In Good Thyme - by Mariana Graham

The below-listed blossoms are non-toxic, considered edible and are widely available. Flavors vary according to soil, growing environment and personal taste. This list covers blossoms only, not other parts of the plant, which may be inedible. Never eat flowers that have been treated with pesticides or herbicides, or those that have been raised commercially as ornamentals.

Allium, anise hyssop, apple blossom (in moderation), apricot petals, arugula, balloon flower, bachelor's button (petals only), bean blossom, bee balm, begonia (annual and tuberous varieties), borage (in moderation), calendula, carnation, chamomile, chervil, chicory, chives, chrysanthemum (blanch petals), citrus blossom, clover, corn poppy, crabapple, dandelion (when young), daylily (in moderation), dianthus, dill, elderberry, English daisy. Fennel, fuchsia, geranium, ginger, gladiolus, hibiscus, hollyhock (buds), honeysuckle (Lonicera japonica only), hosta (buds), hyacinth, impatiens, johnny jump-up (in moderation), lavender, lilac, lovage, mallow (Malva moschata, Malva sylvestris), marigold (Lemon Gem and Tangerine Gem varieties), mint, monarda (same as bee balm), nasturtium. Pansy; peach, pear and plum blossoms, peony, pineapple sage, perennial phlox, primrose,
rose, rosemary, sage, scarlet runner bean, scented geranium, squash, strawberry blossom, sunflower (best eaten in bud stage), sweet woodruff (in moderation), thyme, tulip, violet, yucca (petals only).

Garden questions or comments? Call 675-6611, e-mail wnt@whidbey.net. Mariana Graham is a Master Gardener and member of Garden Writers Association of America.

MASTER GARDENER CLINICS (click on picture)
Master Gardener plant clinics are being held at various Island locations throughout the summer. On the North end, bring questions and plant samples to The Greenhouse Nursery each Saturday in July from 9 a.m. to noon, Cenex on Aug. 4 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. or the Navy Exchange Garden Shop June 30th from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. In Central Whidbey, it's at the Coupeville Farmers Market each Saturday through the end of July from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. South end clinics include Freeland Ace Hardware from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on June 23, July 28, Aug. 25 and Sept. 22. You can also find Master Gardeners at South Whidbey Tilth on July 7, Aug. 4, and Sept. 1 from 10 a.m. until 1 p.m. Clinics are held at Bayview Farm and Garden June 30th, July 7, 14, 21, 28; Aug. 4, 11, 18 and 25. Clinics may be scheduled at other locations when volunteers and resource materials are available. 'Can't make it to a plant clinic? Call the Master Gardener hotline (360) 679-7327 each Monday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. through the end of September.