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Nowhere is it written that edibles have to grow “over here” and flowers must grow “over there.” If you’d like to try growing your own produce this summer, look no farther than your closest flower bed! Mixing vegetables and herbs among the flowers is easy, and chances are you’ll think your planting beds have never looked lovelier – or tastier.
In these economically-challenged times, using a garden for both beauty and food is a smart way to use your outdoor resources and save money at the grocery store. Bring texture, color and good taste to your garden with this clever planting concept. You’ll eat it up!
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Pick a Peck of Pricklypears…Carefully
Many gardeners in warm and sunny spots around North America grow pricklypear cactus as an easy and durable ornamental, but what some folks don’t take advantage of are the wonderfully delicious fruit. The fruit of the pricklypear cactus ripens in summer through fall. This little-used desert delicacy can be enjoyed many ways – including in margaritas! Unfortunately, this prickly fellow and its fruit are armed with sharp microscopic glochids. Learn how to safely remove them – then celebrate with a margarita! |
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Featured Plant
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Dinosaur Kale
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Botanical Plant Name:
Brassica oleracea ‘Lacinato’ (Acephala Group)
A striking heirloom kale that works well in the vegetable or ornamental garden, ‘Lacinato’ has crinkled, blue-green foliage that is especially colorful in cool weather. Grow dinosaur kale in full to partial sun and fertile, organic-rich garden soil with ample drainage. Plants mature about 60 days after sowing, although the tender young leaves can be harvested earlier for salads. Combine it beautifully with asters, ornamental grasses and mums in the autumn garden. Overwintered plants make excellent companions for violas and early spring bulbs. |
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