臺北產經資訊網

By Chen,Hui-mei
The Edible Landscape, as the name implies, is a landscape that provides food. When this kind of landscape is designed plants which provide edible crops, or which themselves are edible, are used in place of the traditional ornamental ones. Optimal use is made of plants which have functions that include environmental protection, spatial aesthetics, and most importantly, a supply of food. In cities where the edible landscape is promoted the residents are able to enjoy the fun of farming which includes planting and cultivation as well as final harvesting and the consumption of their own products. Urban farming life is no longer just a dream. With proper environmentally friendly methods residents can be introduced to the proper use of space, enjoy physical exercise, and have more control over their own health. This activity also makes a substantial contribution to social welfare, and helps to build a friendly urban living environment. In Taiwan development of the edible landscape is at an early stage and most focus is on crop cultivation. The spatial form is limited to traditional vegetable gardens. We hope that in the future there will be more emphasis placed on spatial design to create more aesthetic vegetable gardens. We believe that vertical farming and the symbolic relationship of fish farming and soil-less vegetable growth will also become important in the development of garden cities. Such enterprises will reduce production and transportation cost and ensure the security of urban food. Furthermore, when fish farming is taken into account, the concept can be expanded to include fish farm ponds in the edible landscape.