The Wentworth Blog

There is something undeniably special about enjoying the fruits of your labour…Literally!

Backyard-grown veggies, freshly picked and plated to enjoy, offering a crisp, fresh taste that makes every hot afternoon spent weeding and tending to plants worth every second. With a thoughtful approach, it can become more than just planting seeds, diligent maintenance, and reaping the rewards of your labor. It can be so much more… Becoming an enjoyable lifestyle, transforming your backyard into the ultimate lifestyle upgrade!

Incorporating Spaces that go hand-and-hand with vegetable gardening

The "garden to table" idea can be as simple or as elaborate as you wish… If you're going BIG, consider how you can transform your garden area into an all-out harvesting, cooking, and dining experience. Think cozy outdoor dining areas complimented by ambient landscape lighting , alongside a fully equipped outdoor kitchen and wash station to make the journey from garden to table seamless.

For a budget-friendly option, creating a cozy atmosphere for outdoor dining can be as simple as incorporating a table with string lights beside your vegetable garden. Even the smallest details can make all the difference when it comes to creating ambiance and a purposeful space.

Proximity & layout is key

Just like the interior of our homes, the layout of your outdoor space plays a key role in how seamlessly you move between areas. Think of it this way, you wouldn’t have your pantry on the opposite side of the house from your kitchen, so why should your vegetable garden be an afterthought in relation to your outdoor dining area? Or your outdoor cooking area be disconnected from your dining and entertaining area?

When I first moved into my home, I realized our garden was tucked away in the far corner of the property, roughly 100 yards from the house and outdoor dining area. While it didn’t seem like a nuisance at first, the distance made it impractical to grab fresh ingredients in an efficient way while cooking in my home or on the BBQ. Having to lug all of my garden tools to the back of my property also drove me to become a little bit more ‘relaxed’ on my garden upkeep.

Thoughtful design that connects your home, garden, outdoor kitchen, and outdoor dining area creates a seamless experience, making it easier (and more enjoyable) to bring fresh ingredients straight to the table. No muss, no fuss, all you need to do is pick, wash and serve! Perfect for BBQ pizza or “pick-your-own” garden salad night!

Select Plants with Purpose

When selecting plants to grow we usually opt for what we like, consider incorporating a mix of staple ingredients and unique elements that elevate your meals.

Edible Flowers for Drinks & Garnishes: Nasturtiums, lavender, and violas add a pop of color to garden beds while doubling as flavorful garnishes for cocktails, desserts, and salads. Herb Borders: Lush rosemary, basil, and thyme can define walkways while providing fresh, aromatic ingredients for cooking and cocktails.

Vertical Growers: Trellised tomatoes, peas, and cucumbers maximize space and create natural green walls around dining areas.

Theme Garden: A pizza garden featuring tomatoes, basil, oregano, and peppers can make for a fun and functional outdoor dining experience. Talk to us about how to incorporate a pizza oven into your outdoor dining area. You can also create a cocktail garden with mint, lemon balm, and lemongrass for fresh, garden-to-glass drinks, or an herbal tea garden with chamomile, lavender, and lemon verbena to enjoy homemade blends.

Aesthetic Gardening:

You might be thinking, is aesthetic vegetable gardening really necessary?

The answer is YES! and no. That’s entirely up to you.

The sky is the limit when it comes to landscape design, and vegetable gardening is no exception. Imagine, defined pathways, raised beds, string lighting, custom wood trellises, incorporating materials such as stone, wood, or brick for visual interest. Not only does it make plant maintenance/harvesting easier and more accessible, it also provides an inspiring space to spend more time in.

Mixed planting integrates vegetables and herbs with ornamental flowers for a lush, layered look that feels intentional. Purposeful lighting and inviting seating can transform the space into a warm, intimate dining environment.

The takeaway

By designing a garden with both beauty and accessibility in mind, you’re not just providing a food source… you’re creating an experience. A space where fresh flavors, nature, and gathering with loved ones all come together for the perfect outdoor living recipe.