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Borage
The Borage, 'Borage officinalis', is like a handful of little stars plucked from a deep blue sky and sprinkled on a summer salad that may drive away all melancholy and it is nutricious, tastefully useful herb! Borage is a large plant. The flowers are usually blue, but may be pink or lavender. The Borage is an excellent bee plant and the leaves contain copious amounts of vitamins and minerals, especially calcium, potassium, and vitamin C. Borage leaves can be steamed as you would spinach or chard or used raw in salads, iced beverages, or in salad dressings. The stems can also be peeled and chopped and used like celery. The edible flowers can be used as garnish on green or fruit salads or candied for winter use. This is a very easy to grow ornamental plant for beginning gardeners. Plant in the spring after all danger of frost has past and in mild climates, plant anytime. Borage prefers well drained rich soil. ... more info
Oxypetalum - Heavenly Blue The Oxypetalu Southern Star Heavenly Blue,'Oxpetalum caeruleum', displays a color rarely seen in flowers. The intense glacier blue 1 inch flowers are unlike anything you've ever seen. Even the buds are unique with their pale lavender color. The Southern Star also attracts hummingbirds. Heavenly Blue produces very decorative seed pods and they can be overwintered as a houseplant. They bloom mid summer to early fall. The Heavenly Blue prefers full sun and fairly rich garden soil. Deadheading the spent flowers before fruit set will prolong the bloom time. Plant after all danger of frost has passed. The Southern Star provides a most unusual cut flower. They also are great in patio containers or hanging baskets. |
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