'Angelique'
Monday, April 20, 2009 
I confess to a mild case of tulipomania this past weekend. 'Angelique' distracted me from mundane gardening tasks. On the other hand, I enjoyed deck-cleaning, "the container dance"*, watering & seedling-thinning more because every few minutes, I would reposition the tulip pot to take a few more photographs.
Based on the many bulbs that froze during the winter, I estimate this one tulip cost me at least $10. Worth it, I think.
Even though space is limited on my balcony, I'm going to allow myself one "luxury" each season. By luxury, I mean inedible flower. Well, "inedible" in the sense it doesn't nourish the body; however, one could argue that beauty feeds the eye and spirit.
What do you think? Should inedible ornamental plants be banned from the kitchen garden -- does it cease to be a sustainable, low-impact kitchen garden if they're consuming resources of soil & water and not producing food?
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*The movement of pots from side to side and back to front so I have room to position a ladder to water the hanging baskets. Involves much bending, lifting, shuffling & stretching -- not necessarily done gracefully.
Reader Comments (4)
Well, there's always companion planting to help the kitchen garden bits but I think anything that helps the gardener is more than necessary...
NO inedible planting can't be banned. Am horrified at mere idea.
While I realise vegetables, herbs and fruit can also be beautiful. Plus as our climate changes and our food supply becomes more tricky, it becomes increasingly important we grow at least some of our own. Still tulips and other bits of natural beauty are not mere frippery. As you say, they nourish us in other ways - which in our busy, often stressful times, is so important.
Love your definition of the "container dance".
K. & Kathryn - Thank you for your comments. I completely agree.
K. -- I need to review information on companion planting. Also, plants that attract beneficial insects & are suitable for the balcony garden.
Kathryn - Oh you said that so well. May I quote you when asked about the place of ornamental plants in the garden?
Oh, yes the container dance -- I repeated it again this evening. And added a few twirls. Plus I think I need to start wearing a wet suit.
Quote away. Wet suit - how funny. What a palaver, for watering your garden!