A suggestion was made in another thread that "I won't grow what I can't eat" referring to the 'Mrs's ornamental flowering plants.....yes it's a throw away line said dismissively, possibly sardonically....but there are sound reasons for including plants in a self sufficiency garden / farmlet that cannot be eaten. Pollinators As stated elsewhere...ornamental plants are useful for attracting pollinators, which in turn, assist in the pollination of edible plants. If attempting to grow productive edible plants all year round, then it makes good sense to also grow a range of flowering ornamentals, to complement the seasonal flowering edible plants. Planting for Pollinators Gardening for Pollinators Habitat for predators some ornamental plantings can provide lifecycle habitat for organisms that prey upon pests and vermin that would reduce the productivity of productive edible plants / crops. Predators Wanted Enticing the Insects Edible Flowers Some ornamentals have flowers that are edible (even if the rest of the plant is not edible). Such edible flowers probably won't provide much in the way of the carbs / sugars / proteins that many edible plants would provide for a nutritious diet, yet, none the less, they have their place in 'survival gardening'. They can provide colour and texture to liven up a salad, and making it more appealing. They can provide flavour to meals that otherwise might be bland. They may be a useful source of micro nutrients to supplement cropping plants. (rosehips are a good source of vitamin C) They can be used in infusions and teas as an alternative to other beverages that may no longer be available in a SHTF /PAW situation prevents exotic sources of coffee, black tea, cocoa etc from your area. (Hibiscus / rosehip tea anyone?). Edible Flowers Chart Edible Flowers Medicinal / Theraputic Ornamentals There are a number of ornamentals that are dual purpose, not only attractive looking, but which also have theraputic value. Aloe Vera may not perhaps figure much on most people's diet (though it is edible) it does have some very useful theraputic uses. 7 Benefits of Growing Succulents in Your Home How to Use Aloe Vera Plant: Benefits, Risks, and More Camouflage and Concealment Ornamentals may be used to camouflage and conceal site improvements and structures from the ground and air observation; provide privacy, and offer screening of concealed routes if sited effectively to make moving around your property unobserved more effective. How to screen out garden eyesores | Alys Fowler Barriers Some ornamental plants make good antipersonnel obstacles...Bougainvillea, rambling roses, and other thorny plants can be attractive looking ornamentals that can be used effectively to create anti-personnel obstacles to channel hostile persons away from areas you don't want them, or into places you do want them. Productive ornamental plants There are many inedible ornamental plants which, are none the less useful for household uses...which provide the raw materials for dyeing, tanning, manufacturing various objects, and used for building and construction, that are 'pretty' but also productive. Ornamental plants are good for the soul (and relationship savers sometimes too) A posy of inedible flowers has saved many a relationship, and a vase of flowers has brought comfort to many an ill person...they have a beneficial psychological value too. In the survival game, being creative and flexible may just enable one to live another day or at the least, live more comfortably and securely...the 'if I can't eat it, I ain't growin' it' may be just a little short sighted.
Fried squash/pumpkin blossoms are a favorite treat . Pick in the morning cut the green base off rinse ,flour and fry