Backyard herbs and edibles - Part 1

The Kiwi backyard is a space for bringing people together to play, relax – and eat. In Part 1 of this two-part series, Rebecca Hughes looks at the best herbs and edibles to help outdoor spaces flourish with life-enhancing sustenance

In the summer, we played endless games of cricket and touch with the whanau and kids next door; we swung on the washing line, picked apples straight from the tree, and we helped with the veggie patch.

Many of us grew up with edibles at home – but with smaller sections and busy lives, some of those growing skills have been lost. When it comes to inspiring and guiding your clients in the creation of a life-enhancing outdoor space, there is increasing evidence of the benefits that edibles can bring.

We are discovering that backyard gardening improves physical and mental well-being, promotes sustainable living and fosters a connection with nature. It’s a rewarding activity that can improve health, save money and contribute to a more beautiful and environmentally friendly space that supports pollinators – including bees, flies, butterflies, moths and even some beetles.

Whether your client has a large or small garden, there is always an opportunity to include herbs and edibles. Whether in raised beds, pots or plants along fences as a vertical garden, edibles like herbs, fruits and vegetables can find a home in every space.

Herbs are ideal for growing in containers – think basil, coriander, parsley, thyme, rosemary, oregano, mint, sage, lavender, lemon balm, tarragon, bay leaves and chives. Ensure the container has drainage holes to prevent overwatering and use a well-draining potting mix to prevent root rot.

Herbs do well with at least six hours of sunlight a day, so positioning is important. Advise your clients to water when the top 3-4 cm of the soil feels dry, and to use a balanced fertiliser to promote healthy growth. Regular harvesting will also encourage new growth – that’s the fun part!

Of all the herbs, rosemary is one of the most versatile and attractive. Here are some of my favourites:

Rosmarinus Benenden Blue 

Flat rosemary. Blue flowers all summer on a low, spreading bush. Plant in sun. Ht 50cm. Evergreen.

(syn. Collingwood Ingram)

Rosmarinus Mozart 

The deepest blue rosemary, covering itself in flowers in early spring through to summer. A great plant for a dry site.

Ht 1m.

Rosmarinus officinalis John McLaren 

Herbalist’s rosemary. Forms a dense shrub that is ideal for a hedge. Blue flowers in spring. Evergreen. Hardy.

Rosmarinus officinalis Lockwood de Forest 

Blue flowers on a low, spreading bush all summer. Plant in sun. Ht 50cm. Evergreen.

Rosmarinus Chef’s Choice 

Highly aromatic foliage with a wide range of culinary uses. Smothered in blue flowers in summer. Ht 1m. Full sun or part shade.

Rosmarinus officinalis Majorca Pink 

A small shrub with soft pink flowers and fragrant leaves. This herb is used in cooking and pot pourri. Upright habit. Ht 1m. Evergreen.

Rosmarinus September Blue 

Upright rosemary with bright blue flowers in winter/spring. Prefers sunny site. Height 1m.

Other edibles for a backyard bounty include fruits like strawberry, raspberry, red currants, black currants, gooseberries, grapes, blackberries, blueberries, figs and rhubarb. Currants and blueberries could include:

Black Currant Goliath  

Old variety that dates back to 1847. Medium-sized bush; very erect and well-spaced branches with short trusses of large, sweet berries.

Currant Red  

Early large, sweet berries. Plant in good soil in sun. Ht 1m. Deciduous.

Blueberry Duke  

An early-ripening selection with good crops of mildly sweet-flavoured berries. Upright grower, foliage turns yellow-orange in autumn.

Blueberry Legacy  

Northern highbush variety prized for its upright and robust growth. High productivity and moderate growth rate makes it a perfect fit for cooler climates.

Blueberry O’Neal  

A popular and high-quality southern highbush variety that produces large, sweet and juicy fruit full of antioxidants. Ht 60cm.

Blueberry Rahi  

A moderate cropper with outstanding fruit quality. Very light blue fruit with good keeping ability. Vigorous upright growth habit. Ht 1m.

Blueberry Reka  

Most productive of the early fruiting highbush varieties. Large, loose clusters of medium-sized berries. Great flavour. Outstanding plant vigour.

Blueberry Tifblue  

Rabbiteye variety. Hardy cold, heat, drought tolerant. Medium sized highly flavoured berries Full sun. 1m x 1.5m.

In the next issue, we’ll look at some of the best fruit tree varieties to plant.

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Rebecca Hughes has a Botany BSc with Honours and has been National Training Manager for the Horticulture Industry Training Organisation (ITO) and General Manager for the Community Support Services ITO.

She is currently co-director of Blue Mountain Nurseries, a family-run wholesale and retail plant nursery established in Tapanui in 1932.