Edible Landscapes

Two days ago, I went up to The Hort, (my new favorite place) to see Ivette Soler speak about edible landscapes.  She is the author of the book the The Edible Front Yard: The Mow-Less, Grow-More Plan for a Beautiful, Bountiful Garden.  I haven't read her book, but I am really interested in learning how to transform yards into beautiful edible landscapes.  

She showed us slides of yards to inspire us.  I really loved the concrete pavers on the lawn of this yard.  So beautiful!  She emphasized looking at vegetables and fruit plants not only for their edible value but also  for their aesthetic value.  She encouraged us to buy differently varieties of vegetable plants that could add spots of color such as speckled lettuces, ruby red chards, and silvery sages. She told us to not be afraid to mix in edibles with non-edibles.  Be playful she recommended!  The last two years, I've been really rigid with planting my edibles and ornamental plants separately, but after this lecture, I definitely would like to try combining plants and play on texture, color, and height.

After the lecture, she had a book signing.  It was also an opportunity to meet with her and ask her questions. 

Ever since I joined as a member of The Hort this year, I've been trying to attend as many of their lectures and events.  So far, they have not disappointed!  Last month, I went to the beekeeping lecture they had, and subsequently, I signed up for a beekeeping class! The lectures for me are a point of discussion and inspiration.  After I leave the lectures, my interested is peaked and I definitely want to learn more about the topic at hand.

Currently at The Hort, they had this cute tote bag exhibition featuring tote bags with local school children's art.  The bags highlights the children's favorite vegetables and fruits.  More about the exhibition can be seen here.

From The Hort's website, "Our annual Sprout exhibition celebrates the Hort’s Apple Seed education program in partnership with local schools. This year, over 300 students from Harlem and East Harlem were inspired to create hand-painted tote bags with their favorite fruits and vegetables. From Apples to Zucchini highlights the work of 100 students, ranging from kindergarten to 6th grade. After the exhibition, the children will bring their totes home, encouraging their parents to buy fresh food from their local markets." 

 

All the bags were beautifully drawn!  What a cool idea!