Focus on… Potager gardening
WE’VE got mediaeval French monasteries and chateau owners to thank for the potager concept – a creative and artistic design of a fruit and vegetable garden that’s as easy on the eye as it is productive. I’ve always had a soft spot for them – to me, edible plots can be just as beautiful as ornamental gardens. So how do you go about creating your own?
Add florals, shrubs and herbs
Anything goes when it comes to potager plants. Fruits, vegetables and herbs should supply the backbone, but because cut flowers and foliage are also key components, many ornamental plants can be chosen. Viburnums, peonies, irises, lilies, aquilegias – as long as you can plonk it in a vase, it’s fine.
“Anything goes when it comes to potager plants”
Creative pruning and training of your fruit crops is also encouraged. Fan-trained cherries, figs and redcurrants, stepover apples, is a good choice.
