May 20, 2010

Purple Beauty.

I love any kid of onion like vegetables. Garlic, onions, spring onions. Delicious additions, bursts of taste to that very simple cooking - or non-cooking - that I do in my home.

But my favourite of them all are Chives. Being the smallest species of the onion family, this is a very sturdy and strong plant, which can withstand winter and comes back stronger by each year.

I have one big pot, full of chives in my garden. It survived our extraordinary arctic winter season, even though it was burned beyond recognition by frost, turning into a a bunch of dry weed. As soon as I cut it way down in March, it sprouted with an astounding resilience as the first plant on my patio this spring.
It grows visibly by each day and has by now become luscious and juicy green. Imminently it will bloom with absolutely gorgeous violet flowers, and comes June, it will again attract bumblebees, creating a beautiful spot on my terrace.

26 comments:

Sandy said...

I've never grown Chives but what a pretty plant. Hopefully one of these days I can start to plant some flowers and spices around my porch. Your mosaic is so pretty. Even just green it is a lovely plant. We have set our date to leave for Alaska - this Saturday! We have a handyman coming Thursday to do some exterior painting for us. Soon we will be on the road so my posting may be less frequent. Have a lovely day Zuzana!

Avo said...

Ah yes... Your winter survivors, the valorous chives! Soon, under the sun's sweet kisses, they will bloom again.
Thanks for sharing. : j

Maja Miusow said...

I love onion like vegs too! recently I read book about anticancer diet and lifestyle ) by dr David Servan-Schreiber-it has my highes recommendation!) and now I like them even more;)

Brian Miller said...

i love onions...and eat them with a dash of butter....mmmm....did not realise that chavies flowered though. pretty.

Unknown said...

Wow. Those flowers look very beautiful. I hate all the vegetables equally. Though, Onions and Tomatoes are the ones I eat often!

tony said...

Yes,zuzana,I grow Chives too.Both Practical & Beautiful.

Paul C said...

We also like chives. They provide some character and beauty in the garden and are so handy for garden salads.

Absolutely Ladylike said...

Big hello to you my Onion Friend! If someone loves onion that's me! I eat onion every single day! I love every kind of onion...usually I eat them for breakfasts...and I use them for almost everything when I'm cooking. /not such a ladylike habit right?/ LOL.

Your onions are lovely and they're look super delicious! Congrats.

Cheers: Evi

Kath said...

oooooooh that is so spooky! I just made potato salad for my lunch, using chives snipped from a pot outside my back door. I can still taste them now...

abangxxx said...

abangxxx said:
Those were lovely pictures. I loved growing my own vegies too. My other works can be seen at
http://www.globalfairviews.com

abangxxx said...

abangxxx said:
Those were lovely pictures. I loved growing my own vegies too. My other works can be seen at
http://www.globalfairviews.com

Claus said...

So pretty!! Never knew about the purple flowers! I am sure they will decor your patio in the most beautiful way.
have a lovely day!

Bhushavali said...

Very true!!! Onions add taste in a jiffy. Dont they!!!

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Fashion Panache - Summer Special

sprinkles said...

I'm with Sandy at Teacup Lane -- I've never grown chives but what a pretty plant! I didn't realize it would bloom such pretty purple flowers. Purple is one of my favorite colors.

Betsy Brock said...

Yum...I love all those, too! Your chives blossoms are so pretty! I don't think I've let mine flower before...I'm always clipping them to eat!

Reading Tea Leaves said...

Lovely mosaic Zuzana - your chives look green and healthy now. I've grown chives from seed in my small onion bed with shallots, red onions and garlic As you can see we love our onions!!!

Jeanne
xx

Cat in the road said...

The resiliency of that onion can be compared to how people can bounce back from harsh conditions. You are a perfect example. The winter took its toll on you and look how you’ve come back. Makes you think what else may be possible…hmmmmm

Unknown said...

they do have lovely flowers. I love Scribe816's comment.

Stickhorsecowgirls said...

I love the onion/garlic flavors also! I had no idea that chives were such a lovely blooming herb. I wonder how fragrant they are before being cut--I have a large rosemary plant in my garden and I can smell it as I walk by. I love to use it in Christmas arrangements and used a sprig of it with a rose for boutonnieres in my daughter's wedding. Chives might not smell so good in a bouquet! lol

Holly said...

It is already a beautiful spot on your terrace,...but I am sure it will become even more beautiful! You have a real green thumb. I never knew how pretty chives are. And,...I love bumblebees. :):)

Have a lovely Friday~ xoxo

Zuzana said...

Sandy, Alesa, maja, Brian, Mr. Stupid, tony, Paul, Evi, Kath, abangxxx (welcome), Claudia, Mitr..., sprinkles, Betsy, Jeanne, Scribe, Doreen, C or V and Holly, I was delighted to learn that I have so many kindred spirits out there.;)
Yes indeed, chives and any kind of onions are not just delicious but healthy too.;)

Thank you so much everyone for your very kind words.

Xoxo,
Zuzana

Unknown said...

How handy to grow herbs in your own garden. I have some spring onions growing and what a lovely oniony smell and taste they give:)

Sniffles and Smiles said...

Chives are my all time favorite as well!! And who could help loving an onion with such a beautiful bloom! Fantastic photos, Zuzana...I think your garden must be absolutely extraordinary! I really must do something about mine to make it more like YOURS!! Sigh...love this. Love, Janine XO

Zuzana said...

Keats and Janine, thank you so much for your kind words,
xo

Hilary said...

I love chives and had them for years. The very early ones are always stronger tasting than later in the summer... almost garlic-like. And I just love how they flower.

Zuzana said...

Dear Hilary, I am with you on everything, both the taste and bloom.;) xoxo