Are you a little bored with your usual grown edibles? Are you wanting to include more variety to your landscape edibles as well as your kitchen menu? There are a lot more options we may not be aware of. The best form of edibles are those that are self-sufficient; where you just have to harvest them when they and you are ready.
Keep in mind, when you are eating from your landscape, you want to keep all of it healthy, which includes what you spray on the plants. Pesticides make any item that would be edibles not so. Imagine spraying ant killer on your apple right before taking a big juicy bite. This also applies to the place that you purchase your plants. Avoid getting your plants from unknown sources and nurseries that have sprayed pesticides. Also pay attention to any sprays that your neighbor may be using. Use permaculture techniques to ensure pest control and healthy plants to eat
Edibles can be found in annual, perennial, vine, shrub and tree form. Many parts of the plants are edible. But that does not mean they will be palatable, so try small amounts at first and see if you like them. Nearly all of the plants discussed are full of healthy vitamins and minerals, some of which are often no longer found in the foods we consume regularly. So simply adding them to our normal dishes will also make the entire meal healthier. And surprisingly, most of the plants are easy maintenance, perennial and can provide a lifetime of healthy food for you and your family. Home grown food is healthier for you and easier on your budget
I have put a list together of good edibles outside the norm option for you to try:
Tropaeolum majus - Nasturtium
Tagetes lucida - Mexican Tarragon
Viola odorata - Hardy Violet
Rosa spp - Roses (Heirloom preferable)
Syringa spp. - Lilac
Lavandula angustifolia - English Lavender
Salvia officinalis - Culinary Sage
Anthriscus cerefolium - Common Chervil
Calendula officinalis - Pot Marigold
Monarda didyma ‘Raspberry Wine’ - Raspberry Wine Bee Balm
Allium schoenoprasum - Chives
Allium cernuum - Nodding Onion
Agastache foeniculum - Anise Hyssop
Hibiscus syriacus - Rose of Sharon
Alcea rosea - Hollyhock
Mahonia aquifolium - Oregon Grape Holly
Ribes rubrum - White, Red, and Black Currant
Ribes grossularia - Gooseberry
Sambucus canadensis - Adams Elderberry
Amelanchier x grandiflora ‘Autumn Brilliance’ - Autumn Brilliance Apple Serviceberry
Rhus typhina ‘Bailtiger’ - Tiger Eyes Sumac
Dianthus spp. - Pinks
Cucurbita pepo - Zucchini
Lilium lancifolium or Lilium tigrinum - Tiger Lily
Hemerocallis spp - Daylily
Taraxacum officinale vulgare - Dandelion
Urtica dioica - Stinging Nettle
Fragaria vesca - Alpine Strawberry
Tilia cordata - Greenspire Linden
Yucca filamentosa - Adam’s Needle Yucca
Caragana arborescens - Siberian Peashrub
Allium ursinum - Wild Garlic
Campanula persicifolia - Bell Flower
Most of these have edible leaves and flowers. Onions have bulbs and roses have hips that you eat. Harvest flowers when in bloom and leaves before they bloom.
In conclusion, there are a lot of options for your landscape that are edible and would be well worth the taste test.