When aiming to introduce as many species as possible into your food system, it’s important to consider climbing/vining plants in order to take advantage of vertical space. A fence that encloses your growing space is a no-brainer trellis structure that should be utilized whenever possible. Unfortunately, when growing in an urban/suburban setting, your fence line undoubtedly abuts a neighbor’s property. Those subscribing to the culture of “manicured lawns” likely take offense to living things growing along or on the fence. This regretfully prompts most Americans to spray noxious chemicals along the fence line without regard for the possible utility of the plant(s) growing there or the fact that they’re poisoning their own water supply🤦🏾‍♀️ (via the chemicals seeping into the ground water).

Thankfully Nature has gifted those of us wishing to live with limited toxins with the powerful sunflower🤗. Sunflowers are not only gorgeous, but are also hyperaccumulators that trap lead & other toxins into its tissues; making it a low cost soil remediation solution.

This Summer, I’m planting sunflowers along the farm perimeter since it’s not safe to grow food there in my setting☠️. I’m immensely grateful for the towering sunflowers standing guard along my fence line; ready to ameliorate encroaching toxins & keep my growing food safe to consume.