Semi-ornamental edibles...

Not being as able to keep up with all the annual flowers as well as general garden maintenance, I have arrived at the conclusion that I need to have a different approach next year.
Admittedly, we were late starting this year, mostly due to replacing the shed, but I think the simple truth is that I work a hell of a lot slower than I used to and that knocks on into overwhelming me. Even our tomatoes and cucumbers were a complete disaster this year. Coupled with the fact that we never really sit and look at the flowers at the back end of the garden, leads me to wonder if I am putting too much upon ourselves for too little return (I haven't worded that as well as I might have, but hope you can get my meaning?)

During our visit to Beaulieu a few weeks ago, we spent some time in their gardens, and noted that they had a lot of edibles (being grown for the estate kitchens) that could also be considered ornamental to a degree.

So, all of that considered, I am thinking of turning a couple of borders over to some sort of edibles.

We have a sunny border (maybe 10ft x 3ft) that has some recurring stuff, but can be planted around. I did direct sow some calendula, crysanthemum and nasturtium this year and not one of them did anything (the nasturtium being a particular surprise). I did, however, lob some butternut squash seedlings in there out of disgust with myself that I hadn't planted them on in time for them to come to anything (thinking they would at least give me some greenery), and they have gone utterly rampant! If I had planted them much earlier, I probably would have had some success with them.

So, I am looking for suggestions for edibles that I can plant in amongst flowers, that may also have some ornamental value. Height of plant is not an issue (so sweetcorn etc is potentially in), but I would prefer stuff that I can store/freeze/preserve and use through the winter also.

 

Ooh, nigella! That looks good. I have tried broad beans in the past with no success, but I thought that was caterpillars that had done for them, never thought of blackly.

I like the look of the Salvia officianalis too, but wonder if they might be happier in one of my large tubs?

Thanks @longk

 

@Sandy Ground - much as I love strawberries, we have to keep our up as we have a dog who would either pee on them or nick them. In fact we have squirrels that are equally adept at nicking stuff...

I do like the sound of the Aronia though.

I might try runners again @ricky101, but for some reason we don't seem to have a lot of luck with them - in fact most beans and peas seem to come to grief in our hands (I have never had any success with sweet peas either!)

 

Get some super fruit bushes going then @Fat Controller ..Adonis or Choke berries are great,
I also have a thornless BlackBerry
2 Blueberry,
1 Honey-berry which is a Honeyysuckle with yummy edible berries Lonicera cearulea kamtschatica,
1 A Goji berry bush..
Mulberry tree.
You could also put an Artichoke in there as they are a bit smaller than a Cardoon...
You could put some Patio fruit trees in as well..
All these are very low maintenance as well...
I just sow herb seeds in spaces in between.. Wotcha think.?

 

Ooh, now I like cavalo nero, so that is a definite one to try. I've grown leeks with some success in the past too, although never been just as successful with spring onions.

I will have a look on Amazon/Music Magpie for that book, as they often have used ones - thanks

 

All suggestions gratefully received - Can you remember what type of soil it was in Northants @noisette47? I am on a clay type here, but have also tried them in pots/planters/barrels of compost with little success. They might do well up the seven foot fence that is at the back of the border, assuming I give them something to climb up - do they freeze well?

 

Bottling? Is that pickled or in brine?

Thanks, but only if you have some to spare I am only at the ideas stage at the moment.