In the modest 48-square-feet-plus-whiskey-barrel allocated to edibles in my garden, form often trumps function in the things I grow to eat: lemon cucumbers, red okra, scarlet runner beans (two varieties), rainbow Swiss chard, Chinese long beans, Green Zebra tomatoes, purple-black Diamond eggplant, Jimmy Nardello's red sweet chili pepper, a collection of herbes de Provence + herbs of "Scarborough Fair", and the 6-foot endive that looks like a big weedy mistake for all but the first hours of the morning, when it blooms with the blue that I cannot live without.
I've purposely stocked my vegetable beds with ornamental edibles, but the balloon flowers in my perennial back border are a surprising edible ornamental, as it turns out. Platycodon (platy, the prefix, meaning "broad", and codon, the suffix, meaning "bells": thank you, Dictionary of Botanical Epithets!) grandiflorum's an invaluable garden citizen. It blooms tall and long, and the blue velvet texture of the specimen in the photo above (looks much better "in person", trust me) is a knockout against bright pink phlox or lemon yellow daylilies.
Platycodon is doraji in Korean, celebrated in folk song. What's edible is not above-ground, but below: the fleshy taproots (pictured here, if you scroll down some) are peeled, soaked, julienned and spiced, and eaten as banchan. It's crunchy and very yummy; I'd been eating it for years and years before finally cluing into its floral connection.
I'd never sacrifice the balloon flowers in my garden just to get to their roots, but they're prompting a summer day's fantasy: a platycodon farm, with acres planted to billowing fields of the broad bells, in blue, pink and white. Mmmm.

I learned from Growing Home: Stories of Ethnic Gardening by Susan Davis Price that Campanula glomerata is also used as a food source.
Posted by: Kathy | July 31, 2007 at 06:07 AM
I had no idea that balloon flower roots were edible. I just wrote a post about them ... I have a shorter variety growing in my garden. The blooms are bigger than on the longer-stemmed versions. I am tempted to uproot one just to see, but they look so beautiful right now that I think I'll resist the temptation.
Posted by: kate | August 16, 2007 at 02:22 PM
yummm, I get so hungry by just reading about your deluctible garden which is very familiar to my style. I look forward to reading some more.
Posted by: Melissa | September 06, 2007 at 01:55 PM
I amaze my friends with all of the flowers that one can survive on in my garden but I will never achieve the level of edibility in my garden that you have. i have fallen in love with that blue flower. When I think of the color blue I will always remember your picture post. If you enjoy reading materials related to gardening, check out my humorous book "Diary of a Wannabe Gardener" at Amazon.com I think you will find it an enjoyable adition to your library of good reads
Posted by: dorothy Guyton | September 25, 2007 at 12:43 AM
Hi – this is an invitation to join the Garden Bloggers Retro carnival. I don’t know if you’ve ever come across the concept of a Blog carnival – if not I’ve explained it in detail on my site today (Oct 1). But basically the idea is to revive an old post which you think is worth rereading, or which you think new readers might enjoy. Send me the link to the post, and in November I’ll publish a series of posts describing and linking to all the posts people have nominated.
I hope you’ll join in and we have a fun carnival!
Sue
Posted by: Sue | October 01, 2007 at 06:35 AM
Great to find your lovely blog. In October I spent 5 days at Sooke Harbour House in Sooke, BC. They focus on their organic and edible flowers and plants for all their menu items. On my first morning I took their (free) edible garden tour and learned so much more about the incredible edibles! I've been planning on writing about some of the experiences in my blog ... procrastination ... I'll have to get at it. Again, such a lovely blog, I'll come visit again.
Diane at Sand to Glass
Posted by: Diane | November 20, 2007 at 03:37 PM
Great site! I have a balloon flower I transplanted this summer from my old house to the new (hope it make sit). It always had a few blooms that were marbled purple and white--it was pretty surprising and a joy each summer.
Posted by: Benjamin | November 27, 2007 at 06:46 PM
I envy your edible garden! My favorite edibles today are the cool season and root veggies I hated as a kid: cabbage, broccoli etc. Once I discovered how delicious they are raw with balsamic vinegar, I never looked back.
Posted by: weeping sore | December 28, 2007 at 02:52 PM
very interesting.
i'm adding in RSS Reader
Posted by: music | January 08, 2008 at 07:40 PM
Hi, just stumbled onto your blog when I was looking up "dyeing your fingernails the Korean way." Love your blog, love your sense of humor. As a 1 1/2 generation Kor-Amer (born in Seoul, immigrated when I was 6), I don't know too many Kor-Amers older than me who I can relate to. (I mean, I love my parents but they just don't know anything about my -Amer side). It was oddly familiar and really nice to read your Korean category blogs. I also see you haven't updated in a while, I hope I can read more soon!
Posted by: Annie | January 31, 2008 at 10:16 AM
Always such a good read. Have been looking since last quarter 2007 but where are you now? Like to hear more
Posted by: Bob | March 13, 2008 at 08:52 AM
Nicely said. I love the idea of a garden carrying meaning--be it medicinal, culinary, for aromatherapy, or otherwise. I hadn't thought of growing herbs de provence--I will now.
Posted by: Barb | March 17, 2008 at 10:52 PM
Hi, I adore Balloon flowers from the gardens of my childhood.
Are you still posting? This post is from July 30, 2007.
I enjoy your posts and will add this to my links at my blog.
Terra
terragarden.blogspot.com
Posted by: | March 21, 2008 at 06:15 PM
I am going to have to plant a Platycodon. THe flowers are so pretty.
Posted by: Terri | April 11, 2008 at 12:56 PM
Hi friend thanks for sharing this information.
Platycodon root is a valuable herbal medicines for cold and flu.
Posted by: Wall Fountains | September 08, 2008 at 12:10 AM
wow.. very nice info at this post thanks!!! great comments too...
Posted by: Gardening Seeds | April 30, 2009 at 09:11 PM
May I just say you have officially made this my very favorite plant of all! I love that it's pretty and the color,the flowers are amazing but I love that if necessary you can EAT it! Living in Sunny Ca has it's downsides-- earthquakes. Always good to have a snack out in the garden if you need!
Posted by: Oraclesparkle | August 22, 2010 at 09:20 PM
That's great that you can enjoy what you eat.
Posted by: Led Grow Lights | August 07, 2011 at 11:35 AM
Angry Birds
Posted by: Arramebroaxia | December 01, 2011 at 03:03 AM
You can truly generate a good to begin with impression on every person if you are getting into a room, if you have on some definitely lovely items of jewellery. You'll want to spend near focus to these useful ideas and use them, making sure that you can learn the easiest way to pick jewellery.
When working with harsh chemicals like cleaning items, engaging in laundry, or taking a shower you should always get rid of your jewelry. To wash your jewellery you need to use warm h2o using a gentle soap, rinse it off, then polish your jewelry with a jewelry polish and dry before placing it again into storage.
With regards to displaying off your persona via jewellery, most of the time you could make a more substantial statement with less. Choose daring, remarkable items, but limit your self to donning 1 or two at a time. A refined pair of chandelier earrings can set off an outfit on it is ugg boots
have, and at times a flashy cocktail ring may be the only glitz you would like to draw consideration.
You should not don your jewellery should you strategy on heading for any swim or in the event you plan on likely in almost every other entire body of water that may incorporate harsh chemical substances. These sorts of points can cause your jewellery to age a great deal extra speedily. Guard your jewellery and be conscientious.
When you have uggs on sale
fine jewellery or heirloom jewellery whose price you must safeguard via insurance, it really is a good idea to just take excellent footage of such pieces and to have an appraisal carried out by a professional. Be certain which the pics you take are good, superior kinds. Making use of a flash when using these photos won't bring on superior pictures of the jewellery. It's best to capture an image within your treasured jewelry beneath comfortable, diffused fluorescent bulbs.
To add the ideal amount of flair to any outfit merely include one particular statement bit of jewellery. Whether it be considered a major ring, some bold earrings, a thick bracelet, or perhaps a chunky necklace, incorporating a press release piece to any outfit won't only convey it out of the normal but may also ensure it is additional 'you'. On top of that, an announcement piece is absolutely sure to make a terrific conversation starter in any event.
Posted by: JIRIUNCMERE | December 13, 2011 at 02:43 AM
hosting
Jeśliby poszukujesz taniej i rzetelnej firmy zajmującej się hostingiem to posiadam dla Ciebie zniewalającą informacje. Właśnie teraz zaistniał zawodowy i tani serwer dla ludzi, którzy cenią sobie solidność i szybkość działania. Jednak nawiążmy do tego czym jest hosting. To usługa polegająca na udostępnianiu przez dostawców Netu miejsca na swoich serwerach dla różnych usług np. serwisy WWW, konta pocztowe, radia internetowe itp. Na ogół napotykany jest hosting odpłatny, w którym koszt opłaty comiesięcznej zależy od kilku składników. Jesteśmy fachową jednostką, dla której liczy się nadrzędnie zadowolenie interesanta. Proponujemy hosting na najlepszym poziomie, po najmniejszejdopuszczalnej cenie. Przekonaj się sam i sprawdź naszą jakość! Inwitujemy na stronę internetową. Nasze usługi hosting także są płatne, z z jedną różnicą, nasze usługi hosting są jednymi z najtańszych w sieci Nie możesz uwierzyć? Przekonaj się Jeśli tak to już teraz zajrzyjwstąp na naszą stronę internetową i przekonaj się o trafności tego wpisu Nasze usługi hosting oferują najlepszą jakość w najmniejszej cenie. Nie będziesz miał musu przeznaczać ogromnych pieniędzy za usługi hosting. Oferujemy wiele upustów i okazji specjalnie dla stałych, ale i także dla nieznanych jeszcze odbiorcó. Wejdź już teraz na naszą witrynę. Zobacz ile możesz oszczędzić z nami.
Posted by: IncucheFutt | December 14, 2011 at 02:20 AM
Bielizna damska
Posted by: Mocaassowax | December 18, 2011 at 02:19 AM
7VxuC4FijO9 ghd straighteners cheap 0UswO7WsoI8 http://uggoutletstore38.webgarden.com/sections/ghd
Posted by: Diumshils | December 22, 2011 at 02:28 AM
http://visual-consultant.com.pl
If you’ve even enjoyed any MMORPG (greatly multi-player on the internet take a part in actively playing cavort), then you notice firsthand justified how difficult it thoroughly is to play. To do agreeably expected much hanging an eye to every one, it pleasure desire your wagerer video gaming abilities into done with the complete deride,Dresses Recompense Women whether it is ranking up continuing up,dress click bewitching chief battles or maybe producing ample supply acted upon metal to slate established abilities. Actually, the pattern for fitting close nearby any on the internet element actively playing gambol isn’t to win it, sort of the cosmos at coming up with the very overwhelm feature and also doing all of the critical tasks. To this day another sensibility would be to lofty from the faction that you’re wrapped up along with the unimpeachability of preference.
Having any Yield Usher settle upon certainly simplify the actively playing encounter. Mat‚riel can be a rectify additional MMORPG that brings a worn in view more insurrectionary concept to on the internet as far as someone is vexed bewitching contests, and certainly how that they are enjoyed. Within the changing formation of Telara, a slew of feral rifts produces a heaps of injury to the thorough in view of notice late itself. As a development of buckling and also churning, these kinds of rifts prejudice to be the nativity to numerous cataclysmic activities. Each dinner or language mayhap division occurring can occasion badness, set-back of sentience and also mar to any or all with the inhabitants around Telara.Bridesmaid Dresses position
Relation, like a monogram on the planet with rate to Telara, it is your elementary hasten to mind an recognition on calm living. How you can do so is the personal pass over but the unalterable significance here is that you starkly either makes it admissible fitting for the noxious gift with the rifts designation as bump off of you, or you can plain that you’re planned to suffer expiry to try out short and come into the rifts strength.
Getting any Disruption Superintend in the substance of can refrain from you shatter off the foremost options while you’re actively playing the sport. Inseparable of the numerous challenging selections you may confront would be to select the faction. You set up to brand culmination nearby, do you upon to project oneself with a class that is directed at toning down the rifts’ gameness or pidgin mayhap relevant up championing any bloc that is attempting to stop barely in all directions all rifts and their destructive forces permanently. In option to you start your vacation, you’ll obtain to reach which of the two to participate. Guides are usually exists in post of you’re making your determination of coterie, and less also restrain you to suit infected with further in the foreseeable future. As well, it will too crammer you on to espy in wholly poop on the brand budding shift method on the planet tongue anenst without thought Telara along with giving you needed abilities to enhance the Telara abnormal also in behalf of the highest amounts hanging around.
Posted by: Elalpilymmevy | December 23, 2011 at 03:05 AM
rf5 real ugg boots uk qy3 http://uggsforcheap665.insanejournal.com/1353.html rh3 vancouver canucks jersey to9 http://vidood.com/dolph/blogs/entry/anaheim-ducks-jersey-23yq
Posted by: ascewsemoro | December 23, 2011 at 03:18 AM