We love that we can use our space for elderberries and other plants that serve multiple purposes.
“Elderberry are generally easy to grow and lovely to look at, which makes them a great addition to any home, homestead, or farm. Their habit allows for flexible use, even in urban or other restricted settings where you can grow them in plain sight as a part of most any kind of landscaping- even when other forms of productive and edible types of land use are prohibited! In this respect, it is similar to serviceberry and other landscaping pants that are usually unnoticed or overlooked by most people. Whether as a stand-alone plant or as a series of shrubs serving as a hedge or fence, elderberry does well in urban, suburban, or rural settings.”
On our farm, we plant our elderberries in rows. Our first row is planted along our fence-line and does well as a privacy hedge. We love that we can use our space for elderberries and other plants that serve multiple purposes. Not only do elderberries serve as a way to improve our health, but also they are beautiful and can grow tall enough to provide shade and privacy.
“Elderberry is a hardy perennial plant. While it will do better in some situations and soils, it has thrived for thousands of years without human assistance in a wide range of terrains and territories. Native varieties are usually found along fencerows, hedgerows, sinkholes, streams, and other features that stop or block human machinery or otherwise go undisturbed by human activity. While elder prefers part to full sun, it also grows in partial shade, such as along wood lines.”
Like most perennial plants, elderberries grow deep roots and provide a great solution if you have soil that tends to erode quickly. Also, because of their strong root system, they can grow up to 10 to 15 feet tall.
“Planting a few different varieties will let you see which do best on your property.”
We have planted a variety of elderberries on our farm. This year (2021) we plan to add York and Adams varieties to our current grove of elderberry bushes.
Citation: Moody, J. (2019). Cultivation and Care. In The elderberry book: forage, cultivate, prepare, preserve (pp. 30-53). Gabriola Island, BC, Canada: New Society.