Borage

Blue flowers are always welcome in the garden. Borage is one of the most reliable sources, often flowering lavishly about 8 weeks after sowing and then sometimes continuing until the first serious frosts. To the ancient Greeks and Romans, borage was a potent medicinal herb guaranteeing courage in battle, but the casually sprawling plants are now grown more for their decorative value, both in the garden and on the table. Their open blue flowers add colour and flavour to summer drinks, while the young leaves are sometimes included in salads.