Grow a gourmet flower garden

11. Violet (Viola cvs.)
Annual; requires rich, moist, well-drained soil

Grows to be: 10 to 25 cm high, 15 to 30 cm wide

Use: Fresh (salads, fresh fruit, frozen, teas); preserves


12. Hosta (Hosta spp. and cvs.)
Perennial, Zone 3 and warmer, depending on cv.; grows best in rich, moist soil

Grows to be: 25 cm to 1 m high, 20 to 90 cm wide

Use: Fresh (salads); cooked buds (tempura); marinades, preserves


13. Pinks (Dianthus spp. and cvs.)
Perennial, Zone 3 and warmer, depending on cv.; drought tolerant once established

Grows to be: 15 to 50 cm high, 15 to 30 cm wide

Use: Fresh (syrups, drinks, vinegars, fruit salads, ice cream)


14. Garden phlox (Phlox paniculata and cvs.)
Perennial, Zone 3; prefers rich, moist soil; look for mildew-resistant cultivars (eg., ‘David’)

Grows to be: 20 cm to 1 m high, 20 to 30 cm wide

Use: Fresh (vegetable or fruit salads, ice cubes); crystallized (cakes)