With our May Edible Plant Sale coming up, we asked our staff about their favorite garden plant varieties. We hope the following Staff Picks will inspire you to plant something new in your garden this year! All the varieties mentioned can be found at our May Edible Plant Sale, on May 10 and 11; 9 a.m.-3 p.m. at Meridian Park in Wallingford.
Staff Picks & Favorites
Maggie Rickman – Community Kitchens Project Manager
“The shining star of my balcony garden is the white alyssum I picked up at the Edible Plant Sale. I put it in underutilized corners of all my pots where it fills in beautifully, trailing over the sides. Even though I only have access to a small, covered balcony, the alyssum brings so many pollinators, especially native bees and hummingbirds.”
Rain Gilman – Finance and Administration Coordinator
“Where to begin?! Last year I threw a bunch of Minnesota Midget Cantaloupe seeds out in my back lane just to see if they would grow – and oh boy did they! They were abundant, flavorful, and just the perfect size to enjoy for one or two people. I highly recommend this variety if you have a warm spot.
I also love Berkeley Tie Dye Pink tomatoes. These are as gorgeous as they are delicious! I first decided to grow them in honor of my neighbors, who wear tie-dye every day. I am so glad I decided to pay them homage and tried out this variety.
Last but not least, for the pollinators Bee Balm is a delight in the garden. My resident hummingbird comes and feeds at these every day when they’re in bloom, keeping myself and my cats entertained while watching from the kitchen window! They also look like fireworks in the garden, so visually stunning!”
Grace Fusani – Natural Yard Care Project Manager
“One of my favorite varieties is the Pingtung Long Eggplant! Chinese eggplant is so delicious and versatile and is much easier to work with than Italian eggplant. The skin is edible and there is no need to draw out the moisture, since it is not bitter. Just sauté it with oil, add oyster sauce, sesame oil and a little water and let it stew, covered, for a few minutes. Then eat it over rice!”
Lexa Dundore – Market Programs Director
“One of my favorites is Snapdragons, specifically the Rocket Mix. Snapdragons are a staple ‘cut and come again’ flower for the cutting garden. They’re highly productive because cutting encourages branching, which gives you more stems throughout their life cycle. The Rocket Mix features a really lovely mix of pastel and gem tones that make for cheery bouquets. Plus, what’s not to love about flowers with little mouths you can pinch for comedic effect?!”
Kerri Cacciata – Director of People and Culture
“I adore the Black Futsu winter squash. Years ago when I worked on a farm, we’d roast and taste test the 10+ winter squash varieties we’d grow each year and the Black Futsu was hands down my favorite every time. It is an heirloom Japanese pumpkin and is so creamy and nutty when roasted! It’s hard to find as a start or full-grown fruit so this is a gem to grow!
I also love the herbs/flowers that are the ‘gifts that keep giving,’ meaning they either come back every year after being cut back (like perennial lemon balm, an all-star!), or annuals that drop seeds for next year (like nigella and nasturtium).”
Melissa McGinn – Natural Yard Care Project Manager
“The first thing we learned when we moved to Washington State is that Walla Walla onions are super sweet. In all the states I’ve ever lived, no other onion compares, so I grow them every year.
My newest favorite flower is the Oregon Iris for its beauty, and it is a native pollinator to the Pacific Northwest!”
Alex Soleil – Garden Education Specialist
“I love the edible flowers that are available! They make great companion plants in the garden because they also provide a nectar source for pollinators. I find the extra color to be delightful in the garden as well as in my salads or as a garnish for any dish. Many of these plants are self-sowing, meaning that if you allow some flowers to go to seed, these plants will come back year after year. They’re easy to care for, blossom throughout the growing season, and will bring joyful abundance to your garden.”
What Will You Grow?
We hope these Staff Picks shed some light on the hundreds of varieties of garden plants available at our May Edible Plant Sale, from edible and pollinator-friendly flowers and garden favorites to rare heirloom varieties. Come browse and try something new this year! You just might find your new favorite.
