But if you have such a patch, or can make a plan with containers, why not create a beautiful and productive space by adding edible winter flowers or those that act as companion plants?
The flowers that immediately come to mind are pansies, violas, calendula and nasturtiums, but there are many more. For instance, cornflowers, carnations and poppies provide nectar for the bees, chamomile stimulates growth, lavender and petunias are pest repellents, and other flowers with edible petals include rose-scented geranium, Bellis perennis (English daisy) and snapdragons. Also look out for day-length neutral sunflowers that come in bumper seed packs. They might take a little longer to germinate but will attract bees when in flower at the beginning of spring.
Don't forget about flowering herbs. Dill is a cool-season herb with large heads of yellow flowers that act as an insect trap, as do nasturtiums. If left to flower at the end of winter, Asian greens such as Mizuna and Tatsoi throw up delicate yellow flowers that also attract bees, and the flowers are edible.
5 edible flowers
When using flowers, keep the dish simple so that the delicate taste of the flower is not overpowered.
1. Rose-scented geranium
Geraniums (Pelargonium species) have very fragrant leaves and flowers. Although the edible mauve flowers only appear in summer, the leaves can be used in winter to flavour biscuits and cakes, or made into a strong infusion for flavouring sauces, custards and jellies. Freeze the leaves in ice cubes and add to drinks. This frost-tolerant geranium grows 80cm high and wide, and does best in full sun in welldraining soil. The aromatic leaves also deter pests.
2. Pansies and violas
Bu hikaye The Gardener dergisinin May 2023 sayısından alınmıştır.
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Bu hikaye The Gardener dergisinin May 2023 sayısından alınmıştır.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
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FIRE AND Feathers!
On a dreary winter's day, a screen of fiery and feathery leaves puts up a fight against dullness!
GET THE ladies in!
At this time of year, early-flowering shrubs vie with each other to get the most attention. We say: Trust those with female names for frills and butterflies. They go the extra mile to flower their hearts out.
Vegetable Soups and dumplings
Vegetables make the most delicious soups and classic combinations are always a winner.
Yummy sweet potatoes for your good health
Boiled, baked or braaied, sweet potatoes (Ipomoea batatas) are a delicious and healthy winter comfort food. Just a dollop of butter, a little seasoning and you are good to go.
Pretty and functional
If cooking is your main thing, you would probably be more interested in the culinary value of the three herbs and some of their varieties we are describing.
Dried Seedheads & Pods
Autumn and winter are the best times to see what flowers produce the best seedheads that can be left on the plants to feed the birds and bugs and for harvesting for dried arrangements.
SO MANY FACES and so many choices...
Whoever associated a Cotyledon orbiculata (pig's ear) with the ear of a pig obviously did not know about all the varieties and cultivars this species in the genus Cotyledon has.
COLOURFUL Cold Weather WINNERS!
If it comes to a vote, these dependable shrubs will be the top candidates for prime performance in winter and in other seasons...
What makes a garden sustainable?
It is interesting to note that the United Nations defines sustainable development as: “development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs”.
Nurturing NATURE-The Story of Kraal Garden's Transformation
Nestled within Prince Albert's rustic embrace lies a gem that is a testament to the transformative power of human vision and nature's bounty.