#155 Fringe Foods
A feed where you least expect it!
We are lucky to have a generous nature strip, or footpath. About 8 years ago I planted it out with edible shrubs & small trees. I chose ones that had attractive foliage plus had berry or nut super powers. Passing neighbours appreciate it (it goes down a little easier with the neighbours than rows of eggplants or carrots...although I'm sure we could integrate more herbs and vegies somehow..), various kids love fossicking about for after- school treats, and the parrots fortunately feast on the ones we can't reach.
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Comments (7)
So how long does it take for a shrub/tree to begin providing snacks? Two years? Three?
Yep, I reckon 2-3 years for the several different types of guava. Less for blueberries. Lilly pilly are quick, too. More for nuts, as far as I know (took 6 years for the macadamia) A big hole with compost will help speed things along. It will often mention fruiting time on the labels at the nursery.
I plan on planting strawberry guava at some stage. Plus avacado, bay and maybe macadamia. Love the idea of an edible front hedge.
This is wonderful - such a great treat for the hood. Love the idea of finding some fruit along the way.
Sounds great guys. Another good one for the hedge/ nature strip is pepino. This delicious little number grows about a metre high and gives tamarillo style fruits in the first or second year. It clumps up nicely too. I'll take a picture of the pepino we've got growing by driveway when its daylight again.
My grandad makes jam from the excess fruit from his orange tree and shares it with his neighbours - he's been doing that for at least 15 years. And the tree's still growing!
That's great! Just a little sidetrack, I added a photo of my blueberry. The one I originally planted on my nature strip perished quickly, so I had put them down as difficult to grow. But last year I planted one out in a pot. I water and feed it regularly, and include manure and pine needles in the mulch to get a bit acidic. It's gearing up for a great crop for such a little plant. Again, very attractive as an understory shrub with bonus fruit...just needs some extra TLC.
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