Abstract:
Through history our culture has developed an attitude which promotes a distinction between edible plants and functions/aesthetic plants in garden and landscape design. This problem has had two distinct results. One is the devaluation of sustainability in design. The second is a limitation on the practice of landscape archtitecture; the exclusion of an entire palette of ornamental plant materials which is currently valued only for its edible qualities.This research surveys the history of plant use and its influence on contemporary attitudes. Then, through the input of other professionals and academic resources, it outlines how landscape architects can begin to implement edible plants into their landscape designs. This report also contains an ornamental edible plant list, a realistic application model illustrating edible plant use in landscape design, and the author's perceptions and conclusions on the subject.
