Farm Life…
Grow Beauty & Bounty: A Guide to Foodscaping in Nanaimo
Looking to grow a garden that’s both beautiful and practical? Welcome to the world of foodscaping—a way to bring your landscape to life with edible plants that are as ornamental as they are delicious.
Let’s dig into how you can start your own foodscape right here in Nanaimo, BC. 🍓
1. What is Foodscaping?
Foodscaping is the art of combining edible plants with ornamental ones—think landscaping that’s not only eye-catching but also puts food on the table. Instead of filling a flower bed with only blooms, why not tuck in herbs, lettuces, kale, or even berries?
It’s all about edible elegance, blending form and function to create a garden that’s productive, sustainable, and uniquely yours.
2. What Zone Are We In?
Here in Nanaimo, BC, we’re in Zone 8B—a mild coastal climate that’s ideal for year-round gardening. Our long growing season means you can enjoy multiple plantings and a wide range of edible and ornamental combinations throughout the year.
Want to double-check your own garden’s zone? Use these helpful tools:
🔍 Canada Plant Hardiness Zone Map (Natural Resources Canada)
🗺️ British Columbia Interactive Zone Map (PlantMaps)
Just pop in your postal code and get your zone in seconds!
3. Foodscaping Possibilities in Your Garden 🌼🌿
Foodscaping can be as simple or layered as you like. Here’s a beautiful example of a beginner-friendly layout you can try:
- Basil tucked between colourful begonias
- A soft border of thyme and chives acting as fragrant, edible ground cover
- Pole beans climbing up a trellis, adding vertical height and lush texture
- Vibrant rows of red and green lettuces for a pop of colour
- Kale or Swiss chard for structure and nutrition
It’s beauty you can eat—and everything listed above grows beautifully in Zone 8b!
4. How to Start Your Foodscape Garden
Ready to get started? Follow these steps:
- Plan your layout: Choose a sunny area and sketch where you want height, ground cover, and mid-level plants.
- Pick your plants: Mix ornamental flowers with culinary herbs and vegetables. Look for BC grown starts at our Garden Center.
- Prep your soil: Add compost and organic matter to enrich the bed—your foodscape needs nutrient-rich, well-draining soil.
- Plant with purpose: Use companion planting principles to pair plants that help each other thrive.
- Add beauty: Don’t be shy—include bright blooms like marigolds or calendula to attract pollinators and lift the look.
Need help? Visit our team in-store for a custom planting plan!
5. Pest Deterrents & Garden Safeguards
A beautiful foodscape deserves protection. Here’s how to keep pests at bay—naturally:
- Chives, thyme, and basil naturally deter pests with their scent
- Use netting or cloches to protect tender greens from birds and rabbits
- Encourage beneficial insects with flowers like alyssum and yarrow
- Keep plants healthy by rotating crops and avoiding overcrowding
- Apply organic treatments like neem oil or insecticidal soap if needed
Healthy plants are your best defense—strong roots mean fewer problems!
6. Local Inspiration: Foodscaping in Nanaimo 🍅🌼
Looking to see foodscaping in action? Here are a few local spots worth visiting:
- Milner Gardens & Woodland in Qualicum Beach – for a glimpse of ornamental edibles in a woodland setting
- Nanaimo Community Gardens – full of inventive plots that blend flowers with edibles
- Maffeo Sutton Park’s Edible Garden Beds – seasonal displays maintained with community input
You’ll find plenty of inspiration right here at Holden Lake Farm & Garden, too! Come by and chat with our team—we’re always happy to share what’s growing in our display beds.
🌿 Visit us today in Nanaimo, BC to explore our selection of BC grown herbs, veggie starts, and companion flowers.
🌸 Sign up for our Edible Garden Workshop to learn how to design, plant, and care for your very own foodscape.
🍓 Join our Farm Club for exclusive planting guides, early workshop access, and seasonal inspiration.
Let’s grow beauty and bounty—together!
— The Holden Lake Farm & Garden Team