Survival Garden Perimeters and Edges; Southern Dewberry

Southern dewberry, Rubus trivilas, useful perimeter plant for gardens of all types

Garden edge and perimeter theory has long been studied and discussed in deep permaculture thought.  Edges are always rich in diversity and truly useful to gardeners.

To the yoyo survival gardener, edges provide a complex set of functions limited in use only to your imagination.

Barriers are one of the first edge plant uses that may come to mind.

Your survival garden perimeters contain potential for many levels of utilitarian barriers against wildlife and potential trespassing humans.  Using a variety of proven edge plants one can create a range of barriers, from light, visual based suggestive deterrents to impenetrable plantings.

Unlike corrosion degradation typical of metal fencing, plant perimeters grow stronger and more effective with each passing year.

Incorporating native plants into edges is a sustainable practice that can pay other dividends too.  

When designing and planting a yoyo survival garden perimeter one can choose from many different species.  I always recommend consulting with local nurseries to determine those varieties well suited for any specific location.

With respect to levels of garden fortification, flora deterrence works not only for the yard but also for the patio and balcony.  And while drawing boundaries is an important yoyo survival garden design criteria, it isn't the only factor to consider.

Curb appeal may seem irrelevant to some but in the long run the unexpected may happen and one may have to sell their homestead, townhouse or farm.  Consider planting those edge plants who contribute to the overall aesthetic of your garden perimeter.  Striking and attractive; color, hues, textures, gloss, translucence, shade, structure and form can be achieved in your garden edges with well chosen greenery.

Food production too is a real advantage of thoughtful edge and perimeter planting.  The art sketch above is my visual interpretation of our Florida native southern dewberry bramble, Rubus trivialis, a thorny shrub who doesn't allow for easy passage but also provides a bountiful, nutritious harvest for jams, snacks, pies, canning and freezing.

Thoughtfully chosen perimeter plants may also produce desirable goods to be used in commerce, such as bamboo poles or pineapple guava fruits.

Potential uses for your yoyo survival garden edges are limitless, bounded only by your creativity.

You can start with just one plant, seed, cutting or even your imagination today!