Foodscaping edit

Foodscaping is a modern term for the practice of adding function to ornamental landscaping spaces through the integration of edible plants[1]. It is also referred to as edible landscaping and has been described as a cross-breed between landscaping and farming[1]. Differing from conventional landscaping ideologies, foodscaping aims to fulfil both aesthetic and consumption purposes[2]. It may involve adding edible plantations to existing ornamental landscapes or entirely replacing the traditional, non-edible plants with food-yielding species[3]. Such practices may be implemented in both public and private domains such as on public premises, community gardens and domestic spaces[4]. They may also be organised by a individuals, community groups or educational institutions[5].

The design strategy of foodscaping may be selected for many reasons including increased food security, adopting a more nutritious lifestyle or to promote sustainable living[3]. Edible landscaping has been described as a significant contributor to urban sustainability initiatives in the Global North[6].

Origins edit

Overview edit

The term and ideology of 'foodscaping' have been used since the late 20th century, yet have only come into popular use during the 21st century, particularly in the Global North[6]. Despite the relative modernity of the foodscaping trend, the strategy of integrating edible plants into landscaping spaces is not a new a concept. Similar practices date back to ancient and medieval gardening and agricultural techniques[7]. 'Foodscaping' as a contemporary theory presents "a modern take on the way that past generations utilized land"[8]. What distinguishes foodscaping from traditional horticultural practices is the idea that edible plants can be just as aesthetically pleasing as traditional landscapes[2]. The practice appears to subvert the conventional historical perception of vegetable gardens as unattractive[7], and instead views edible crops as design features in and of themselves.

Cottage gardens, before the 19th century, were mainly used to grow vegetables for household consumption.

Recent Trends edit

Economic Factors edit

Foodscaping is believed to have grown in popularity due to various economic factors such as the financial crisis of 2007-2008 and increased food prices[1]. "Foodscaping began to take off across the U.S. after the recession hit hard in 2008....The National Gardening Association reported a 20 percent increase in food gardening between 2008 and 2012"[9]

Urban Growth edit

According to the United Nations, ""the urban population of the world has grown rapidly from 746 million in 1950 to 3.9 billion in 2014"[10]. These accelerated trends in urbanisation and population density during the late 20th and 21st century have placed stress on the availability of agricultural land and contributed to growing food insecurity[5]. As a result, there has been an increased desire to re-introduce food growth into urban environments, and consequentially an increase in the number of people adopting foodscaping strategies[7]. The ongoing rise in the human population, as well as international goals to reduce hunger and malnutrition, have further escalated the demand for food nutrients[11].

Sustainability edit

Health and Nutrition edit

A common motivation behind foodscaping is the desire to grow and consume food of high nutritious content[12]. In a 2014 research survey conducted by the Australian Institute, 71% of surveyed foodscaping households in Australia were incorporating edibles into their gardens for the primary purpose of having access to fresh, healthier produce[13]. It is generally accepted that homegrown fruits and vegetables are more fresh and nutritious than supermarket produce, which is sometimes sold multiple days or even weeks after harvesting[14].

In recent years, there has been increasing concern expressed towards the health effects of the chemical additives in commercially grown fruit and vegetables[14]. Foodscaping has thus been considered a way to reduce exposure to chemically modified produce[15].

Edible landscaping allows participants to increase fresh food production into urban areas, where the most accessible kinds of food are processed foods which can lead to greater dietary intakes of sugar, sodium and fat[5]. Many academic studies have inferred strong links between the participation in urban gardening and healthy lifestyle choices[16]. The gardening practices involved in foodscaping are believed to increase participants' fruit and vegetable consumption and valuing of preparing nutritious meals[16].

Food Security edit

Foodscaping is widely accepted as a way of increasing food security[17]. Due to bearing edible produce, the practice presents accessibility and availability of food to the growers, even when faced with unpredictable circumstances such as the inability to procure food from commercial stores or periods of low financial income[5]. Reducing food costs is also considered to be an outcome of edible landscaping practices[2].

In increasing the quantity of locally grown and consumed produce, foodscaping promotes local food sustainability[3]. It has also been linked to addressing the demand for food within the context of global issues such as overpopulation, an unpredictable climate and waning energy resources[18].

Energy and Waste Management edit

Large-scale agricultural premises typically require large amounts of energy, such as the use of diesel, propane and electricity in order to carry out farming operations[19]. The practice of edible landscaping often uses less energy and produces less waste than traditional methods of food production. Foodscaping can help reduce food miles[3] through decreasing the need for long-distance transportation of food[20]. Further, edible landscaping usually involves little processing, packaging or refrigeration[20]. Foodscaping can also allow participants to help reduce the use of fossil fuel based pesticides and fertilizers[5].

Ecology edit

"increasing biodiversity, attracting beneficial pollinators and providing organic produce for homeowners"[21].


Maintenance edit

Input edit

While foodscaping has been celebrated for its ornamental, nutritional and ecological values, the maintenance of such a practice can be a barrier to participants. Depending on the scale of the edible landscape, foodscaping can require extra time and manual labour to maintain than a regular garden or landscape (Çelik 121). This is as the aim of foodscaping is to yield edible returns whilst also remaining aesthetically pleasing (Brown), which may involve added watering, fertilization, pest control and pruning (Çelik 121). A lack of time and unsuitable conditions such as climate and insufficient shade can be significant deterrents for people wishing to create edible landscapes(Conway 16). However, maintenance requirements can be reduced by choosing plant species that are suited to the geographic location, climate and conditions of the area to be foodscaped[2].

Harvesting edit

During certain times of the year, regularly monitoring the ripeness of food produce is also a requirement of successful foodscaping (Çelik 122). If fruits are not harvested at the correct time, they can rot and become visually unappealing within an edible landscape[2]. This may also attract undesired pests or vermins[2].

Plants edit

Plants in foodscaping designs are typically chosen for their aesthetic and edible appeal[12]. Numerous vegetables have been celebrated for their colourful and decorative addition to foodscaping spaces[8]. Swiss chard, cabbage and lettuce species come in many colourful varieties, making them a popular choice for foodscaping[3]. Edible flowers, such as carnations, marigolds, cornflowers and pansies can also be used to add decoration and brightness to an edible landscape[22].

Garden writer Charlie Nardozzi suggests that lemon, apple, plum and cherry trees can serve as edible alternatives for ornamental plants, while blueberry, elderberry and gooseberry plants can substitute decorative shrubs such as roses, hydrangeas and privet hedges[23]. Alpine strawberries and chives have also been suggested as suitable replacements for non-edible flowering plants[23].

Edible landscapes generally consist of a combination of annual and perennial plants[3]. When planning an edible landscape, it is necessary to be aware that certain plants are better to suited to particular environmental conditions than others[2]. One should also consider seasonality of the edible plants being used, meaning the time of the year during which a certain species will best grow. Cool season crops require lower temperatures for growth and seed germination, whilst warm season crops are plants that thrive in higher soil and air temperatures[24].

Plants That Can Be Used in Foodscaping [25]
Plant Family Examples
Amaranthaceae Chardspinachquinoabeetroot
Apiaceae Carrotscelerycilantro/coriandercuminfennelparsleyparsnipsanisechervildill
Asteraceae Artichokeschamomilecardoonstarragonlettuceendivedandelionschicorycalendulagolden rodchrysanthemumcornflowerechinaceaelecampanefeverfewmouse ears • mugwortsteviapansybellis perennisblessed thistlegroundsel
Brassicaceae Broccolikalecabbagecauliflowerbrussel sproutsmustardcollard
Ericaceae Blueberrieshuckleberries
Lamiaceae Sagerosemarythymeoreganobasilcatniplavendermarjoramwhite horehoundpeppermintspearmint
Liliaceae Garlicasparaguschivesshallotsonionsleeks
Rosaceae Strawberriescherriesraspberriesblackberriespearsapplesplumspeachesapricotsquincesalmond
Solanaceae Tomatoestomatilloscapsicum/bell pepperspotatoeseggplantchili peppers


Cool Season Crops edit

The mustard or cabbage family, otherwise known as Brassicaceae, are cool season crops that are typically low level species, which makes them suitable for replacing non-culinary ground covers.

such a broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower and kale brussel sprouts , bok choy, Arugula • Kale • Lettuce • Mustard • collard, watercress, turnips, radishes

Other cool season edibles include:

asparagus, artichoke, cauliflower, broccoli, cabbage, kale, radish, parsely, rhubarb, spinach, swiss chard, [3] [8]

celery, carrots, kohlrabi, leek

The following:

THE LILIACEAE FAMILY

garlic, asparagus, chives, shallots, onions, and leeks.

THE LAMIACEAE FAMILY

The Lamiaceae family includes plants with leaves containing many small glands that secrete essential oils, making these plants highly fragrant. That is why many are used in herbal teas (mint, lemon balm), jams (mint), cooking (sage, thyme, savory), perfumes (oregano, lavender), and more. A few examples: basil, catnip, hyssop, lavender, marjoram, white horehound, lemon balm, oregano, rosemary, savory, sage, and thyme.

THE BRASSICACEAE FAMILY

The Brassicaceae (or Cruciferae) family is characterized by a siliquose fruit and a four-sepaled flower, with four petals in a cross shape and six stamens, including two smaller ones. cabbages, watercress, turnips, and radishes.

THE ROSACEAE FAMILY

The Rosaceae family includes herbaceous and woody plants with alternate leaves and either simple or composite flowers, usually pinkish in color. A few examples: strawberries, cherries, raspberries, blackberries, pears, apples, and plums.

THE CHENOPODIACEAE FAMILY (Amaranthaceae)

The Chenopodiaceae family includes plants without petals that often grow in soil rich in salts or nitrates. A few examples: Swiss chard, beets, and spinach.

THE ASTERACEAE FAMILY

The Asteraceae (or Compositae) family is very large, including nearly 13,000 species, mostly herbaceous plants but also some trees, shrubs, and vines. A few examples: absinthe, artichokes, chamomile, cardoons, chicory, tarragon, lettuce, dandelions, and salsify.

Calendula, Camomile, Golden Rod, Coltsfoot, Curry Plant, Chrysanthemum, Chicory, Lettuce, Cardoon, Burdock, Dandelion, Cornflower, Echinacea, Elecampane, Endive, Everlasting Daisies, Feverfew, Chop Suey Greens, Marigold, Mouse Ears, St. Mary’s Thistle, Southernwood, Milk Thistle (Puah), Mugwort, Eclipta, Emelia, Pyrethum, Stevia, Tansy, Sweet Fruit Root, Sunflower,Bellis Perennis, Cobblers Pegs, Groundsel,Tarragon, Sweet Tarragon, Toothache Plant, Blessed Thistle, Wormwoods, Yarrow

THE UMBELLIFERAE FAMILY (APIACEAE)

The Umbelliferae family includes plants whose defining characteristic is the arrangement of their flowers in umbels, hence their name. Some species, such as hemlock, can be poisonous, while others are edible. A few examples: dill, anise, garden angelica, carrots, caraway, celery, chervil, cilantro, cumin, fennel, parsnips, and parsley.

Warm Season Crops edit

Solanaceae, or nightshades, are a family of flowering, warm season crops. Eggplant, peppers, potatoes and tomatoes[8] are varietes of Solanaceae.

• Cucumber • Squash • Sweet Potato • eggplant • peanut • capsicum • tomato • melons[3]

Notable Examples of Foodscaping edit

People edit

  • Landscape designer and author Rosalind Creasy has frequently been named the "pioneer of edible landscapes"[26]. One of her most influential texts in the field of foodscaping is her book "The Complete Book of Edible Landscaping", published in 1982[27].
  • Brie Arthur is an American professional horticulturalist who has been noted as a public advocate for the practice of suburban foodscaping[28]. In order to challenge the idea that ornamental landscapes can't involve edible plants, she has spoken publicly at schools, worked with television programs and been involved in various horticulture-related associations[21]. Her debut book titled "The Foodscape Revolution, Finding a Better Way to Make Space for Food and Beauty in Your Garden" was published in 2017[3].

Public sites edit

  • The Eden Project is sustainability project in Cornwall, England, which attracts over a million yearly visitors[18]. The 15-hectare site features a food garden adjoining to a café, where edible produce has been incorporated into the landscaping design[18].
  • The Food Forest is a property in Adelaide, Australia, which grows 160 varieties of organic fruit, nuts, wheat and vegetables on 15 hectares of land[29]. The owners educate visitors on how ordinary families can grow their own food at home by creating productive foodscapes[18].
  • New York University's Urban Farm Lab is a collaborative urban agriculture project promoting the integration of edible crops into urban environments[30]. They have implemented foodscaping techniques in many spots around the university's campus[30].

"Foodscapes at Epcot are used to produce food for park restaurants"[8] "The Epcot Center Foodscape was planted for the 2015 International Flower Festival. The entire property of Epcot had edibles mingled with ornamentals. In many places the food crops grown were being used at the restaurants on site (each country), and chefs provided demonstrations of cooking from the garden. Epcot Center saw a 25 percent increase in attendance from season ticket holders (locals) as a result of the food integration in the landscape and the on-site cooking programs."[21].

https://www.chateauvillandry.fr/en/explore/the-garden/organic-garden/ the Chateau Villandry's organic garden

https://all-americaselections.org/winners-of-the-foodscaping-landscape-design-challenge/ Foodscaping Contest

Dow Gardens is a vegetable and flower display garden in Michigan. The Garden hosts numerous programs throughout the summer including a Growin’ Gardener Program. it won an award[citation needed]

University of Wisconsin Spooner Agriculture Research Station, Spooner, Wisconsin. A central pinwheel garden overflowing with bright flowers intermixed with leafy greens and other edibles.

Purdue Extension Marion County Demonstration Garden, Indianapolis, Indiana



University of the Philippines "Naranja’s initial efforts in edible landscaping resulted in a partnership between UPLB, the Department of Agriculture-Bureau of Agricultural Research, and the High Value Commercial Crops Program (HVCCP).It also led to the establishment of two demo-gardens at the Department of Agriculture’s Bureau of Agricultural Research (DA-BAR) grounds in Diliman, Quezon City."[citation needed]


Categories:

Garden features, Horticulture and gardening, Agriculture, Types of Garden, Urban agriculture, Sustainable building




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