Many common garden plants offer more than meets the eye, serving multiple purposes such as providing both food and ornamental value, while also attracting beneficial wildlife. This concept is highlighted by permaculture gardener and author Huw Richards, who promotes maximizing the utility of plants in home gardens.

Richards, known for his YouTube channel and his recent book *Edimentals: Edible Plants To Grow And Enjoy*, encourages gardeners to consider plants for their combined beauty and edibility. He points to runner beans as a prime example. Originally introduced to the United Kingdom in the 17th century for ornamental use, runner beans were later appreciated for their edible pods. Richards specifically recommends the ‘Celebration’ variety, prized for its peachy-pink flowers and high yield of nearly stringless beans.

For gardeners with limited space, Richards suggests constructing a “living tower” by using hazel or bamboo canes arranged as a teepee for runner beans to climb. In the center, a mashua plant can be added, which blooms with orange flowers in autumn after the runner beans’ flowering and fruiting seasons have passed.

Leeks are another versatile option, particularly the variety ‘Bandit,’ which can be harvested into May. This timing coincides with the so-called “Hungry Gap,” a period in temperate climates when few fresh vegetables are available. If left unharvested, these leeks send up tall stems adorned with large purple allium flowers that attract butterflies.

Several plants traditionally valued for their foliage or flowers also have edible parts. Hostas, ostrich ferns (Matteuccia struthiopteris), and Solomon’s Seal (Polygonatum) are commonly cultivated for shade gardens, but their leaves can be eaten. Similarly, in various Asian cuisines, the leaves of courgettes (zucchini) and pumpkins are used as greens.

To maximize productivity in smaller gardens, Richards advocates for “edible edges” along garden beds—narrow strips approximately 12 inches wide—where fast-growing, cut-and-come-again crops such as salad leaves, carrots, spring onions, chard, dwarf beans, peas, spinach, and garlic can be harvested without disturbing more permanent plantings. He also notes cavolo nero, with its dark, dramatic leaves, as an attractive choice for interplanting.

For gardeners seeking something more unusual, growing a Szechuan pepper plant in a large container is an option. This small tree or shrub produces bright red peppercorns that persist into autumn and can be used to make flavorful sauces.

Richards’ approach highlights the potential to grow plants that combine aesthetics, edibility, and ecological benefits, encouraging gardeners to rethink their choices and optimize both purpose and space.