An ornamental garden can lift the spirits and provide a place to relax.

But does this mean giving up space that could otherwise be used to grow food? Not necessarily. By growing edible flowers (for example, dahlias and nasturtiums), attractive food plants (e.g. passionfruit) and herbs with a variety of colored leaves (e.g. grey-leafed sage and purple-leafed basil) you can have an attractive garden and fresh additions to your dinner table.

What if you want a succulent garden? Try pitaya, including the large, sweet and exotic-looking dragonfruit.