What can you find in this year’s Downtown Urban Garden Planters?
These community planters contain produce, herbs, and edible flowers for public enjoyment and exploration. Because they are located in a public space, plants and soil may be touched or exposed to pets, wildlife, or other contaminants.
Edible Herbs:
Basil - A popular aromatic herb used in cooking. Known for its sweet, spicy flavor. The leaves stem and flowers are all edible. The leaves are the most commonly consumed part.
Borage - The star-shaped blue flowers and leaves are edible. Their taste resembles the taste of a cucumber. Borage does contain small amounts of pyrrolizidine alkaloids, which can be harmful in large quantities.
Chamomile- The flowers and the leaves are edible on this plant. The blooms feature a sweet, apple-like, and floral flavor that is great for both sweet and savory dishes. The leaves can sometimes carry a more bitter flavor, but they are edible.
Chives- Every part of the Chive plant can be consumed. The plant offers a mild, delicate, onion-garlic flavor. You should keep these plants out of reach of animals like cats and dogs.
Cilantro- This entire plant is edible. The flowers are safe to consume and are commonly used in salads and salsas. The leaves provide a citrusy flavor, and the seeds have a nice warm fruity taste, as they are a staple in many spice blends.
Dill- Every aspect of this plant is edible. The leaves have a light citrus and grassy flavor that makes them a good addition to salads and sauces. The seeds are a bit more pungent and are widely used in pickling brines and bread doughs. The stems and flowers can also assist you in making homemade pickles!
Lavender- Only the buds/flowers of this plant are edible. Not only do they smell nice, but they are widely used in baking, syrups, and savory dishes.
Rosemary- This entire plant is edible. The pine-like leaves are widely used fresh and dried to season roasted meats, vegetables, and soups. The stems carry a more intense and woody flavor.
Sage- This plant has enjoyable leaves. They are highly aromatic and best enjoyed cooked in some form to mellow the flavors. These plants are very rich in antioxidants and vitamins like vitamin K.
Thyme- Every part of this plant is safe to eat. It is a very versatile and aromatic herb that is often used to flavor soups, stews, meats, and vegetables.
Edible Fruit:
Cherry Tomatoes - tomatoes are perfectly edible and highly nutritious. They can be enjoyed fresh and raw as a quick snack, tossed into salads, or cooked to bring out a richer, sweeter flavor.
Edible Flowers:
Nasturtium - All parts of the nasturtium plant are edible, offering a peppery, radish-like, and slightly sweet flavor. The leaves, flowers, seeds, and stems can be eaten raw
Bachelor Buttons- Also known as cornflowers, are completely edible. The petals offer a subtle, slightly sweet, and spicy flavor comparable to cucumbers and cloves. It is recommended to remove the green base of the flower, as that can be bitter.
Pansys: This plant is completely edible. They are mild, subtly sweet, and have a wintergreen-like flavor. They are recommended in sweets, salads, and as decoration.
Violets: The flowers and leaves are edible and are highly nutritious, containing antioxidants and significant levels of vitamin C. Do not eat the roots as they can cause nausea. The leaves can be used to naturally thicken soups and stews. The flowers can be made into tea, candy, and syrups.