In the shadow of an imposing gazebo at a vintage 1930s Arlington cottage, a carefully conceived edible garden is putting out roots with flair, heralding the growing season and a new project for the property owners.

“This backyard is a jungle, so we’re slowly reclaiming the yard,” said Sheila Conlin Fahy, a TV news producer who is creating a vegetable garden with her Washington business consultant husband, Tom Fahy.