No outdoor kitchen is complete without beautiful landscaping that complements the features of the hardscape and home. One of the most satisfying aspects of cooking outdoors is the ability to have edible kitchen essentials at the chef’s fingertips. Having fresh herbs, vegetables, and fruits within reach gives the chef more time to focus on the fun, creative sides of cooking. Adding plants with bold color, sweet fragrance and practical function will make your outdoor kitchen the ideal entertainment space of your neighborhood.
Where’s the Sun?
First, before you start planning the perfect outdoor kitchen garden, consider the position of the sun. Will your designated planting space get the exact amount of sunlight it needs? Knowing how much sun the area will get can help you choose the right plants for your outdoor kitchen.
If the planting area receives direct sunlight much of the day, consider creating shade with the use of plants. However, if the kitchen is located in a shady area, more attention must be paid to the type of plants that can be successfully grown. In general, edible plants require at least six hours of sun per day. This makes a sunny location an key need for a successful kitchen garden.
In addition to choosing the right amount of sun, consider how often you want your plants to access the sun. First, think do you want to plant your plants directly into the ground? Second, would it be easier if you could move your plants into the best position everyday? Finally, determine what is the best solution for you and your plants. By designing an arrangement of planters and pots, you can move your plants to areas with the best amount of sunlight. Fortunately, this allows you to take advantage of the sun’s warmth in any season.
Creating Desirable Views and Privacy
Thoughtful plantings are the best way to enhance beautiful views or create privacy around the perimeter of your outdoor kitchen and seating area. A narrow space can be screened with vertical vines. Small trees and bushes offer structure and the opportunity to define specific views. It is essential to be aware of how the garden will mature to create a landscape that will not become overgrown or require extensive management. For the best result, choose plants that are proportional to the garden’s size and offer a professional, finished look. In addition, reach out to your local landscaping company for professional maintenance help.
Structure the Landscape with Fruiting Plants
Fruit grows on many types and sizes of plants, including trees, bushes and vines. Selecting a wide variety of different orchard fruits gives you the opportunity to build texture and structure within your kitchen garden landscape. Apples, pears, citrus and cherries are all available in dwarf tree varieties for container planting and easy harvesting. Blueberry bushes can produce fruit during much of the season. In addition to tasty fruit, you’ll also get to enjoy the bushes’ beautiful leaves when they change in autumn. Vine fruits such as grapes or kiwi are ideal for narrow spaces along a wall or trellis. They are also a wonderful option for small urban gardens.
The Charm of Veggies and Greens
Growing veggies and greens near the outdoor kitchen is a practical way to enjoy farm-to-table meals. Kale and chard are colorful, healthy greens. Also, they can be easily grown in either pots or landscape beds. Lettuces and mustard greens prefer partial shade and cool weather; many of these salad fixings can be grown year round and thrive in shady areas. Garlic and onions are the foundation for any home-cooked meal. These root crops can easily be tucked into pots or small corners of the landscape. Edible gardens can be creative and unique; their design is only limited by the homeowner’s imagination.
Fresh Cooking with Culinary Herbs
Herbs are easily grown and require very little maintenance. The joy of cooking with fresh herbs makes them an essential addition to any outdoor garden. Garnish evening cocktails with fresh mint or rosemary. Use sage and basil to flavor grilled meat. The possibilities are endless when you have a garden of spices and herbs right at your fingertips.
Surrounding the cooking space with herbs that are within easy reach gives the chef a variety of fresh options for creative cooking. Guests will be fascinated when the chef crafts their meal using the greenery that surrounds your outdoor kitchen. Bring a taste of Europe to your backyard with the distinctive, flavorful French tarragon. Nicknamed the “King of Herbs” by many French chefs, this unique herb is a fantastic seasoning option for many dishes, including fish, poultry, and salads.
Any food lover will be delighted by the tasteful variety your outdoor kitchen herb and spice garden provides. Plus, your guests get to indulge in the added bonus of enjoying the heavenly aromas these fresh herbs emit.
Cut Flowers For the Table
Flowers bring color and interest to the residential landscape. In short, popular varieties of cut flowers in the garden means the host can set a beautiful table for entertaining at a moment’s notice. Roses, sunflowers and lilies are easy to grow. In addition to their natural beauty, these flowers can be cut and arranged to enhance your table’s setting. As a matter of fact, these flowers are beautiful as single stems or large bouquets. In addition, edible flowers such as borage, calendula and pansies can be added to desserts and salads for a colorful, unique accent that goes beyond a simple garnish.
Getting Started
In short, there are many beautiful plants that provide shade, structure and color to your landscape. Therefore, choosing edible plants to surround your outdoor kitchen is a simple way to add a customized, practical touch to the home that will delight your family and guests.
Ready to get stared? Reach out to your local landscaping team for additional help with all of your landscaping needs. If you live on the Central Coast, consider giving K&D Landscaping, Inc. a call. Their professional team has over 30 years of award-winning service. When it comes to choosing the right plants for your outdoor kitchen, K&D Landscaping, Inc. is here to help.