How to Create A Decorative Vegetable Garden

Tidy Paths: Pathways not only provide easy access to beds, but can also be eye-catching features. Stray or chipped bark will give a more rustic look, or gravel, brick or stone will make a more permanent path.

Decorative Edging: Edging contributes to the overall mood of a garden and provides eye appeal. It can be made of wood, brick or terracotta. Depending on what edging you use, you can create a casual, free flowing design or a more formal, classic looking garden.

Ornamental Plantings: There are many vegetables that are quite attractive, such as rainbow-colored Swiss chard, or red, frilly lettuce. Eggplants are interesting plants with beautiful lavender blooms. Herbs such as variegated tricolor sage or deep purple basil are great choices. And don’t forget, there are many edible flowers, such as nasturtiums which add a great burst of color. Marigolds are said to be of benefit in discouraging pesky insects from devouring your garden.

Climbing Structures: A teepee or obelisk creates a great focal point. Climbing plants such as runner beans or sweet peas will add a great vertical element to your garden.

Cloches: Every good kitchen garden needs plant covers. Cloches are delightfully decorative and protect vulnerable seedlings as they become established. These decorative garden accents come in a large array of shapes from bells to lanterns and fit right in with the ornamental charm of a well designed potager.

Before planting your vegetable garden this year, plan ahead and consider adding some of these features and enjoy a functional garden that is pleasing to the eye as well.