In this episode of ATTRA’s Voices from the Field podcast, NCAT Horticulture Specialist Guy Ames talks with Matthew Lebon about edible landscaping, or the practice of integrating edible plants into ornamental landscaping. Lebon is the visionary behind Custom Foodscaping in St. Louis, Mo. The two delve into the intricacies of shaping the land with food in mind, emphasizing the value of growing foods locally and sustainably.
Lebon got started with edible landscaping 15 years ago, and his main focus is on promoting less common native and exotic plants that are well-adapted to local growing conditions. In 2020, he received a SARE Farmer/Rancher grant to raise awareness among home growers and small orchards of pawpaws, persimmons, Asian pears, disease-resistant apples, and a plethora of other trees and bushes. Through his company, he works to inspire people everywhere to grow their own food, and he has high hopes that people will return to locally adapted perennials to promote a more sustainable future.
This episode of Voices from the Field is part of a series co-produced by ATTRA and SARE, reflecting their commitment to promoting innovative approaches to agricultural sustainability and food security. This series amplifies voices like Matt Lebon’s to inspire positive change in local food systems across the nation.
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