Striking shapes

1 ORACH: Orach also has the common name saltbush, since the plant retains salt in its leaves, which means it can still be grown in areas affected by soil salination.

2 GLOBE ARTICHOKE: Probably the most spectacular of all flowering vegetables, globe artichoke flowers are loved by bees (and florists!).

3 LEEK: These flowers add drama in the vase, or in the vege patch where they can reach up to 1.5m high.

4 RUNNER BEANS: ‘Scarlet Runner‘ might be the best known variety, but actually runner beans flower in white, red, bicolour and pink (heirloom ‘Blue Shackamaxon’ from Heritage Food Crops Research Trust has rose-pink flowers).

5 CHINESE BROCCOLI (GAI-LAN): Gai-lan mainly has white flowers, but some varieties produce both white and yellow flowers. Ideally pick and eat gai-lan while the flower buds are tight and before they open.