Edible Landscaping: A Journey Through My Gardens in Bellefonte

Introduction to Edible Landscaping

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In the heart of Bellefonte, New Castle County, Delaware, my home is a testament to the beauty and bounty of edible landscaping. As the President of New Castle County Council for the past eight years and now a candidate for New Castle County Executive, my life is a whirlwind of activity and responsibility. Yet, amid this busy life, I find solace and joy in my gardens. Edible landscaping has become my sanctuary, where the hustle of political life gives way to the peaceful rhythm of nature.

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The Gardens of Bellefonte

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As you step into my front, back, and side yards, you are greeted by a symphony of sights and sounds. The gentle tinkling of wind chimes mingles with the songs of birds, while bees and butterflies dance among the flowers. My gardens are a sensory delight, bursting with color, fragrance, and life. Here, 26 semi-dwarf fruit trees—peach, apricot, cherry, plum, nectarine, fig, persimmon, pear, apple, pluot, and pomegranate—stand as sentinels of abundance, their branches heavy with promise.

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Blueberry, raspberry, blackberry, and goji berry bushes dot the landscape, their fruits a feast for both the eyes and the palate. Three grapevines entwine themselves gracefully around trellises, adding a touch of rustic charm. A variety of herbs—lavender, chamomile, lemongrass, basil, cilantro, chives, rosemary, lemon balm, parsley, sage, thyme—fill the air with their heady aromas, inviting you to linger a little longer.

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Seasonal Beauty

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Throughout the year, my garden transforms with the seasons. In spring, flowering trees burst into bloom, painting the landscape with delicate hues of pink, and white. The tulips, crocuses, hyacinths, bluebells, and snowdrops create a vibrant carpet, heralding the arrival of warmer days. As summer unfolds, foxglove, lupine, gladiolas, freesia, salvia, honeysuckle, jasmine, dahlia, liatris, iris, allium, and nasturtium add their colors to the canvas, creating a breathtaking display.

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Autumn brings a different kind of beauty. The bright red fruit and leaves of the persimmon tree stand out against the backdrop of the season's golden hues, offering a final burst of color before winter sets in. Even in the colder months, the structure of the garden, with its evergreen herbs and hardy plants, provides a serene and calming presence.

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A Personal Sanctuary

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Gardening is more than just a hobby for me; it is a way to connect with nature and find peace in a demanding life. My two retired racing greyhounds, Apollo and Aria, are my constant companions in the garden. They race each other around the backyard, leaping over plants and bushes with effortless grace, their sleek forms a blur of motion. When they are not racing, they follow close by my side, vying for my attention and often nibbling on the lemongrass.

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Spending time in my garden with Apollo and Aria is a cherished part of my day. The act of tending to the plants, watching them grow, and sharing their bounty brings me immense satisfaction. I share almost all of what is grown, ensuring that the fruits of my labor benefit others as well.

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The Joy of Edible Landscaping

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Edible landscaping has enriched my life in countless ways. It has provided me with a beautiful and productive garden, a peaceful retreat from the demands of public service, and a way to give back to my community. Whether I am harvesting fruit, tending to herbs, or simply enjoying the beauty of my garden, I am reminded of the simple joys that nature offers.

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As I continue my journey as a candidate for New Castle County Executive, I carry with me the lessons learned in my garden—patience, dedication, and the importance of nurturing growth. These principles guide me in my public service, just as they do in my personal sanctuary here in Bellefonte.