Potager Gardens: Blending Beauty and Functionality for Sustainable Living

Looking for ways to elevate your vegetable garden so it’s more aesthetically pleasing to the eye? Create the perfect potager garden with these simple tips.

Are you dreaming of a garden that not only provides fresh, organic produce but also adds a touch of beauty to your outdoor space?

Today, I’m sharing what a potager garden is, how to plant one, and the types of plants that thrive in this harmonious setting.

Wait until you see how you can transform your vegetable garden into a beautiful potager that blends aesthetics with functionality.

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What is a Potager Garden?

Imagine a garden that seamlessly blends the practicality of growing vegetables with the enchanting allure of blooming flowers.

Sounds like a dream, right?

Originating from France, the potager garden combines the functionality of growing vegetables, herbs, and fruit with aesthetics in a single, cohesive design.

So it’s the perfect marriage of nature’s bounty and visual delight, all within the confines of your own backyard.

Potager vs Vegetable Garden: What’s the Difference?

The main difference between a potager garden and a vegetable garden lies in their design and purpose.

While both types of gardens involve growing edible plants, they differ in terms of aesthetics, layout, and the integration of ornamental elements.

So here’s what makes them different.

Vegetable Garden

A vegetable garden is primarily focused on cultivating a wide variety of edible plants for consumption. Its primary purpose is to maximize the yield of vegetables, herbs, and fruits.

Vegetable gardens typically have a utilitarian design and prioritize functionality over aesthetics.

The layout is often organized in rows or raised beds, allowing for efficient planting, maintenance, and harvesting.

In a vegetable garden, the emphasis is on optimizing space and crop rotation to maximize productivity.

I’ve been growing a vegetable garden since Chris and I moved to our former family home in Chester over 23 years ago.

Since moving here, the flavor of the property begs for an elevated design. So I decided to transform the old basketball court into a potager garden.

Potager Garden

A potager garden is a blend of both practicality and beauty. It combines the cultivation of vegetables, herbs, and fruits with ornamental flowers and plants.

So this type of garden design is very much in my wheelhouse.

The goal is to create a visually appealing garden that integrates edible and ornamental elements harmoniously.

Potager gardens prioritize aesthetics, design, and the intermingling of plants to create a visually pleasing landscape.

They often feature structured layouts with geometric patterns, symmetrical designs, or themed sections.

The integration of flowers, herbs, and vegetables creates a more diverse and visually interesting garden.

Bringing It Together

While a vegetable garden focuses solely on growing edible plants for consumption and emphasizes functionality, a potager garden goes beyond just producing food.

It incorporates ornamental plants and flowers, creating a beautiful and well-designed garden that is both visually appealing and productive.

The Beginning of My Potager Garden

This is what my potager garden looks like in late June shortly after starting it. My husband and his friend built the raised garden beds in March of this year. We added leaf mold, compost, and raised garden bed soil.

And then I planted the beds with herbs, vegetables, dahlias, and the seedlings that I started indoors and using the winter sowing method.

By no means is this garden done, but it is well on its way to becoming the potager garden of my dreams!

And I can’t tell you how fun it is to see it all come together.

Benefits of Growing a Potager Garden

Growing a potager garden comes with numerous benefits, combining both practical and aesthetic advantages.

Here’s what you need to know.

Fresh and Organic Produce

With a potager garden, you have the opportunity to grow your own fresh and organic fruits, vegetables, and herbs in an aesthetically pleasing way.

You have greater control over the cultivation methods where you can avoid harmful pesticides and harsh chemicals while ensuring the highest quality produce for you and your family.

And seriously, there is nothing better than walking out to your own garden to harvest herbs, vegetables, and fruits that you grew yourself.

It is very self-satisfying and the harvest tastes far better than anything you can buy in the market.

Beauty and Aesthetics

A potager garden adds a touch of beauty and visual appeal to outdoor spaces. And to me, it creates a garden room where one can enjoy the beauty while harvesting produce and flowers at the same time.

The combination of flowering plants, vibrant vegetables, and carefully planned layouts create an enchanting and picturesque garden that is pleasing to the eye.

Because our space is quite large, I incorporated an outdoor dining space in the design of our new potager garden.

I can’t tell you how wonderful it is to sit out here and dine among all of my plants!

Over the next year or two, we’d like to include an outdoor kitchen to make more of a farm-to-table experience in the potager.

Maximized Space

Potager gardens are designed to maximize the use of space efficiently. By intermixing vegetables, herbs, and flowers, you can make the most of every inch of your garden.

Vertical gardening techniques using trellises, obelisks, and arches help utilize vertical space, ideal for small yards or limited garden areas.

Instead of taking up lateral growing space, the home gardener can grow climbing plants upward in very small spaces. Thus, you can grow more things because you’ll increase your growing space.

As this garden develops over the next few years, I will incorporate more vertical elements in the garden.

We spent so much time building the raised garden beds and figuring out the space this year, I am not doing as much vertical gardening as I’d like.

Next year, however, I’d love to include some arches and obelisks to help maximize growing space and add to the design aesthetic.

Companion Planting

Potager gardens employ companion planting techniques, which involve planting certain plants together to maximize their growth potential and cut down on the use of pesticides.

This practice promotes biodiversity, attracts beneficial insects, deters pests, and improves overall plant health and productivity.

Pollinator-Friendly

Including flowering plants in your potager garden attracts pollinators like bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds.

These pollinators play a crucial role in the reproduction of plants, increasing fruit and vegetable yields and ensuring a healthy ecosystem.

Have you ever seen your summer squash or zucchini flower but not fruit? That happens because the male and female flowers didn’t pollinate.

So creating a habitat that invites more pollinators into your garden will help you get a better harvest from your garden.

You can even let some herbs that start to bolt go to seed and flower to attract the pollinators. I just did this with my dill and cilantro that started bolting.

It’s great for pollinators but also looks pretty in the garden too.

Educational Opportunity

A potager garden provides an excellent opportunity for learning and education, especially for children.

It teaches them about the natural world, the importance of growing their own food, and instills a sense of responsibility and connection with nature.

I’ve been gardening for well over 25 years and I still feel like I learn something new from growing things every day.

It’s such a fun and rewarding experience to be able to grow your own food.

And to be able to blend them with beautiful flowers too?

Priceless.

Reduced Food Miles and Waste

By growing your own produce, you contribute to reducing food miles—the distance food travels from farm to plate.

This reduces carbon emissions associated with transportation and helps to promote sustainability.

Additionally, having a potager garden allows you to utilize more food scraps and plant waste for composting, reducing household waste, and creating nutrient-rich soil for your garden.

Therapeutic and Stress-Relieving

Gardening, including tending to a potager garden, has therapeutic benefits. It provides an opportunity to connect with nature, relieve stress, and enjoy the calming effects of being outdoors.

Gardening can be a mindful and rewarding activity, allowing you to escape the hustle and bustle of daily life.

There is something very peaceful about digging in the dirt and tending your garden.

Planting Your Potager Garden

When planning a potager garden, careful consideration is given to the arrangement and intermingling of different plants, creating a visually pleasing and harmonious design.

Flowers, herbs, vegetables, and fruits are all thoughtfully integrated, resulting in a space that not only provides a bountiful harvest but also enchants the senses with its colors, scents, and textures.

A potager garden is not only a source of nourishment but also a place of tranquility and beauty, inviting you to immerse yourself in the joy of gardening and savor the rewards of a well-designed and productive space.

Here’s how to get started.

Choose the Right Location

Find a sunny spot in your yard that receives at least six hours of direct sunlight each day. This will ensure your plants receive the necessary light to grow and thrive as most vegetables, fruit, and herbs need full sun.

If you are not doing raised garden beds, take the time to test your soil. This will tell you how good your soil quality is plus anything you’ll need to do to improve it before planting.

Equally important, is siting your potager near a water source. Because trust me when I tell you that you want to make it easy on you to water in the dead heat of summer. It is NO FUN dragging around a heavy 100-foot hose.

So think about the best location before siting your garden.

My Potager Garden

When we moved to our new home, the best spot for growing vegetables here is on the old basketball court. It is one of the few open spots in the yard that is protected from critters like deer where we can grow vegetables, herbs, and flowers.

To get something going quickly last year, we used the self-watering raised garden beds that we brought from my former garden.

But I didn’t love the look of them here. It just didn’t go with the vibe.

So Chris and his friend Mark spent all of March 2023 building these gorgeous raised garden beds.

To fill them and keep costs down, we used leaf mold and compost from a pile on the property. Plus, I added fresh mushroom compost and raised garden bed soil to top them off.

So far, the plants are doing amazing in these beds!

Design Your Garden Beds

The beauty of a potager garden lies in its structured layout. Create raised beds or designated garden beds, delineating each section with paths for easy access.

Make sure there is enough room for you to move a wheelbarrow or garden cart around so you can haul garden supplies around the beds with ease.

Consider incorporating geometric patterns or symmetrical layouts for a visually appealing design.

Chris designed the shape of our raised garden beds in a geometric pattern so we could include a large fountain in the design as a focal point.

A quick little backstory. He originally designed the largest U-shaped bed with a curved design. Chris had big plans for that one.

But it would have taken a long time to build and pull off which would have prevented me from really planting it this year. So he squared off the design so I could get the garden going. And I love it!

I recently bought the fountain and absolutely love the look! Don’t you?

It’s so wonderful to sit here and listen to the soothing sounds of water while I’m cutting flowers, weeding the beds, or enjoying a meal in our outdoor dining space.

Mix and Match Plants

The magic of a potager garden is the combination of edible plants and ornamental flowers.

Intertwine the two seamlessly to create a visually stunning and functional space. Kind of like an edible oasis.

I have 5 raised garden beds in the potager garden. Two of them are growing edibles that include tomatoes, peppers, celery, lettuce, cucumbers, various herbs, onions, and strawberries.

But I also planted some onions, eggplant, zucchini, and summer squash in the surrounding garden beds. Plus, for the first time ever, I’m growing potatoes in grow bags.

So that’s going to be fun. I’m also looking forward to planting garlic in the fall. And I’d love to add some blueberry plants to this garden as well.

I used to grow both raspberry and blueberries in my former garden and really miss being able to harvest them. New Jersey has a great climate for growing berries, so if you are in my neck of the woods, they grow with ease here.

It’s so fun to experiment with plants. And I’m really looking forward to growing new things this year.

I’m also growing lots of flowers that I started from seed and picked up from growers and nurseries that include:

• dahlias
• zinnias
• snapdragons
• larkspur
• strawflowers
• sunflowers
• calendula
• tithonia
• sweet peas
• borage
• roses
• marigolds

Companion Planting

One of the secrets to a successful potager garden lies in companion planting. Certain plants have natural affinities for one another, helping to deter pests, attract beneficial insects, and improve overall growth with health.

For example, plant marigolds near your vegetables to repel pests, or grow aromatic herbs like basil and parsley to enhance the flavor of neighboring plants.

Planting companions really do make a difference when growing vegetables. So don’t overlook this part as it will help reduce the use of pesticides too.

Utilize Vertical Space

Make the most of your garden by utilizing vertical space. Train climbing plants such as sweet peas or cucumbers to grow up trellises or arches.

This not only adds height and dimension to your garden but also maximizes the use of limited space.

Choosing the Perfect Plants for Your Potager Garden

Now, let’s talk about the stars of your potager garden. Here are some fantastic plants to consider including in your design:

• Herbs: Basil, rosemary, thyme, and parsley not only add flavor to your dishes but also provide a fragrant and charming touch to your garden beds.
• Leafy Greens: Lettuces, spinach, kale, and Swiss chard are excellent choices for a continuous supply of fresh, nutrient-rich greens.
• Root Vegetables: Carrots, radishes, and beets are perfect for adding color and texture to your Potager garden. Harvest them when they’re young for a tender and delicate taste.
• Climbing Plants: Sweet peas, cucumbers, and pole beans add vertical interest and lushness to your garden. Plus, they’re great space savers!
• Edible Flowers: Nasturtiums, marigolds, and calendula not only add a pop of color but are also completely edible. Sprinkle their petals on salads or use them as garnishes to impress your guests.
• Fruit Trees: If space allows, consider planting fruit trees such as apples, pears, or plums. They offer shade, beauty, and a bountiful harvest of delicious fruits right in your Potager garden.
• Perennials: Include perennial flowers like lavender, chamomile, and roses to add beauty, fragrance, and a touch of elegance that will last for years to come.
• Companion Flowers: Plant flowers like marigolds, zinnias, and cosmos throughout your garden beds to attract pollinators, deter pests, and create a vibrant and colorful atmosphere.

While the key to growing a beautiful potager garden is to strike a balance between functional with visually appealing plants, mix and match based on your personal preferences and the specific needs of your garden.

Maintaining Your Potager Garden

To keep your Potager garden flourishing, a little maintenance goes a long way.

Regularly weed your garden beds, water your plants as needed, and ensure they receive proper nutrients through organic fertilizers or compost.

Prune and deadhead flowers to promote new growth and maintain their beauty.

Additionally, stay vigilant for any signs of pests or diseases and take necessary measures to keep them at bay.

Harvest and Enjoy

As your potager garden matures, the time will come to reap the rewards of your hard work and dedication.

Harvest vegetables when they’re at their peak, cut those vibrant flowers to brighten up your home with arrangements, and savor the delicious flavors of your garden-to-table meals.

Share your bounty with friends and neighbors or indulge in the joy of giving back to nature by composting any plant waste.

Conclusion

By blending edible plants and ornamental flowers, you can transform your backyard into a harmonious sanctuary that feeds both body and soul.

So, grab your gardening gloves, unleash your creativity, and get ready to experience the wonders of a Potager garden.

Happy gardening!

More About the Potager Garden

Are you growing a potager garden? If not, are you interested in starting one now? I would love to know more in the comments below.

And don’t miss joining my Gardening DIY and Decorating Community on Facebook for more chatter. And follow along there and on Instagram as well. There are behind-the-scenes daily things that I share on Instagram that don’t make it to the blog. Would love to see you there too!

If you prefer to binge-watch Bricks ’n Blooms on TV, we go more in-depth with tours and posts on my YouTube channel. Would love to hang out with you there!

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Watch the Potager Garden in Action

Want to see the potager garden in action?

Wait until you see how incredible the raised garden beds look that Chris built filled with flowers, herbs, and vegetables. You’ll see what’s planted and how it’s growing in early summer.

Come tour the garden with me here in my latest YouTube Video.

Garden Supplies I Use

I’m often asked about the garden supplies and tools that I use most. From pruners to deer repellents, here are some of my favorites in no particular order.

• I like to use a good-quality garden soil, compost, and perlite when planting.
• I have used this deer repellent with great success. But now, I’m all about this deer repellent that is systemic instead of topical. This means the plant takes it in as opposed to it just smelling bad.
• Hands down this is my favorite hand-weeding tool. You can use to get underneath roots, loosen soil, and it cuts down on the weeding time because you work much faster.
• But I also love this long, stand-up weeding tool to really get around roses from afar.
• I like to use THIS ORGANIC FERTILIZER for roses because the blooms are more prolific and it’s organic.
• You’ll need a sharp set of pruners when working with plants and flowers. I buy a few so I can stash them around.
• Where pest and disease problems are concerned, I generally use this insecticidal soap or neem oil to help control infestations depending on the issue.
• This is my favorite set-and-forget slow-release fertilizer for houseplants, annuals, and container gardens.
• Whenever I stake my peonies or other plants, I generally use these grow through garden supports because they work really well and keep the blooms upright.

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