Garden Gnome: There is a Persian poem from, oh I can't remember let's say the 10th century. I came across this perhaps 25 years ago and just love it.
If of thy mortal goods thou are bereft
And from thy slender store
two loaves alone to thee are left
Sell one and with the dole
Buy hyacinth to soothe thy soul.
Blueridge Beverly: You can fool the neighbours. I have friends that grow Ruby Swiss Chard in with their flowers. I helped a friend plant two blueberry bushes in the front, they have lovely fall foliage colours. How about a border of just chives - they bloom once a year just like other flowers. I have seen Artichoke relatives in "Designer Gardens" I am going to plant one close to the front of our new place. You can let some of the smaller chokes open as flowers. A big bold statement. I don't think I will have as much room for beds in the back yard so I am thinking of this already even tho we are in the midst of a big reno.