At this Embry Hills property, the homeowners wanted to transform their front yard into a functional, pollinator-friendly garden that combined beauty with practicality. Their vision was a space rich with perennial plants, many of which would serve as edible herbs and fruits for the kitchen.
The challenge was to design a garden that was not only visually appealing but also easy to maintain and supportive of local pollinators like bees and wasps. The yard also needed to incorporate fruit trees and provide privacy and screening from the road and inner courtyard.
Our design strategy centered around block planting — grouping similar perennial plants and herbs together to simplify maintenance and create a cohesive look. The garden featured a mix of pollinator-attracting ornamentals and edible herbs planted in clusters throughout the yard.
In addition to the perennial garden, we installed beehives to encourage pollination and support local bee populations. The client also wanted fruit trees, so we incorporated espaliered Kieffer Pear trees along the walkway adjacent to a garden wall. These trees were trained on trellises in a two-dimensional form, offering a unique blend of aesthetics and functionality.
The espaliered fruit trees not only provide privacy screening from the road and courtyard but also produce delicious fruit in late summer and fall. Their spring blooms add seasonal beauty and attract pollinators, enhancing the garden’s health and productivity.
The final garden is a low-maintenance, edible landscape that supports biodiversity, looks stunning year-round, and provides fresh herbs and fruit right at the homeowners’ fingertips.
This Embry Hills garden is a perfect example of how combining perennial planting design, edible landscaping, and pollinator support can create a front yard that’s both practical and beautiful. The homeowners now enjoy fresh produce, vibrant blooms, and an eco-friendly garden that requires minimal upkeep.
If you’re interested in creating a perennial edible garden or want to support pollinators in your landscape, our team specializes in custom designs that blend beauty, function, and sustainability.
