I have been told that part of my allotment is meant to be left for flowers. Although I've not got this information in documentation. At the moment it is more like a wilderness. I want to clear it and plant veg, but if this is the case have you any suggestions for edible flowers or veg that produces a lot of flowers.
There are lots and lots of edible flowers. I googled and came up with a couple of lists to get you started.
http://www.pfaf.org/leaflets/flowers.php
http://www.rhs.org.uk/WhatsOn/gardens/harlowcarr/harlowcarrkitchennote3.asp
http://seeds.thompson-morgan.com/uk/en/list/edible-flowers
I'm a convert to planting flowers on the plot, because they seem to do a good job attracting pollinating insects and deterring or sacraficing themselves to predators. If you search this site on 'companion' you'll find lots of recommendations about companion planting of useful flowers and herbs.
Edible flowers? Not so keen, but we don't eat much salad (except for sprouts!) here. Have you tried a search on 'edible flowers' here? I seem to remember some startling ideas :o ;)
100% with you on flowering veggies, and veggies with sculptural forms, they can be so beautiful. Jerusalem artichokes, globe artichokes, broadies in blossom, beans, salsify and scorzonera, alliums, even that moment when the last of the PSB turns into a patch of yellow to feed the early bees - oh there must be loads more.
Happy hunting, look forward to seeing more recommendations here :)
Hi Boldilocks,
I love to grow Nastertiums. Last year they self seeded on my plot in addition to the ones I planted. They make excellent ground cover and hold back weeds.
I made Poor mans capers which are pickled Nastertium seeds, last year.
They are fiery hot but only for a second. They don`t burn like chillies. Very nice crushed around a dish into which green salad is made so the leaves pick up the spiciness.
Take a look here >>
http://www.plantea.com/nasturtium.htm
I have a rose garden on each plot and a cutting garden. I also grow flowers from bulbs around the edges of the plots and odd things from seed in containers. I have scattered wild flower seed too, dahlias grow alongside my central path, sweetpeas grow up a screen for privacy from the road. I also have sunflowers, crocosmia and wallflowers, as well as marigolds for companion planting. I enjoy taking home cut flowers in quantities that I could never afford to buy. It also makes the plot look nice, which I also enjoy.
Best of luck,
Col
yes, we grow nasturtiums as well, I eat the flowers, borage flowers, we also grow the often talked about marigolds, tagetes, coriander allowed to go to seed in the poly to bring in hoverflies, chives and garlic chives, again for beneficial insects, sweet peas to grow with the beans, poached egg plants and phacelia,
we also grow any annuals we haven't been able to fit in to the garden at home
it works for us :)