Edible Garden

There’s no need to hide edible plants in the backyard. Tasty crops can add color and texture to a front-entry design.


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For a welcoming entry, the homeowner replaced the concrete path with pavers and added natural travertine tile to the porch and steps. The new wooden door has an arch that echoes the curves of the plant bed and pergola.


Inspired by its California ranch style, this home’s landscape update makes edibles a big part of the plan. Before, a narrow rectangular bed mimicked the shape of the house. To soften the look, the homeowner designed a large curved bed that sweeps into the diagonal line of the driveway. A short retaining wall on the left side of the garden creates a flat area, which was planted with a base of flowering shrubs and filled in with vegetables, fruits, herbs, and flowers. A cedar pergola with an Asian twist enhances the home’s facade, anchors the entry, and provides a spot for growing vines, such as grapes, in the future.

“It’s so convenient to have my veggies in the front yard. I can pick tomatoes on my way to the door.” Good To Know: The homeowner saved money and materials by using the broken concrete from the old path as backfill for the raised plant bed."

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A curvilinear cedar pergola and backless wooden benches provide architectural interest. Burnt orange weather-resistant cushions add a pop of color.


Garden Fare

1. Large cages give tomatoes ample room to grow. Follow our step-by-step instructions (at right) to make your own.

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2. Clean-lined lanterns with beveled glass brighten the porch and accentuate the home’s modern style.

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3. Flowering plants are trained on a custom-made standing trellis, which fills the space between two windows.

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4. Tame mint—a notorious spreader—by planting it in a container and then placing the container in a hole in the ground. Cover the rim of the container with soil and mulch.

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Make It: Tomato Cages

Step 1: Wearing gloves, unroll the remesh on the ground, and measure an 8-foot length. Using bolt cutters, cut the horizontal wires just before the next vertical wire. This will leave several 6-inch-long exposed horizontal wires.

Step 2: Using pliers, form U-shaped hooks on the ends of the exposed horizontal wires.

Step 3: Shape the 8-foot piece of remesh into a large circle, about 32 inches in diameter. Use pliers to bend the loose ends of the U-shaped wires around the vertical wire on the opposite end of the remesh, securing the circular form.

Step 4: Wrap the ends of the cut wires with electrical tape.

Step 5: Cut the vertical wires at the bottom of the form just inside the last horizontal wire, leaving several 6-inch-long exposed vertical wires that will act as ground spikes.

Step 6: Center the cage over young plants, and push the cage spikes into the ground to secure.

 Walk this way Caption: Pavers were placed a couple of inches apart and set with jointing sand to give the look of natural flagstone. To line the path with fragrance, the homeowner planted thyme on one side and a string of sage on the other. Daylilies add a splash of color. The edible petals, traditionally used in Asian cuisine, make a surprising addition to fresh salads.

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Caption: Square pavers were added to section off a spot for each large planter near the steps. This creates an even surface for the planter, which is raised to provide ample drainage for the rosemary and lavender. These plants, which require lots of sun, are paired with purple fountain grass.

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“The pergola changes the whole feel of the house. It has so much character now.”

Learn how to create the projects in this front-yard makeover.

Want to build the curvy cedar pergola over the entry? Click here for detailed step-by-step instructions.

Click here to find instructions for building the standing trellis shown on page 27—perfect for climbing plants.

Click here to learn how to build the easy outdoor benches.

Click the image below to watch the Install a Paver Patio video


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After you create your own edible garden, try these recipes:


Welcome Back Spring!

Save money at the supermarket by growing your own organic edibles at a fraction of the cost. You’ll find a variety of organic products, from potting soil to pest control, at Lowe’s. Visit Lowes.com/HealthyHome for more information.

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Project Details

Edible Garden

Lowe’s List

Skill Level: Advanced
Rough cost estimate: $5,335*
Materials $1,545
Door and hardware $625
Exterior paint $15
Outdoor accessories $560
Tomato cages $45
Pergola (go online for list of materials) $2,400
Outdoor benches (go online for list of materials) $145
Rough time estimate: 3 weeks**

*Does not include applicable taxes, which vary by market, or the cost of plants and tools.

**Does not include lead time for Special Order materials.

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