Front Yard Food: Why Edible Landscaping Is Taking Root in Denver
Once upon a time, vegetable gardens were banished to the backyard, tucked out of sight, functional but forgettable. Not anymore.
More and more Denver homeowners are turning their front yards into thriving, beautiful edible landscapes, and I am so here for it. At Auntie M’s Garden, we believe your veggies deserve a starring role, and when you blend the beauty of ornamentals with the productivity of edibles, the result is a space that’s not just functional, but joyful, sustainable, and seriously good-looking.
Let’s dig into what makes edible landscaping such a game-changer here in Colorado.
What Is Edible Landscaping?
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Put simply, edible landscaping means growing food plants alongside your flowers and ornamentals, all in the same intentional design. Think kale mingling with coneflowers, basil snuggled next to zinnias, or tomatoes climbing a decorative trellis.
It’s not about choosing between beauty and bounty; it’s about having both.
And here in Denver, where space is often limited and the growing season throws curveballs (hello hailstorms and surprise cold snaps), edible landscaping just makes sense.
Why Denver Gardeners Love adding edible plants to front yard gardens
Aside from turning heads in the neighborhood (and yes, your neighbors will ask you what those leafy greens are), edible landscaping offers a ton of benefits:
Maximizes small spaces, especially important for urban and suburban lots
Attracts pollinators with mixed plantings that support a thriving ecosystem
Reduces water use by grouping plants with similar needs
Adds year-round beauty with edible plants that bring texture, color, and movement
Encourages daily harvests, because when the lettuce is in the front yard, you’re way more likely to use it
And maybe most importantly: it creates a garden that feels alive. It’s interactive. It invites you outside. It connects you with your food and the rhythm of the seasons.
Smart Design Tips for Edible Landscapes in Denver
Designing a mixed-use garden takes a little thought, but it’s easier than you think. Here are a few tips I use in my coaching sessions and custom garden builds:
Start with structure.
Raised beds or defined borders help organize the space and create visual cohesion.Layer by height.
Low-growing herbs and lettuces in front, midsize ornamentals like salvia or calendula in the middle, tall veggies or trellises in back.Group plants by needs.
Pair veggies and flowers that like the same sun, soil, and water levels.Invite pollinators.
Snapdragons, coneflowers, lavender, and zinnias all bring in the bees (and make your veggies happier).Rotate your crops.
Even in a pretty garden, soil health matters. Keep things fresh by rotating what you grow each season.
My Favorite Denver-Friendly plant Pairings
Here are a few go-to combos that thrive in our unique high-altitude, semi-arid climate:
Tomatoes + Marigolds + Basil: A classic trio that deters pests and looks great
Chard + Salvia + Dusty Miller: Heat-tolerant and striking
Kale + Coneflower + Thyme: Pollinator-friendly and resilient
Peppers + Zinnias + Oregano: Compact and colorful
Carrots + Parsley + Lavender: Aromatic and bee-approved
If you're unsure where to start, these pairings are beginner-friendly and tough enough to handle our unpredictable weather.
Caring for Your Edible Landscape in Denver
Once your garden is in, it doesn’t need to be high-maintenance—but a little attention goes a long way. Here’s what I recommend to all my clients:
Use drip irrigation to keep roots hydrated without overwatering
Add organic mulch (I love undyed wood chips) to retain moisture and keep weeds at bay
Deadhead & prune regularly to encourage new growth
Compost when you can to feed your soil naturally
Observe daily, especially after storms or heat waves. A 5-minute check-in can catch problems before they start
Here’s my favorite part: when your edibles are right out front, you use them so much more. You grab herbs on your way to make dinner. You notice when the greens are ready. You start thinking seasonally, cooking more fresh food, and wasting less.
There’s just something special about serving a salad grown steps from your front door. It’s beautiful. It’s empowering. And it absolutely belongs in your landscape.
Want to find my favorite Denver kitchen garden tools?
This is just the tip of the trowel! I put together a full, beautifully designed checklist of all my favorite gardening tools—perfect for beginners or anyone wanting to simplify their setup.
It includes soil tools, weeding gadgets, harvest helpers, and even my favorite freezer containers.
Get the free garden tool checklist!
Get our Denver Garden Growing Guide for the step-by-step to starting your edible garden!
Give Your Garden the Best Start This Year!
Whether you’re starting from scratch or you’re a garden pro, let us support you in your garden this season. We’ve got something for everyone!
🌱 Want to learn exactly what to grow (and when) in Denver?
Check out our Denver Growing Guide for in-depth advice, planting tips, and planning strategies! Let’s start planning your best garden yet.
🌱 Need help designing a garden that works for YOU?
We offer consultations, custom garden and landscape designs, and maintenance packages. Sign up for a consultation today and let’s create a space that nurtures both your plants and your well-being.
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**This post may contain affiliate links, which means I earn a small profit if you click on the link to make a purchase. Other links are not sponsored, because I also like supporting small, local businesses.**
Meet the Gardener
I’m Elisa Mack - a mom and Denverite who went from being a green-ish thumb to a kitchen garden fanatic simply by dedicating myself to the study of all things Colorado gardening.
Landscapers don’t design. And nurseries don’t make house calls.
We take a more full-service approach, from designing your dream garden to keeping it beautiful year-round.
And as your coach, I’ll help eliminate the guesswork through every season, no matter your level of knowledge.
