A garden can be functional and attractive at the same time. With a bit of planning and forethought, those pretty flowers can sustain pollination, provide shelter for birds and small animals, and even help feed the family. There was a time when you grew flowers or you grew vegetables and the two never came together.

Here are some tips for multi-functional landscaping that is both eye catching and functional.

Give your veggies room to grow. They should have their own beds that aren't shaded or inhibited by other non-food crops.

Give your fences dual purpose. A fence makes a wonderful trellis for beans, roses, morning glories, clematis, and cherry tomatoes. It also provides a showcase for plants that would otherwise crawl along the ground such as strawberries, small gourds or cucumbers.

Make room for some fruit trees. They'll need a location that allows room to grow without shading other plants. Fruit trees also make a lovely focal point in the center of a garden.

Create low edging along a path with marigolds, lavender, winter savory, calendula, chives or other plants with edible flowers. Low growing herbs that are allowed to flower work equally well such as cat mint and oregano. Tall border plants growing along a fence line or defining borders around a garden look stunning with tall sunflowers, hollyhocks, lilacs or ornamental grasses.

Plant vegetables keeping color contrasts in mind. Red cabbage or pumpkins make colorful neighbors to fennel, parley or carrots.

Grow medicinary and culinary herbs and learn how to make use of them. Plant different varieties of basil, cilantro and parsley next to your tomatoes not just for looks, but for easy harvest. Enjoy sunny yellow chamomile, bright red bee balm and fragrant lemon balm for tasty sun tea made right in the garden. Plant Echinacea, lavender or sunflowers in large groups for a more dramatic effect.

Have a formal entrance to your garden with a trellis or herringbone brick walkway. Attractive climbers include Hops, Maypop, Sweet Potato Vine, Sweet Peas or Climbing Roses.

Grow your crops in rich black soil with lots of added compost. Your vegetables will be larger and more vibrant in color as will your flowering plants. Planting in rows also makes harvest and care much easier.

Maintain your garden by keeping it weeded and trimmed. Add a thick layer of mulch to keep your plants cool and damp in the summer heat and to deter weeds from poking through.