Thursday, March 10

 Landscaping with Edible Flowers 

Would you like to try edible flowers in a salad, but feel nervous because you never know which ones are poisonous? Well, it is true that some flowers can't be eaten. But, by researching them before you try, you can feel safe that not only is your salad beautiful, it also won't send you to the emergency room. First off, you really should not eat flowers from the florist as those might have added chemicals. Ones from your own yard grown without pesticides are good candidates. 
 
Violets are some of the sweetest, most delicate flowers. Nasturtiums are brighter and bigger, but somewhat tart. Biggest of all are daylilies which are sometimes deep fried in Asian cultures. If you think an edible flower is pretty but perhaps not tasty, try this easy trick. Stick a few rose petals and some sugar in a blender. Mix for a minute or so til it's all blended up. You will have the nicest smelling sugar you can imagine. Use to sweeten and lightly flavor tea, or as a substitute for cinnamon toast. Romantic Carolina roses can be found in our plant nursery.