Posts Tagged "viola"

Viola

Posted on Dec 7, 2012 in Plant This | Comments Off on Viola

For sheer decorative purposes, nothing beats pansies and Johnny jump-ups. They are so absurdly easy to grow that there is almost nothing to say about them, except this:  they do need regular water, so make life easy on yourself by buying a potting soil intended for hanging baskets.  Ask about this at your locally-owned, independent garden center, which is staffed by people who actually know something. They will point you to one or two potting soils that you’ve probably overlooked a hundred times.  These specially-designed soils contain coco fiber and hold water much better than ordinary...

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Drink Your Flowers

Posted on Aug 15, 2012 in Botany, Featured, Recipes | 3 comments

Not every flower belongs in a cocktail glass. But these do.  They’re easy to grow and totally worthwhile. Check it out: Borage. People say that borage leaves taste like cucumber, but if that’s the flavor you’re after, why not just eat a cucumber? Use the leaves if you want—some people pick small, young leaves for salads or cook them with other greens—but it’s the flowers I’m interested in.  The dazzling bright blue color isn’t found in many flowers, particularly edibles, and the fact that they hold their color when frozen means that you can do a very elegant little ice...

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