Flowers, are they worth it?

[Snadger]

I went from only growing flowers and shrubs to only growing vegetables.

I now grow equal quantities of each at my allotment. As well as attracting pollinating insects and naturally balancing the plot, flowers gladden the heart and cheer me up no end.
As well as the miriad of annuals I like to grow, some of which are used for cut flowers,and even used in salads! Large flowered or spray chrysanthemums are a way of filling the greenhouse once the toms are finished. By selecting cultivars accordingly you can have flowering chrysanths in the cold greenhouse flowering from September into the New Year, with hopefully a few for the Christmas table!

Yep, definately a big up for flowers from this department!

[Snadger]

Yes.....................

[solway cropper]

1,2 and 3 for me as well. I use companion planting and also like to grow things that will attract bees and other beneficial insects. I also let some of the chives flower each year as you can sprinkle them in salads to add colour.

[lbt]

Just what I wanted to hear

[Snadger]

My Majesty made for him a garden anew in order
to present to him vegetables and all beautiful flowers.- Offerings of Thutmose III to Amon-Ra (1500 BCE)

Good enough for Amon-Ra.......good enough for me!

[Angelmouse]

Flowers are definitely worth growing!

I didn't used to think so but as companion planting helps to remain organic and the pollinators need all the help they can get then why not? Besides they really help to pretty up the plot and I love having cut flowers in the house and so much better if I've grown them myself.

X

[Patchninja]

It makes a veggie bed so gorgeous to have flowers - I'm another marigold and nasturtium person - make smy heart sing to see the colour.

[El Greeno]

I grew sunflowers in my garden for a bit of colour this year and they were absolutely COVERED in bees.
Plus note is that the seeds can be used in loads of stuff like bread, bird feed balls etc.
It's a flower and food all in one!

[Florence Fennel]

My interest in gardening started with growing flowers, then with herbs and finally with veg. Now I mainly grow veg and I'm not really interested in flowers, unless they are companions for the veg!

[rustylady]

I grow flowers for several reasons. 1. I like them. 2. They attract pollinating insects. 3. They allegedly can deter the nasties.

[susieq100]

I wanted to vote for several options so had to choose the last one:-
They are attractive
They bring insects and so birds to the garden/plot
You can eat some of them
Many of them smell wonderful (esp sweetpeas, wallflowers, jasmine)
Our gardens would be a duller place without them!

[robD]

1, 2, 3 and for cutting - it's amazing how long I can get away with being down on the plot if I return with a bunch of flowers I'm planning on growing far more next year.

[vegnut]

You just cant beat a beautiful row of flowers in between fruit and veg. In my mind they are just meant to be together.
They compliment each other and they help with pollination, they also help distract certain bugs from edibles either by smell or sacrificial.
Also it attracts insect eaters like birds and ladybirds, hoverflies and beatles.
It's all a balance of nature. And at the end of the day, they look great and some smell wonderful.
To me, it's the feel good factor as well.

[Bex]

1 and 2 for me, not sure about 3 as I'm still overrun with nasties despite planting marigolds etc

[SueA]

I'd say 1 & 2 as well & maybe 3 but like Bex I'm not too sure whether having some sacrificial/companion plants works, I've tried marigolds near my tomatoes etc. but they just get eaten by the slugs!
I grow flowers because I want my garden to look attractive & also to attract insects which will pollinate my small veg. patch & container plants as well as making my garden feel like a home for wildlife as well as people.