides.
Benoit recommends soil testing through UVM Extension and using integrated pest management to avoid toxic substances. The column is part of the newspaper's regular "In the Garden" series.
Originally reported by Hardwick Gazette.
Photo: Artur Łuczka via Unsplash. Photo is illustrative and not from the scene.
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