Edible Landscaping

What is Edible Landscaping?

Edible landscapes blur the lines between garden beds, blending decorative plants, vegetables, fruits, and herbs into a rich tapestry of colors, textures, and sizes. By incorporating edibles into the mix, these landscapes offer an added visual dimension with their vibrant hues and enticing aromas. Moreover, they serve as a natural magnet for pollinators and beneficial insects, potentially minimizing the need for harmful pesticides.

Edible landscapes are a sustainable approach that promotes water conservation, soil health, and a balanced ecosystem. They are characterized by a varied selection of plants that offer aesthetic value and provide nutrition in the form of edible fruit, flowers, stems, and leaves. By incorporating edible landscapes, we can reduce the use of chemicals and fertilizers, both organic and non-organic, while supporting beneficial insects and other soil organisms.

Edible landscapes offer more than just fresh produce - they also create a welcoming habitat for a variety of wildlife, from buzzing bees to fluttering butterflies and furry mammals. It's worth noting, however, that landscapers may need to take precautions, such as bird or deer deterrents, to discourage wildlife from consuming their bounty. As crops are harvested and new ones are planted, these landscapes undergo an exciting transformation, constantly evolving into a sustainable and productive oasis.

Impacts

Global

Over the past decade, Chinese universities have experienced a substantial rise of 52% in their student populations. In response to this growth, Wuhan University, Shenyang Jianzhu University, and Yunnan University have implemented innovative solutions by introducing edible landscapes on their campuses to cater to the increased demand for nourishment. This initiative has not only fulfilled the nutritional needs of the students but has also contributed to their mental well-being, along with that of the faculty members.

National

Connecticut enacted a legislative measure in 2010 that restricted the use of EPA-registered pesticides on school premises. In response, the University of Connecticut (UConn) adopted a set of tactics to abide by the new law. One strategy implemented by UConn was to create edible landscapes across the campus grounds. Such landscapes were designed to require minimal pesticide usage and thus promoted a more sustainable and eco-friendly approach to landscaping.

Local

Grand Valley State University has made remarkable progress in developing an attractive and eco-friendly campus. The inclusion of edible landscapes would be an exceptional complement to the existing green initiatives at GVSU. Additionally, planting indigenous flora would offer students an opportunity to learn about Michigan's diverse natural offerings.

"The value of recreation significantly affects teachers and students’ perceptions of the richness, beauty, and environmental perception of campus edible landscapes" (Lin et al.)

Implementation at GVSU

With such profound impacts that can be made for the Laker community, GVSU can begin implementing edible landscapes across campus in phases to foster community, environmental activism, and learning. The end result is an aesthetically appealing, sustainable landscape that everyone (including nature) can enjoy.

Pros:

Maximize the use of the landscape and current planting beds
Maintenance for households is easy to manage and maintain and manageable with community support in industrial areas
Provide fresh produce and herbs to a given population and can increase food accessibility
Fosters a sense of community in participants and contributors and is visually appealing
Helpful during times of crisis and shortage of food supplies
Fresh produce and vegetables without needing room for a full garden site

Cons:

Edible plants might not be native to the area but can plant species with minimal invasive tendencies
Concerns over increased loitering can be redirected towards a positive community environment in which individuals can participate in planting and harvest
Rot and vermin may be a concern when not consistently harvested, but can be regularly harvested during maintenance
Requires regular maintenance but can be managed by volunteers, internships, or the landscaping crew

Initial proposal site: The Lubbers Student Service Center along North Campus Drive.

There is room to expand coverage over time, with a second proposed site at the Mary Pew Idema Library or the Pew Campus.

Infrastructure is already in place and regularly maintained. Current plants could easily swap to edible species.

Site is publicly visible and would provide a great attraction for current and prospective students.

Highlight of a Few Plant Options for Edible Landscaping:

Commonly Known Garden Options:

Kale and other leafy greens
Berries
Herbs
Peppers
Tomatoes
Fruit Trees
And more!

Lesser Known Edible Options:

Marigolds
Lavender
Calendula
Hibiscus
Nasturtium
Amaranth
And more!

Proposed Budget

The estimated costs for the first phase of this project include labor, various types of seeds and starters, including fruit trees, inoculants for soil health, and the installation of a drip irrigation system.

Timeline

Triple Bottom Line

People

Edible landscapes are a valuable addition to the GVSU community as they offer a unique opportunity for individuals to connect with nature. By incorporating these landscapes into the campus environment, students and faculty can benefit from the mental health advantages of spending time outdoors and engaging in activities such as landscaping and harvesting fresh produce. In addition, edible landscapes can provide opportunities for educational experiences, community building, and sustainable food practices that benefit both the campus and the surrounding area. These landscapes are an innovative way to create a welcoming and inclusive environment that promotes health and well-being for all members of the GVSU community.

Planet

Integrating edible landscaping with native plants on GVSU’s campus is crucial for promoting environmental sustainability. By doing so, we can provide food and shelter for insects, which play an important role in supporting other animals and plant species. Moreover, native plants are an effective means to prevent soil erosion and help maintain the balance of the ecosystem. By planting a mix of edible and native plants, we can create a thriving and sustainable ecosystem that benefits everyone.

Profit

Edible landscaping promotes sustainability and contributes to the circular economy. By cultivating our food, we can significantly reduce our dependence on mass-produced, commercially farmed produce that often requires excessive water, pesticides, and transportation. This not only helps to reduce our carbon footprint but also provides us with fresh and nutritious food.

On-campus vegetation can be utilized as a source of locally grown food for students and faculty. This fresh produce can be enjoyed in meals, snacks, and other culinary creations, providing a healthier and more eco-friendly alternative to store-bought options. Additionally, any excess food can be donated to communities in need, promoting a sense of community and social responsibility. We can contribute to a more sustainable lifestyle and a healthier planet for future generations by implementing edible landscaping practices.

References

Concklin, M., Wallace V., Siegel-Miles, A. Sustainable Edible Landscapes. University of Connecticut. Retrieved from https://ipm.cahnr.uconn.edu/sustainable-edible-landscapes/.

Lin, J., Zhou, M., Luo, H., Zhang, B., Feng, J., & Yi, Q. (2022). Analysis of the Emotional Identification Mechanism of Campus Edible Landscape from the Perspective of Emotional Geography: An Empirical Study of a Chinese University Town. International journal of environmental research and public health, 19(18), 11425. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph191811425.

Ding, X., Zhao, S., Yue, X., Xing, Y., & Zhao, Z. (2024). Design factors promoting the benefits of an edible campus in China. Frontiers in Sustainable Food Systems, 8, 1267894. https://doi.org/10.3389/fsufs.2024.1267894.