FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE (NEWSWIRE.NET via EMAILNEWSWIRE.NET) DECEMBER 3RD, 2012 Zeeland, MI - Garden Crossings,  family-owned online retailer of plants and flowers, is now offering a selection of edible plants that can be eaten or used for seasoning and cooking. Plants like shade perennials are ideal for growing as an alternative food source in even the smallest or most urban spaces.

Garden Crossings’ wide selection of flowers, plants, vegetables and fruits can be used to start an urban garden that will produce a harvest within weeks. People who are concerned about the rising cost and sinking quality of produce at the grocery store, the use of pesticides in grocery store fruit, or who just want to get back to nature are encouraged to try growing natural products on their balconies, patios, terraces, or other spaces where natural light is available.

While many people grow their own fruits and vegetables in a backyard garden, urban agriculture is become more popular even among those without significant garden space. In some urban areas in places like Washington D.C. and Detroit, Michigan, “food deserts” exist, where access to and selection of fresh fruits, vegetables, roots, and herbs can be very limited because there might not be nearby supermarkets. Those urban dwellers desiring to experiment with new plants and roots can therefore have a very hard time finding those items.

Luckily, solutions are emerging for these problems. More people in cities maintain rooftop gardens or participate in community gardens.   Fruits, vegetables, and herbs can be grown in very limited spaces. Even flowers can be edible and delicious. Shade perennials like yarrow, otherwise known as achillea, can be eaten in salad, steeped to make tea, or sautéed. Hosta plants, or plantain lilies, are another example of edible plants that need minimal space to flourish. They can be prepared to eat in any number of ways, like any other vegetable.

Garden Crossings has focused its business on edible plants increasingly in recent years, as produce prices have spiked and people’s paychecks have stagnated.

“Gardening brought our family together, and part of the reason we continue to work in this business is because we get to spread the love of gardening. Growing plants and vegetables as a food source not only saves you money, it can help people living stressful urban lives to relax and feel in touch with nature. People who are interested in growing their own food can start small, with one plant, and get more as they feel more comfortable,” said Heidi Grasman, co-owner of Garden Crossings.  

New gardeners can use the planning tools listed on the Garden Crossings site, like the USDA Hardiness Map, to help them choose plants for their climate.  Plants are also listed on the Garden Crossings site by their most useful properties; for example, a given plant might be billed as attracting butterflies or resistant to rabbits. Garden Crossings ships two different sizes of plants all across the US.  

About Garden Crossings:

Launched in 2002, Garden Crossings is a family owned and operated garden center, offering the newest varieties of plants and flowers sometimes as early as one year before other stores. Based in Michigan, Garden Crossings has come to be known not only for its wide selection, but for its exceptional customer service.

Garden Crossings L.L.C.

Phone: 616-875-6355
Fax: 1-616-875-8765
Email us at: sales@gardencrossings.com

Rod Grasman: Co-Owner and Press Contact