I've outlined the edible plant varieties I had a great experience with for 2011. Some are heirlooms that were either re-released or are just standouts. Take care to note whether it's appropriate for your region, as I'm specifically posting for the Seattle area!
1) Alpine Strawberry 'Mignonette' - To be honest, these are in their second year in my garden, but once again they're absolutely a joy to eat. They ripen well after most larger strawberries have already passed their season of harvest, and I've gathered handfulls into August. Also a lovely addition to your garden if you have a little one!
2) 'Nootka Rose' garlic – Originally from the San Juan Islands, a wonderful variety of garlic streaked with red. I planted it in October 2010 to some wonderful results the following July.
3) 'Forellenschluss' lettuce - This romaine lettuce, speckled with red on light green ruffled leaves, was delicious and easy to grow. Luckily for us, it thrives in cool weather!
4) 'Velour' filet bean: A bright and attractive purple long bean (similar to a green bean), like many purple vegetables it turns green once cooked.
5) Rosemary: A winner in the Seattle landscape all-around: it's green year-round, and tastes great in anything from bread to stews. Can be pruned into any shape or left natural.
Honorable "wish I could grow it" entry:
1) 'Moon & Stars' watermelon: A lovely dark green watermelon that is studded across its exterior with bright yellow dots ("stars") and the occasional larger dot (the "moon"!). Not only attractive but has excellent bright red flesh. How could you resist? Oh, probably the fact that I've found watermelon almost impossible to grow here. Maybe you can try if you have a greenhouse?
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