Vegetables for Border Beauty
I started planting vegetables in my flower borders when I had a tiny garden and wanted to maximise the space. However I now have a rather large acre with a substantial vegetable patch yet I still choose to integrate vegetables into the flower borders.
Nothing beats the thrill of watching a plant flower knowing it will soon produce fruit and as many vegetables are a visual delight they bring the borders an exotic flavour.
The Perennials and Herbs
There are many perennials that will sit well in a flower border while increasing in size every year. The unique leaves and flowers make them an ideal addition for produce as well as for aesthetic reasons. My favourites include:
Globe Artichoke
Few perennials produce leaves that are as large and exotic as the globe artichoke, and if left to seed they develop incredible purple heads. Plant chives at the back of a border as they do grow quite tall.
Chives
Chives are my all-time favourite plant. When in flower they look incredible as they produce allium purple heads that are impossible to replicate with any bulb. At the front of a border they add incredible colour while being delicious in any savoury meal.
Rhubarb
Rhubarb may not flower yet it does develop large green leaves on bright red stalks which sets it apart from other perennials in a border. It also crops early so adds a splash of colour while other spring plants are waking up.
Lavender
Although not considered a crop, lavender is now used in so many variations few gardeners are seen without it. It’s medicinal when eaten, drank or applied and adds instant aromatherapy and colour to any garden, big or small.
The Annuals
Runner Beans
Runner beans are glorious when in flower as they produce a fence of scarlet red on canes. They look amazing along a fenced border, especially if entwined with sweet peas. An edible, visual feast!
Garlic
When garlic flowers it resembles a giant allium, bulbs of which can cost anything up to £10 each in garden centres!
Peas
There’s nothing better than peas eaten straight from the pod, it makes a stroll around the garden on a balmy evening even more delightful. You can also benefit from the flowers by trailing some up a trellis against a house wall!
Any vegetable grows brilliantly in a border, try it, you won’t regret it!