Avis Licht

I received my B.S. in Conservation of Natural Resources, from the University of California, Berkeley. After that I studied with the great horticulturist, Alan Chadwick for 2 years. He brought French Intensive organic gardening to its height in Santa Cruz, California and many of his students have gone on to start farms, seed companies, and teach organic gardening. In 1978 I co founded the Commonweal Garden in Bolinas It was an organic farm and teaching center. Since 1983 I've been designing and installing landscapes in California. Edible landscaping is my specialty, but sustainable, native plant, and ALWAYS BEAUTIFUL gardens are what I love to do. After 35 years of gardening and designing gardens, I've decided to share my experience using the internet to reach more people. I hope you find what I have to say, useful, interesting and inspiring. Please let me know what areas you're interested in. Thanks for stopping by.

Some of my Favorite Edible Plants

Ornamental/edible plants No Responses »

Aug 022011

This apple tree has 4 varieties of apples

There are many wonderful plants to use in your edible landscape. Of course, when I say edible, we’re thinking of what we humans like to eat, but it is also important to put in a variety of plants for other wildlife like the birds, bees, butterflies and insects that pollinate and keep the garden healthy by keeping unwanted insects in check.

A fruit tree is a perfect landscaping choice. It has flowers and fruit, provides shade in the summer and allows sunlight in during the winter. For a small garden you can find dwarf and semi dwarf varieties that stay small.

Fruit on climbing vines are also great. Grapes are an excellent choice for both food and shade when planted on an arbor. Kiwi’s are more unusual and grow in a wider range of climates than you might imagine. Find out your local growing conditions by going to this great website :http://www.smartgardener.com/. When you type in your zip code they will give you your first and last frost dates and times to plant many varieties of edibles.

This kiwi grows on a strong fence.

Beautiful Kale

This is a kale leaf. I think it’s beautiful. I guess all beauty is in the eye of the beholder. The more you like a plant, the better it looks. You can grow all kinds of annual vegetables like kale, lettuce, peppers and eggplant amongst the flowers.

Eggplant seems to incite strong feelings in people. Some love it and some hate it. It is in the Solanum family which includes potatoes, tomatoes and ornamental nightshade plants that are poisonous.

Of course, the best landscaping choices are the plants you love to eat the most and are suited to your climate and location.

The flower of the eggplant is also beautiful

Even on cloudy days the sunflower shines on you

Getting Started with Your Garden Plan

Garden Design No Responses »

Aug 012011

Paths are important

Getting started with your edible landscape really begins with you sitting down and writing up a list. It will have two parts. One part is what exists. One part is your wish list. I suggest walking around your yard at different times of the day. Remember that some areas which are in full sun in the summer, are in shade in the winter. These areas are on the north side of a house, a tree, or any structure. Take stock of your property and find the easiest, sunniest most accessible place to start planning your edible landscape. Take pictures. Take your time. Take a stroll around the neighborhood and see what catches your eye that looks good.

Copper relects the morning sun on this front yard fence

After you list what exists on your property, start thinking about what you would like to have. Is there room for fruit trees, or berry bushes? What perennial vegetables would you like to have? Asparagus, rhubarb, artichokes are just a few. Herbs are some of the best edible plants in terms of how much we use them and how good they look in the landscape. Create places to sit, eat, read, look at a view. Set out destinations in your garden. Morning sun is different than the setting sun and if you can find a few special places to sit, that would add a lot to your design.

At this point, make a wish list and then prioritize it. Everyone has a budget, and we can’t always get what we want but we can usually get what we need. Later we can talk about the different ways to use new and recycled materials to get the most out of your garden budget.

Before you start digging and cleaning and planting you want to make sure you’ve got your plan. Measure your area and put it on paper. Get a compass and notice where North is. This is an important step, as it will remind you where the sun and shadows will fall. In the winter the sun is low on the horizon and the north side of anything will be in shade. Even a low fence will cast shade on winter days.

Open fence lets light into garden and keeps out dogs

Draw your garden and place the important elements that won’t change. These would include the house, sheds, trees and shrubs, paths, and fences.

Note any slope and retaining walls, or areas that need retaining walls. Note drainage issues. Rain in winter can run off in different patterns. Look for erosion areas. There are many issues associated with water which we will talk about in following posts. They include drought, storing water, irrigation methods and costs, winter storms and runoff and much more. Let’s get started with your plan and not worry about those pesky little issues right now.

Fruit trees and herbs are part of an edible landscape

Pull out your paper and pencil, and make your lists. Next step: make a drawing of your garden site. There’s lots of information to pass on, but we have to start, one blog-step at a time. See you tomorrow!

Welcome to Edible Landscaping Made Easy!

Garden Design 3 Responses »

Jul 122011

The Edible Backyard

: The Edible Landscape

Edible landscaping is the type of garden design I’ve been doing for 35 years. I’ve been gardening and designing gardens for all those years. And boy do I have stories. With landscaping ideas based on the principals of organic, sustainable and beautiful, I will pass on my hard earned lessons to those who are ready for the edible journey.

I will share garden tips, favorite plants, and how to easily and simply design and implement your own bountiful garden.

Some of you may be wondering “What in the world IS edible landscaping?” It is combining the best of both worlds of gardening and landscape design. It is a way for you to get deep satisfaction out of growing healthy, tasty foods for you and your family AND make your yard look beautiful.

Bright and Beautiful- the Sunflower

I take the elements of good landscape design and infiltrate them with plants that we can harvest year round. The trick is putting the right plant in the right place. Of course, we know that not all plants are created equal and some are more beautiful than others and some are just too darn good not to plant. I will teach you how to skillfully incorporate those plants that look good with those that provide great food, but are too homely to be seen front and center.

A healthy plant is a beautiful plant. We’ll be talking about how to keep all your plants healthy and productive, using simple organic methods. But it’s still good to remember to always plant a little extra for the birds and others that come to the table to taste.

Who can resist a ripe strawberry?

What I will do with this blog is set out in a straight forward and simple way, how to help you move forward with your plans to turn your own yard into a beautiful and productive paradise.

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