The even newer good, bad and ugly of growing your own in 2021!

Suffolk_lass

greenbee said:

I've grown borage from seed. Once. I now spend my time weeding it out of the beds, the drive and the lawn. 

borage is one of the best crops possible for honey bees as the nectar replenishes as soon as they collect it. I have three packs of seeds to pop under hedges and shrubs

Jjah

Another great bonus for borage that I didn't know, cheers

greenbee

Jjah said:

Another great bonus for borage that I didn't know, cheers

The flowers are also good in pimms, and cucumber salad. I just don't need quite as much of it as I get, or in the places it decides to grow!

ancientmum

I'll be putting in some borage seeds, for the colour the bees and the pimms

Jjah

@greenbee, @ancientmum, have you ever put the flowers in ice cube trays before you fill them?

It makes such a pretty jug to see them bobbing on the top of your refreshments in summer.

My beverage of choice to accompany them is elderberry champagne or cordial

greenbee

Nope, but then I have an ice-maker

ancientmum

Jjah, it will be my first time growing borage, but I will certainly try the flower in the ice cube look.  It sounds lovely.

Jjah

The petals of dog roses (the small pink petalled roses that grow in hegerows in parks and walks) are also perfect to use in that way.  They have delicate pink heart shaped petals that are also edible and fit beautifully in ice cubes.

I used to host tea parties regularly in summertime so these 2 flowers were very helpful to be in bloom at the same time.

DiggerUK

greenbee said:

Jjah said:

Another great bonus for borage that I didn't know, cheers

The flowers are also good in Pimms........

ancientmum said:

I'll be putting in some borage seeds, for the colour the bees and the Pimms

We didn't realise there was any good reason to grow Borage other than mixing with  a Gin based product.
The very concept of growing it for bees and colour simply appalls Digger Mansions, your being perfectly ridiculous darlings..._ 

Jjah

DiggerUK said:

greenbee said:

Jjah said:

Another great bonus for borage that I didn't know, cheers

The flowers are also good in Pimms........

ancientmum said:

I'll be putting in some borage seeds, for the colour the bees and the Pimms

We didn't realise there was any good reason to grow Borage other than mixing with  a Gin based product.
The very concept of growing it for bees and colour simply appalls Digger Mansions, your being perfectly ridiculous darlings..._ 

I for one, take great pride in being perfectly ridiculous   

Surely whilst sipping your Pimms on a summer evening you take some pleasure as you rest in watching the bees at work.  Not to mention enjoy the sensation of your heart rate slowing down and your eyelids growing heavier with every beat of their wings.

The best things in life are free.  If only Pimms was too