Chickweed is one of the common weeds that you may notice taking over sections of lawn and the fringes of your garden beds. If you’ve read any of the entries on my favorite edible weeds such as Nettles and Lambs Quarters, then you probably expect that my take on Chickweed will focus more on the positive aspects of this unpopular plant than on how to wipe it off of the face of the earth with poisons.

Bay Laurel, also known as Sweet Bay is a culinary herb plant that makes a great addition to the kitchen garden and can easily be grown on a patio or deck. Bay plants are very attractive with their waxy-looking olive green leaves, branches that can be trained to suit your taste, and flavorful leaves that will serve a valuable function as a versatile kitchen spice.

One redeeming quality which you’ve probably already assumed since I’m writing about it, is that Stinging Nettles is a nutritious edible weed that offers many healthful benefits to those brave enough to include it in their diet. In addition this hostile plant actually makes a great companion around the garden and is reputed to improve the growth and flavor of other vegetable and herb plants.

As I was driving around this weekend I couldn’t help but notice all of the Red Bud Trees in the area. They are in full bloom and these colorful trees are absolutely covered with pinkish purple blossoms. At times the flowers can even be seen growing in clusters on the trunks of the trees.

Basil is an interesting and easy to grow herb that will make itself at home in containers just as well as in the herb bed or vegetable garden. Basil is popular with gourmet cooks and finds many uses in the kitchen.
Planting and Growing Basil in the Home Garden
Basil seeds are very small and require a [...]

Many people see Lambs Quarters as nothing more than a common weed, never realizing that a tasty and nutritious green vegetable could be enjoyed, free for the picking. Lambs quarter, sometimes referred to as goosefoot for the shape of its leaves, is my favorite edible weed and is easy to recognize once you become familiar with it.

Borage is a handy little herb that’s right at home in intensive gardens and makes a great companion plant for the backyard gardener. The small blue, edible borage flowers are shaped like stars and borne in clusters that rise up above the plant’s leaves.
Edible Borage Flowers in the Kitchen
Borage flowers are edible and have a mild cucumber [...]

There’s something especially fun and entertaining about growing sunflowers. I’m not sure what it is that makes these old fashioned favorites so popular.
Everybody Loves Sunflowers
Kids are fascinated by sunflowers, and adults are drawn to them as well. Honeybees love the pollen and a host of other beneficial insects can be found hovering around them. Birds flock [...]